Hemorrhoids in Women: Relief, Causes & Your Vital Next Steps

Hemorrhoids are extremely common, especially in women. While they can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, they are usually not dangerous. Still, they deserve attention—especially if symptoms are persistent, worsening, or accompanied by bleeding.

If you're experiencing symptoms and aren't sure what's going on, you may consider using a free AI-powered symptom checker for hemorrhoids to better understand what might be happening before speaking with a healthcare professional.

Let's walk through what hemorrhoids are, why they happen, how they affect women specifically, and what you can do for relief.

---

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. They're similar to varicose veins but occur in a more sensitive area.

There are two main types:

• Internal hemorrhoids: Located inside the rectum. Usually painless but may cause bleeding.
• External hemorrhoids: Found under the skin around the anus. These can itch, hurt, and sometimes bleed.
• Thrombosed hemorrhoids: A clot forms inside a hemorrhoid, causing severe pain and swelling.

Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women, but certain life stages make women more likely to develop them.

---

Why Are Hemorrhoids Common in Women?

Women face unique risk factors throughout life that increase pressure on rectal veins.

1. Pregnancy

During pregnancy:

• The growing uterus puts pressure on pelvic veins.
• Hormonal changes relax vein walls.
• Constipation is more common.

Hemorrhoids are especially common in the third trimester and after childbirth.

2. Vaginal Delivery

Straining during labor increases abdominal pressure, which can trigger or worsen hemorrhoids.

3. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation or menopause may affect bowel movements and vein tone, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids.

4. Chronic Constipation

Women are statistically more likely to experience constipation, which leads to straining—a major cause of hemorrhoids.

---

Common Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity. You may notice:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet
• Itching around the anus
• Pain or discomfort when sitting
• Swelling near the anus
• A lump near the anal opening
• Mucus discharge
• A feeling of incomplete bowel movement

Important Note About Bleeding

While hemorrhoids often cause bright red rectal bleeding, rectal bleeding should never be ignored. Colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and other serious conditions can cause similar symptoms. Always speak to a doctor if you experience unexplained bleeding.

---

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids develop when there is increased pressure in the lower rectum. Common causes include:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Sitting on the toilet for long periods
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Low-fiber diet
• Heavy lifting
• Aging (weakening of supporting tissues)

The good news? Many of these risk factors are manageable.

---

Hemorrhoid Relief: What Actually Works

Most hemorrhoids improve with simple home care. Relief usually focuses on reducing swelling, easing pain, and preventing further irritation.

1. Increase Fiber Intake

Fiber softens stool and reduces straining.

Aim for:

• 25–30 grams of fiber daily
• Whole grains
• Fruits (berries, pears, apples)
• Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, leafy greens)
• Legumes (beans, lentils)

If needed, consider a fiber supplement after speaking with your doctor.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Proper hydration helps prevent constipation.

3. Avoid Straining

• Don't force bowel movements.
• Go when you feel the urge.
• Limit time on the toilet to 5–10 minutes.

4. Warm Sitz Baths

Soaking the anal area in warm water for 10–15 minutes several times a day can:

• Reduce pain
• Ease itching
• Improve blood flow

5. Over-the-Counter Treatments

Creams, ointments, and suppositories may contain:

• Hydrocortisone (reduces inflammation)
• Witch hazel (soothes irritation)
• Lidocaine (numbs pain)

Use these short-term unless directed otherwise by a doctor.

6. Cold Compresses

Applying a cold pack (wrapped in cloth) can reduce swelling and discomfort.

---

When Hemorrhoids Don't Improve

Most mild hemorrhoids resolve within a week or two with conservative care. However, medical treatment may be needed if:

• Pain is severe
• Bleeding is persistent
• A hemorrhoid becomes thrombosed
• Symptoms last longer than a few weeks

Medical options include:

• Rubber band ligation (cuts off blood supply to the hemorrhoid)
• Sclerotherapy (injects a solution to shrink it)
• Infrared coagulation
• Surgical removal (hemorrhoidectomy) in severe cases

These treatments are generally effective and often done on an outpatient basis.

---

Preventing Hemorrhoids: Your Long-Term Strategy

Prevention is often simpler than treatment.

Daily habits that help:

• Eat a high-fiber diet
• Drink plenty of water
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid prolonged sitting
• Respond promptly to bowel urges
• Practice gentle hygiene (avoid harsh wiping)

For women during pregnancy:

• Discuss safe stool softeners with your doctor.
• Stay active as recommended.
• Avoid excessive straining.

---

Could It Be Something Else?

Not every anal symptom is a hemorrhoid. Conditions that may mimic hemorrhoids include:

• Anal fissures (small tears)
• Skin tags
• Abscesses
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Rectal prolapse
• Colon or rectal cancer

If you are unsure, it's reasonable to use Ubie's free AI-powered hemorrhoid symptom checker to get instant insights about your symptoms and understand what to do next. However, online tools are not a substitute for medical evaluation.

---

When to Speak to a Doctor Immediately

Seek medical attention right away if you experience:

• Heavy rectal bleeding
• Black or tarry stools
• Severe pain with fever
• Dizziness or fainting
• Unexplained weight loss
• A change in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks

Even if symptoms seem mild, speak to a doctor if:

• You're over age 45 and have new rectal bleeding.
• You have a family history of colon cancer.
• Symptoms are not improving with home treatment.

Early evaluation can rule out serious conditions and give you peace of mind.

---

The Bottom Line

Hemorrhoids in women are common—especially during pregnancy, after childbirth, and during periods of constipation. While they can be uncomfortable, most hemorrhoids are manageable with simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments.

Focus on:

• Fiber
• Hydration
• Gentle habits
• Avoiding straining

Don't ignore persistent symptoms or bleeding. Hemorrhoids are usually harmless—but other conditions are not.

If you're unsure what you're dealing with, consider starting with Ubie's AI-powered hemorrhoid symptom checker, and then follow up by speaking to a doctor to ensure nothing serious or life‑threatening is being missed.

Taking action early is not overreacting—it's taking care of your health.