<< Back

What’s Causing My Hemorrhoids?

January 17, 2026

Hemorrhoids aren’t exactly dinner-table conversation – but they’re incredibly common.

If you’re dealing with itching, pain or bleeding, you’re not alone. These swollen veins in your lower rectum or anus affect millions, especially as you get older.

The good news is that knowing the cause of hemorrhoids can help you feel better fast – and prevent future flare-ups.

Here’s what to watch for.

Connect with a digestive health specialist

Request an appointment

Call 833-2DIGEST

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the lower part of your rectum or anus.

They can be:

Internal (inside the rectum).
External (under the skin around the anus).

“While they’re rarely dangerous, hemorrhoids can definitely cause itching, pain or bleeding,” says Ajay Ranade, MD, a surgeon with the Hartford HealthCare Digestive Health Institute. “And there are a few key reasons they show up.”

1. Straining on the toilet

When you have to push hard to have a bowel movement, your body pays the price. That extra pressure gets directed straight to the veins in and around your rectum, which can cause them to swell and stretch.

Over time, repeated straining weakens those veins. That’s when hemorrhoids can form or existing ones can flare up and become more painful or noticeable.

“Straining is one of the most common causes,” says Dr. Ranade. “Avoid forcing it.”

2. Constipation or diarrhea

It’s not just constipation that causes problems. Diarrhea can be just as irritating to the sensitive tissue around your anus, especially if it happens often.

Frequent wiping, increased bowel movements or passing very hard stools all lead to inflammation. That ongoing irritation makes the veins more vulnerable to swelling and discomfort.

“Repeated irritation – whether from going too often or not enough – raises your risk,” Dr. Ranade explains.

3. Sitting for long periods

Sitting puts steady pressure on your lower body, and that includes the veins in your rectum. The longer you sit, the more that pressure builds.

This is especially true if you spend a lot of time sitting on the toilet. Gravity and posture work against you, slowing blood flow and increasing vein strain.

“Don’t read your phone or read a magazine on the toilet,” says Dr. Ranade. “Go in the bathroom, do your business and leave.”

4. High-fiber diet and water

Fiber plays a huge role in how easily you go to the bathroom. When your diet is low in fiber, stools tend to be harder and more difficult to pass.

That leads right back to straining, which increases pressure on rectal veins. Fiber softens stool and helps it move through your system more smoothly.

“Fiber adds bulk to your stool and reduces the need to push,” says Dr. Ranade. “The goal is 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day. And make sure to drink plenty of water since constipation and hydration can go hand-in-hand.”

5. Pregnancy

Pregnancy changes a lot in your body, including how blood flows through your pelvis. As the uterus grows, it puts extra pressure on nearby veins.

Hormonal changes also play a role. They can slow digestion and make constipation more likely, which increases the chances of straining.

“Hemorrhoids are especially common in pregnancy because of the added pressure and hormonal changes,” Dr. Ranade says.

Want a Weekly Dose of Health News?

6. Heavy lifting

Lifting something heavy doesn’t just strain your muscles. It also increases pressure inside your abdomen, similar to what happens when you strain on the toilet.

That pressure gets transmitted to the rectal veins, especially if you’re holding your breath or lifting with poor form. Over time, that repeated stress adds up.

“If you regularly lift heavy items, watch your technique and try to avoid unnecessary strain,” Dr. Ranade recommends.

What helps?

“Hemorrhoids are like tonsils – everyone has them to some degree,” says Dr. Ranade. “What matters is whether they’re causing symptoms like bleeding, discomfort or trouble keeping the area clean.”

Here’s what Dr. Ranade recommends:

Add more fiber (or take a supplement).
Drink plenty of water.
Exercise regularly.
Avoid long periods of sitting (even on the toilet).
Don’t strain when you go.

Over-the-counter creams, suppositories or sitz baths can offer short-term relief. But the real key is lifestyle changes.

“We try to reserve rectal ointments for short-term use,” says Dr. Ranade. “When it comes to the long run, your diet and lifestyle make the biggest difference.”

When to see a doctor

If your symptoms don’t get better – or if hemorrhoids cause you significant discomfort – it’s time to get help.

“Surgery is always an option for severe or persistent cases,” says Dr. Ranade. “But even then, hemorrhoids can come back with poor habits. That’s why small lifestyle changes matter so much – they really add up.”