Sitting on Glass? Why Your Hemorrhoids Swell & Steps to Heal

If it feels like you're "sitting on glass," you're not imagining it. Hemorrhoids can cause sharp pain, burning, itching, swelling, and even bleeding—especially when sitting, during bowel movements, or after long periods of pressure.

The good news? Hemorrhoids are common, treatable, and often improve with simple steps. Understanding why they swell and what you can do about it is the first step toward relief.

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What Are Hemorrhoids?

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

There are two main types:

• Internal hemorrhoids – Located inside the rectum. They usually don't hurt but may bleed.
• External hemorrhoids – Located under the skin around the anus. These can be painful, itchy, and swollen.
• Thrombosed hemorrhoids – A blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid, causing severe pain and a firm lump.

Hemorrhoids are extremely common. Many adults will experience them at some point in their lives.

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Why Do Hemorrhoids Swell?

Hemorrhoids swell when there's increased pressure in the veins of the rectum and anus. This pressure stretches and inflates the veins, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

Here are the most common causes:

1. Straining During Bowel Movements

Pushing hard when constipated puts intense pressure on rectal veins. Over time, this can cause hemorrhoids to enlarge and become painful.

2. Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea

• Constipation leads to straining.
• Frequent diarrhea irritates and inflames the anal area.

Both increase your risk of swollen hemorrhoids.

3. Sitting Too Long (Especially on the Toilet)

Spending extended time sitting—particularly on the toilet—allows gravity and pressure to pool blood in rectal veins. This is one reason hemorrhoids may feel worse after long bathroom sessions.

4. Pregnancy

Growing uterine pressure and hormonal changes increase vein swelling. Many pregnant women develop hemorrhoids, especially in the third trimester.

5. Obesity

Excess weight adds pressure to pelvic veins, contributing to hemorrhoid development.

6. Heavy Lifting

Repeated straining from lifting heavy objects can increase abdominal pressure, worsening hemorrhoids.

7. Aging

As we age, the supporting tissues in the rectum weaken, making hemorrhoids more likely.

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Why Does It Feel Like "Sitting on Glass"?

That sharp, stabbing sensation often happens when:

• An external hemorrhoid becomes inflamed
• A blood clot forms (thrombosed hemorrhoid)
• The area is irritated by wiping or moisture
• There's prolonged sitting on a hard surface

The anal area contains many sensitive nerve endings. When hemorrhoids swell, they stretch the surrounding tissue, triggering pain signals—especially when sitting.

If the pain is sudden and severe, particularly with a firm lump, it may be a thrombosed hemorrhoid. While painful, these often improve within 1–2 weeks with proper care.

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Common Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid symptoms can vary, but commonly include:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet
• Anal itching or irritation
• Swelling around the anus
• Pain or discomfort when sitting
• A feeling of fullness or incomplete bowel movement
• A tender lump near the anus

Bleeding from hemorrhoids is usually mild and bright red. However, rectal bleeding should never be ignored, especially if it's new, heavy, dark, or accompanied by other symptoms.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms and want to quickly understand what might be causing them, you can use this free AI-powered Hemorrhoid symptom checker to get personalized insights in just a few minutes.

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How to Heal Swollen Hemorrhoids

Most hemorrhoids improve with conservative care. The key is reducing pressure, calming inflammation, and improving bowel habits.

1. Soften Your Stool

Preventing straining is critical.

• Eat 25–30 grams of fiber daily (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes)
• Drink plenty of water (aim for 6–8 glasses per day unless advised otherwise)
• Consider a fiber supplement if needed

Increase fiber gradually to avoid bloating.

2. Limit Toilet Time

• Don't sit on the toilet longer than necessary.
• Avoid scrolling on your phone while sitting.
• Go when you feel the urge—don't delay.

3. Use Warm Sitz Baths

Soaking the anal area in warm water for 10–15 minutes:

• Improves blood flow
• Relaxes muscles
• Reduces pain and swelling

You can do this 2–3 times daily during flare-ups.

4. Apply Topical Treatments

Short-term use of:

• Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams
• Witch hazel pads
• Numbing agents (like lidocaine)

These can reduce itching and discomfort. Avoid prolonged steroid use without medical guidance.

5. Use Gentle Hygiene

• Pat dry instead of rubbing
• Use unscented, alcohol-free wipes if needed
• Avoid harsh soaps

6. Reduce Sitting Pressure

• Avoid long periods of sitting
• Stand or walk every 30–60 minutes
• Use a cushioned seat if needed

7. Stay Active

Regular movement helps prevent constipation and improves circulation.

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When Hemorrhoids Don't Improve

If hemorrhoids persist despite home treatment, medical procedures may be recommended. These include:

• Rubber band ligation – Cuts off blood supply to the hemorrhoid
• Sclerotherapy – Injection shrinks the hemorrhoid
• Infrared coagulation – Uses heat to shrink tissue
• Hemorrhoidectomy – Surgical removal (usually for severe cases)

These treatments are generally safe and effective when recommended by a doctor.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

While hemorrhoids are common, some symptoms require medical evaluation.

Speak to a doctor right away if you experience:

• Heavy or persistent rectal bleeding
• Black or tarry stools
• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever with anal pain
• Dizziness or weakness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Symptoms that don't improve after 1–2 weeks

These could signal something more serious than hemorrhoids, such as infection, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal cancer. It's important not to assume all rectal bleeding is from hemorrhoids.

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Preventing Future Hemorrhoids

Long-term prevention focuses on bowel health and reducing pressure:

• Eat a fiber-rich diet daily
• Stay hydrated
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid straining
• Limit prolonged sitting

These small habits significantly lower the risk of recurring hemorrhoids.

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The Bottom Line

If it feels like you're sitting on glass, swollen hemorrhoids are a likely cause—especially if you're experiencing pain, itching, or bright red bleeding.

Hemorrhoids swell due to increased pressure in rectal veins, often from constipation, straining, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, or obesity. Most cases improve with simple lifestyle changes and home care.

However, persistent pain or bleeding should never be ignored. If symptoms are severe, unusual, or not improving, speak to a doctor promptly to rule out more serious conditions.

If you're still uncertain about your symptoms or want to better understand your specific situation, try this free Hemorrhoid symptom assessment to get AI-powered insights tailored to your condition.

Relief is possible—and in most cases, healing starts with small, practical steps.