People with ulcerative colitis (UC) may develop hemorrhoid symptoms due to UC symptoms like frequent bowel movements and straining to go to the bathroom.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects 600,000 to 900,000 people in the United States.

The most common symptoms of UC are diarrhea, abdominal pain, and a need to use the bathroom frequently.

These symptoms may also increase your risk of enlarging or irritating hemorrhoids, which are small lumps that develop on the inside or outside of your anus.

Keep reading to learn more about the link between UC and hemorrhoids, as well as their similarities, differences, and how likely you are to develop hemorrhoids if you have UC.

If you’re living with UC, it could be difficult to know if you have hemorrhoids because these two conditions have symptoms that overlap.

For example, you may experience rectal bleeding and bloody stools during a UC flare-up. However, irritated hemorrhoids may also cause bleeding in the rectal area.

It’s important to keep an eye out for hemorrhoids because some UC symptoms are associated with hemorrhoids.

Common UC symptoms include frequent diarrhea or constipation. This can put pressure on the rectum and anus area, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids.

If you have UC, you may also find yourself straining on the toilet because you might not feel fully empty after a bowel movement. This can also increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids.

Ulcerative proctitis is a term used to describe inflammation that only affects the inside of your rectum. It affects up to 6 in 10 people with UC.

Ulcerative proctitis may cause symptoms that could lead to hemorrhoids, such as:

  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • bowel straining
  • frequent, urgent needs to have a bowel movement
  • not feeling fully empty after a bowel movement

While UC and hemorrhoids both affect portions of the digestive tract, they’re separate conditions.

UC is a form of IBD that occurs when the colon, rectum, or both become inflamed. This inflammation produces tiny sores called ulcers in the lining of the digestive tract.

Some IBD symptoms may also extend beyond the digestive tract, known as extra-intestinal symptoms. These may include mouth sores, joint pain, and fatigue, among others.

On the other hand, hemorrhoids (sometimes called piles) are swollen veins around the anus and lower part of the rectum. Hemorrhoids may be internal or external, but unlike UC, hemorrhoids are not a type of IBD and are only limited to the rectal area.

Hemorrhoids can be caused by:

  • frequent constipation or diarrhea
  • straining during bowel movements
  • a low fiber diet
  • frequently lifting heavy objects
  • weakened tissues in the anus and rectum from aging or pregnancy

The exact cause of UC is unknown.

However, researchers believe that several factors may contribute to the development of the condition, such as:

  • genetics
  • weakened immune system
  • changes in the gut microbiome
  • environmental factors

UC flare-ups may also be due to stress and dietary triggers.

Treatments for hemorrhoids will depend on the type and severity of your symptoms.

However, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional to receive a proper examination and diagnosis because symptoms of UC flares and unmanaged hemorrhoids can overlap.

In most cases, hemorrhoids can be treated with a combination of home remedies and over-the-counter treatments, such as:

In more severe cases, you may require surgical treatment for hemorrhoids. However, this may not be the best option if you have UC because the risk of postoperative complications may be higher for people with IBD.

As such, it’s best to speak with a doctor if you have UC and hemorrhoids. They can advise you on the risks and benefits of surgery if your hemorrhoids don’t improve with medications or diet and lifestyle changes.

Managing UC flare-ups

If hemorrhoids flare during a UC flare-up, managing your symptoms may also help relieve hemorrhoids.

Your treatment plan for UC will aim to reduce the frequency of symptoms to help maintain remission. This may include a combination of natural remedies, medications, and surgery.

A doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist or gastroenterologist to provide more specific treatments for you.

Learn more about how to prevent UC flare-ups.

What natural remedies could help relieve UC flare-ups and hemorrhoids?

Some lifestyle and dietary changes that could help you manage UC symptoms and prevent hemorrhoids may include:

  • taking probiotics
  • trying acupuncture
  • exercising
  • eating a well-balanced diet

— Qin Rao, MD

Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Can hemorrhoids be caused by inflammation?

UC is a type of IBD that may cause symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, and bowel straining. These symptoms could lead to hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid inflammation.

Can ulcerative colitis cause perianal disease?

Some research suggests that UC may be associated with perianal disease. In a 2018 study of 944 people with UC, 8.1% of participants developed perianal disease after 5 years and 16% after 10 years.

You can experience hemorrhoids whether or not you have UC, but you may have an increased risk if you have UC.

If you have UC, it’s important to talk with a doctor about a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms and reduce the risk of complications like hemorrhoids.

If you develop hemorrhoids that are uncomfortable or frequent, discuss a treatment plan for these with a doctor.