A person with ulcerative colitis (UC) may be more at risk of developing hemorrhoids due to chronic diarrhea and long periods of time sitting on the toilet.

UC is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine. It may lead to symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, a frequent urge to pass a bowel movement despite the bowels being empty, and bleeding from the rectum.

Hemorrhoids can occur when pressure on the veins around the anus and rectum causes them to swell and become inflamed. This can lead to painful lumps, bleeding from the rectum, and an itching or burning sensation around the anus.

This article discusses the possible link between UC and hemorrhoids. It also looks at the symptoms of hemorrhoids, treatment options, other causes of hemorrhoids, and more.

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UC may cause hemorrhoids in some people.

Chronic diarrhea and sitting on the toilet for long periods of time may lead to hemorrhoids.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), symptoms of UC can include chronic diarrhea and a person constantly feeling the urge to pass a bowel movement despite the bowels being empty. These symptoms can lead to a person sitting on the toilet for long periods.

This means that a person with UC may be more at risk of developing hemorrhoids.

There are two types of hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids typically develop underneath the skin surrounding the anus. Internal hemorrhoids typically form inside the lining of the anus and lower rectum.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids can include:

Excess rubbing, straining, or cleaning around the anus may exacerbate symptoms of external hemorrhoids. However, symptoms typically only last for a few days.

Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids can include:

  • bleeding from the rectum
  • a constant feeling of needing to pass a bowel movement
  • itching or a burning sensation inside the anus
  • mucus or moisture from inside the rectum
  • a prolapse, which is when an internal hemorrhoid falls through the opening of the anus

A person can typically treat hemorrhoids with home remedies. These include:

  • increasing fiber intake
  • increasing water intake
  • avoiding straining when passing a bowel movement
  • avoiding sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
  • avoiding excessive wiping
  • taking a stool softener
  • taking warm sitz baths for a maximum of 15 minutes, without adding any lotions or oils
  • using over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or ointments
  • taking over-the-counter pain relief medication

A person should contact a doctor if symptoms do not improve after around 1 week of home remedies. The doctor can advise on any medical treatments that may help. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Receiving treatment for UC may help prevent hemorrhoids. This is because UC can cause diarrhea and the frequent urge to pass a bowel movement, which may lead to hemorrhoids.

Eating plenty of fiber and drinking plenty of water may also help prevent hemorrhoids.

UC is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine.

Hemorrhoids occur when the veins inside or around the anus swell, causing firm lumps, itching, and pain around the anus.

Symptoms of UC, such as diarrhea and sitting on the toilet for long periods, can put pressure on the veins inside and around the anus, which may lead to hemorrhoids.

Learn more about how UC can affect stool.

Alongside UC, there are several other causes of hemorrhoids or factors that can increase the likelihood of them developing. These include:

  • constipation
  • straining when passing a bowel movement
  • not consuming enough fiber
  • pregnancy
  • regularly lifting heavy objects
  • not getting enough physical activity or exercise
  • obesity
  • surgery of the rectum

It is best to contact a doctor if hemorrhoids do not resolve after around 1 week.

A person should also contact a healthcare professional if they experience bleeding from the rectum.

Can bowel inflammation cause hemorrhoids?

Bowel inflammation does not directly cause hemorrhoids. However, symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as diarrhea, can lead to hemorrhoids.

What is the number one symptom of ulcerative colitis?

The main symptom of UC Is bloody diarrhea. It is important to contact a doctor if a person notices blood in their stool.

Does ulcerative colitis cause perianal abscess?

According to 2018 research, having UC can increase the risk of a person developing a perianal abscess.

Does inflammation cause hemorrhoids?

Inflammation is not a direct cause of hemorrhoids. However, if a person has inflammation of the bowel, they may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, which can lead to hemorrhoids.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause symptoms such as diarrhea and a frequent urge to pass a bowel movement. These symptoms may lead to a person sitting on the toilet for long periods of time.

This can put pressure on the veins inside and around the anus, causing them to swell. In turn, hemorrhoids may develop.

A person with UC can help treat and prevent hemorrhoids by increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding sitting on the toilet for too long.

A person should contact a doctor if hemorrhoids do not improve after one week or if they experience bleeding from the rectum.