Constipation and Haemorrhoids, The Unhelpful Double Act

Constipation on its own is annoying. Haemorrhoids on their own are annoying. When they turn up together, it can feel like your lower half is staging a protest every time you go to the toilet. If you are dealing with both, you are not weak or overreacting. You are managing a very common and fixable double act.

This guide walks through why constipation and haemorrhoids are such close companions, what is going on in your body, and what you can do to calm everything down with practical, realistic changes.

Why Constipation And Haemorrhoids Turn Up Together

Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in and around the back passage. They sit in an area that already has a lot of blood vessels and soft tissue. When you are constipated and straining to pass hard stools, the pressure in that area increases. Over time, that extra pressure can cause those veins to swell and become irritated.

Constipation does not just make it harder to go. It also changes how long stool sits in the bowel, how much water is absorbed from it, and how much effort it takes to push it out. All of that adds up to more force, more friction and more irritation for any existing haemorrhoids, as well as a higher chance of new ones forming.

The result is a familiar spiral. Constipation makes going to the toilet painful. Pain makes you hesitate or avoid going. Delaying a bowel movement makes constipation worse. The more you hold on, the drier and harder the stool becomes, which increases the strain next time. It is a feedback loop your bum did not ask for.

Common signs the double act is in play

• Needing to strain to pass stools
• Hard, lumpy, dry stools that feel difficult to pass
• A feeling that you have not fully emptied your bowels
• Itching, swelling or soreness around the anus
• Bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl
• A heavy or dragging sensation after a bowel movement

If you have bleeding, severe pain or a change in your usual bowel pattern, it is always worth speaking to a GP to rule out other causes and get personalised advice.

What Constipation Does To Haemorrhoids

Every time you strain, the veins that make up your haemorrhoids are put under extra pressure. If stools are hard and dry, they rub against already sensitive tissue. Think sandpaper on sunburn. Not a winning combination.

There are a few main ways constipation stirs things up:

• Increased pressure. Pushing hard to pass a stool raises the pressure in the veins around the anus.
• Friction and micro tears. Hard stools can cause tiny tears in the delicate lining, which may bleed and sting.
• Swelling and inflammation. Repeated strain leads to swelling, which makes everything feel more tender and sore.
• Longer contact time. When stool sits in the rectum for longer, it can irritate the lining and make existing haemorrhoids more noticeable.

The goal is not to achieve perfect bowel habits overnight. The goal is to reduce pressure, soften stools and cut down on friction so that your haemorrhoids have a chance to calm down instead of being poked at every morning.

Small Daily Changes That Help Both Constipation And Haemorrhoids

There is no single magic fix. However, a few consistent, realistic changes can make stools softer, bowel movements easier and haemorrhoids less angry. Think gentle course correction, not a personality overhaul.

1. Give your stool more softness to work with

Softer stools need less pushing, which your haemorrhoids will appreciate. You can support this with:

• Fibre rich foods. Wholegrains, oats, beans, lentils, fruit and vegetables add bulk and softness. Increase gradually so your gut can adapt without extra bloating.
• Plenty of fluid. Water helps fibre do its job. If you are increasing fibre, but barely drinking, stools can still end up dry.
• Regular meals. Eating at similar times each day can encourage a more predictable bowel rhythm.

If diet changes are not enough, your GP or pharmacist may suggest a gentle laxative or stool softener. Do not be embarrassed to ask. These are common, safe options for many people when used under proper guidance.

2. Rethink your toilet routine

The way you sit and the time you spend on the toilet can make a surprising difference to both constipation and haemorrhoids.

• Answer the urge. Try to go when you feel the natural urge, rather than repeatedly holding on.
• Limit scrolling. Long reading sessions on the toilet keep pressure on veins around the anus for longer.
• Change your position. Raising your feet on a small stool and leaning forward slightly can help straighten the rectum and make passing stools easier.
• Relax the breath. Holding your breath and bracing tight can increase pressure. Slow breathing and taking your time can help your body do more of the work.

If you find yourself straining hard, it can help to pause, relax and try again later rather than forcing it.

3. Move in ways that help your gut

Gentle movement encourages the muscles in your gut to keep food and stool moving along. You do not need a gym membership to help your bowels behave a little better.

• Short walks during the day, even ten minutes at a time
• Light stretching to ease stiffness around the hips and pelvis
• Simple exercises that activate the core without heavy straining

If you have severe pain or prolapsing haemorrhoids, get advice from a health professional before starting new exercise routines so you can choose movements that support healing rather than irritate the area.

4. Make cleaning kinder on sore skin

When constipation and haemorrhoids are both in play, the skin around your anus is already under pressure. Dry, scratchy toilet paper can feel like the final straw. Gentle cleaning matters just as much as what happens inside the gut.

• Use soft, non fragranced products that are designed for sensitive areas, rather than heavily scented wipes or soaps.
• Pat rather than scrub. Rubbing back and forth can worsen irritation and itching.
• Short, warm sitz baths can help soothe soreness after a difficult bowel movement.

Choosing wipes with soothing botanical ingredients can reduce friction and help skin feel cleaner and less inflamed after each trip to the toilet.

Easing The Double Act With Gentle, Plant Based Care

When you are trying to get constipation under control, you are already thinking about water intake, fibre, movement and toilet timing. Swapping harsh toilet paper for something gentler is a small, manageable change that supports everything else you are doing.

Uranus Wiper Flushable Calming Wipes are designed with sore, easily irritated skin in mind. They use soft biodegradable material and are infused with plant based ingredients such as witch hazel and other botanicals selected for their cooling, soothing and cleansing qualities. The aim is simple, less friction, less sting, more comfort when you are already dealing with enough.

You deserve to feel comfortable while your body gets back on track. Addressing constipation, softening stools, adjusting toilet habits and choosing gentler hygiene products all support each other. Small, steady changes can reduce pain, cut down on flare ups and help you feel more in control of what is happening at the business end of your digestive system.