How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last? Relief Tips Inside

Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Published on: 24 Jun 2025

Let’s be honest: no one wants to talk about hemorrhoids. But if you’ve ever sat weirdly on one cheek at dinner or avoided tight jeans like they were torture devices, you know they’re real, they’re common, and they are not shy about making their presence known.

So let’s cut the awkwardness. If you’ve been quietly Googling “how long do haemorrhoids last” while pretending everything’s fine: this one's for you.

Do you know?

Hemorrhoids are surprisingly common: roughly 1 in 2 adults over 50 have had them.

First Off, What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids (also called piles) are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. They can be:

Internal hemorrhoids – Inside your rectum (you might not even feel them).

External hemorrhoids – Under the skin near your anus (yep, those can sting).

Hemorrhoids may show up as:

Itching or irritation around the anus

Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting

Swelling around the anus

Bleeding during bowel movements (bright red)

Burning or a feeling like something’s "down there."

Don’t panic! these symptoms are common and not always a sign of something serious.

Quick Gut Check:

If you’ve ever been pregnant, constipated, a heavy lifter, or spend a little too long on the toilet scrolling your phone: you’ve probably met a hemorrhoid.

So... How Long Do Haemorrhoids Last?

That’s the million-dollar question. And the answer is: it depends.

Mild cases may ease up in a few days—especially with proper care.

More irritated or larger hemorrhoids can stick around for a week or two.

Chronic or recurring ones might need longer-term support or a medical check-up.

How long they last can also depend on a few key factors:

Type (internal vs. external)

Your overall health and habits

What you're doing to treat or irritate them

Your body’s healing speed also ties into:

Your bathroom habits

What you eat

How active you are

Whether you take steps to relieve pressure

Bathroom Tips:

Skip the phone—less time on the toilet = less strain

Don’t wipe too hard (soft dabbing > aggressive scrubbing)

Drink plenty of water every day (aim for 8 cups)

Avoid holding it in—it only leads to trouble

What Slows Down Healing?

Here are some common reasons hemorrhoids might stick around longer:

Straining during bowel movements

Not enough fiber in your diet = hard stools = more straining

Sitting too long (especially on the toilet)

Ignoring that "go now" signal

Lack of physical activity

Chronic constipation or diarrhea

Dehydration (coffee ≠ water)

The good news: These are all things you can work on changing.

Myth Buster:

“Hemorrhoids always go away on their own.”

Not true. Some shrink and vanish quietly, others need more help—or medical attention.

Safe and Soothing Relief Options

Hemorrhoids are uncomfortable—but there are ways to feel better without harsh treatments or risky products.

Warm Sitz Baths

Time-tested. Soaking in warm water (no soap) for 10–15 minutes can ease itching and discomfort. No fancy bath salts needed—just warm water and a clean tub.

Cold Compress (But Not Forever)

Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 10 minutes. Reduces swelling fast—but don’t overdo it. You're icing a sensitive area, not spraining your ankle.

Natural Topical Options

Some plant-based creams or wipes (free of alcohol, fragrances, or steroids) may help soothe the area. Look for gentle ingredients like witch hazel or aloe vera—but check with a pharmacist or healthcare provider first.

Fiber = Friend

Foods rich in fiber help soften stools and reduce strain. Good picks:

Oats

Berries

Beans

Leafy greens

Chia seeds

Tip: Drink plenty of water with your fiber intake!

Fun Fact

Ever wonder why fiber helps so much? Soluble fiber pulls water into your stool, making it softer and easier to pass—no pushing, no pain. It’s like nature’s gentle broom for your digestive system.

Also Read: When is the Best Time to Take Fiber Supplements for Better Health Benefits?

Keep Things Moving

Short walks and regular movement help with circulation and digestion. Even a 15-minute daily walk counts.

What Does Recovery Actually Look Like?

Recovery isn't always dramatic—no confetti, no parade. Sometimes it’s just realizing you didn’t notice any pain today. Or you finally sat without wincing. Progress!

Here’s what healing can involve:

Less swelling

Bleeding stops

Pain or itching fades

You stop needing that weird “hover-sit” position

Mild hemorrhoids might go away with some home TLC. Others may need doctor-approved treatment.

Also Read: How Does Colostrum Improve Gut Health?

When to Talk to a Doctor

Reach out to a doctor if:

You notice a lot of bleeding

Pain gets worse, not better

The area feels hard or swollen

Hemorrhoids come back again and again

You feel a hard lump that won’t go away

Over-the-counter options aren't helping after a week

It’s always better to check in than tough it out. Doctors can suggest over-the-counter products or other care options that are safe. In some cases, minor procedures can quickly solve the issue (and save you months of suffering in silence).

Common Treatments (When Home Remedies Aren’t Enough)

Doctors may recommend:

Rubber band ligation – cutting off the blood supply to shrink it

Sclerotherapy – injecting medication to shrink the vein

Infrared coagulation – heat treatment to reduce the size

Surgical removal – only for severe or recurring cases

Most of these are quick, outpatient procedures. You’ll walk out with a bit of soreness but likely much more comfort in the long run.

Did You Know?

Hemorrhoids are one of the top reasons people see colorectal surgeons—but most cases never need surgery.

Before You Go… Let’s Get One Thing Straight

You didn’t ask for a hemorrhoid—but it showed up anyway. The good news? It doesn’t have to stick around. If you're wondering how long do haemorrhoids last, remember this: with the right habits, your body knows how to heal. And with a little help (and a lot of fiber), you’ll be back to sitting like royalty in no time.

Also Read: Is Your Gut Unhealthy? 10 Symptoms to Watch for And How to Heal

Key Takeaways

Hemorrhoids are common and usually not serious.

Mild cases may go away in a few days with care (if you’re wondering how long do haemorrhoids last, the answer often depends on severity and lifestyle).

Lifestyle plays a big role—hydration, fiber, and avoiding straining all help.

Sitz baths, gentle creams, and ice packs can provide relief.

Talk to a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or health routine. Individual results may vary.

References

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition & Facts of Hemorrhoids. NIDDK. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids/definition-facts (Accessed on 13 June 2025)

De Marco S, Tiso D. Lifestyle and Risk Factors in Hemorrhoidal Disease. Frontiers in Surgery. 2021;8(1). https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2021.729166 (Accessed on 13 June 2025)

Healthdirect Australia. Haemorrhoids. Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/haemorrhoids-piles. (2020).(Accessed on 13 June 2025)

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & Causes of Hemorrhoids. NIDDK. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes (Accessed on 13 June 2025)

National Library of Medicine. Enlarged Hemorrhoids: How Can You Relieve the Symptoms Yourself? Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); (2017). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279466/ (Accessed on 13 June 2025)

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment of Hemorrhoids | NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids/treatment (Accessed on 13 June 2025)

Medline Plus. Soluble vs. insoluble fiber. Medlineplus.gov.(2016). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002136.htm (Accessed on 13 June 2025)

National Library of Medicine. Enlarged Hemorrhoids: What Surgical Procedures Are Used to Treat Hemorrhoids? Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); (2017). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279465/ (Accessed on 13 June 2025)

Sanchez C, Chinn B. Hemorrhoids. Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery. (2011);24(01):005-013. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1272818 (Accessed on 13 June 2025)