Haemorrhoids are uncomfortable, painful, and honestly, kind of embarrassing to talk about. But they’re also incredibly common. Haemorrhoids are one of those things people whisper about but rarely discuss openly. And because no one talks about them, myths spread, like the idea that they might be contagious. If you share a toilet or have a partner with the same problem, it can make things worse.
This post breaks down exactly what haemorrhoids are, what causes them, and most importantly, whether you can get them from someone else.
What Exactly Are Haemorrhoids?
What are Haemorrhoids? Haemorrhoids are swollen veins inside or around your anus or lower rectum. They are like varicose veins. They can form either inside the rectum (internal) or under the skin near the anus (external).
Are Haemorrhoids Contagious?
No, haemorrhoids are not contagious.
You cannot catch them from another person, no matter how close you get. They don’t spread through touch, shared bathrooms, towels, or even physical contact. Haemorrhoids happen because of pressure on the veins in your lower rectum, not because of germs, viruses, or bacteria.
But some of the symptoms of haemorrhoids, like itching, lumps, or bleeding, can look a lot like other conditions. And a few of those conditions, like genital warts, can be contagious. This is why it’s crucial to avoid assuming anything. If you’re noticing anything unusual, get it checked by a doctor. It is the only way to understand what is really happening.
What Actually Causes Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids happen when the veins around your anus or lower rectum get swollen from too much pressure. That pressure can build up for multiple reasons, most of them tied to everyday habits or conditions.
Here’s what commonly triggers them:
- Straining during bowel movements.
- Sitting too long on the toilet.
- Chronic constipation or diarrhoea.
- Low-fibre diet, which makes stool hard and harder to pass.
- Obesity, which adds extra pressure in the pelvic area.
- Heavy lifting, especially if you’re not using proper technique.
- Pregnancy, particularly when the growing baby puts pressure on internal veins.
- Anal sex can cause irritation or damage to delicate tissue.
Symptoms to Watch For
Haemorrhoids can show up in a few uncomfortable ways. Keep an eye out for:
- Swelling around your anus, which might feel puffy or tender.
- Itching or irritation near your anus, making you want to scratch.
- Pain or discomfort in the anal area, especially when sitting or passing stool.
- A sore or sensitive mass around your anus that hurts to the touch.
- You might notice a little bright red blood on the toilet paper or in your stool after a bowel movement.
If these symptoms stick around or get worse, see a doctor to rule out other conditions.
How Are Haemorrhoids Treated?
If home remedies aren’t helping, doctors might recommend one of the following medical treatments:
Rubber Band Ligation
Rubber band ligation is a quick, non-surgical method used to treat internal haemorrhoids. A tiny rubber band is wrapped around the bottom of the haemorrhoid for cutting off its blood supply. It shrinks and falls off on its own within a few days. Mild discomfort is normal but usually goes away quickly.
Haemorrhoidectomy
A haemorrhoidectomy is a surgical technique that entirely removes large or severe haemorrhoids. It’s often used when other treatments haven’t worked. Recovery takes a couple of weeks, but it’s very effective for long-term relief.
Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (HALO/THD)
Haemorrhoidal artery ligation involves tying off the blood vessels feeding the haemorrhoid using ultrasound guidance. It reduces bleeding and swelling, and recovery is usually faster than surgery.
Laser Haemorrhoidoplasty (LHP)
Laser haemorrhoidoplasty treats haemorrhoids by delivering laser energy internally to reduce their size, without any cutting. It usually leads to less pain, minimal bleeding, and faster healing than conventional surgery.
How to Prevent Haemorrhoids?
What this really means is lifestyle tweaks can keep haemorrhoids at bay. Try these:
- Eat More Fibre: Getting enough fibre helps prevent straining during bowel movements, which is a major cause of haemorrhoids. Aim for 25 to 30 grams a day from fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Water keeps your digestive system moving and your stool soft. This reduces the pressure on the veins in your rectum, helping prevent haemorrhoids from forming or getting worse.
- Limit Coffee and Alcohol: These can dry out your body, which may lead to constipation and harder stools. That means more straining, which can make haemorrhoids worse.
- Take Fibre Supplements: If you’re not hitting your fibre goals with food alone, supplements like psyllium husk can help keep things regular and reduce pressure during bowel movements.
- Do Not Strain on the Toilet: Excessive straining is a leading cause of haemorrhoids. Sit comfortably, relax, and avoid pushing too hard. If nothing’s happening, come back later.
- Stay Physically Active: Regular movement improves blood flow and keeps your bowels working well. It also reduces the pressure that builds up in the lower body from sitting too long.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra body weight, especially around the belly, puts more pressure on the pelvic veins. Losing even a little weight can help ease that stress.
- Go as Soon as You Feel the Urge: Holding it in can dry out your stool, making it harder to pass and more likely to cause or worsen haemorrhoids. Use the bathroom when your body signals you.
- Be Gentle When Wiping: After a bowel movement, use soft toilet paper or moist wipes. Rough wiping can irritate the skin and make haemorrhoids more painful.
- Try a Warm Sitz Bath: Soaking your bottom in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes can ease itching, burning, and discomfort from haemorrhoids. Do it a few times a day if needed.
Final Thoughts
Haemorrhoids aren’t contagious. You can’t catch them from a toilet seat, sharing a bathroom, or being close to someone who has them. They happen because of pressure on the veins in your lower rectum, not because of an infection or virus.
If you’re dealing with any pain, itching, or bleeding down there, don’t just assume it’s haemorrhoids. Get it checked by a doctor to be sure. And if it is haemorrhoids, know that there are plenty of ways to treat them, from simple home remedies to medical procedures that really work.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you get haemorrhoids from someone else?
No. Haemorrhoids aren’t contagious. You can’t catch them from anyone.
2. Why did I get haemorrhoids?
They usually happen from too much pressure during bowel movements, sitting too long on the toilet, or having constipation or diarrhoea a lot.
3. Can you feel haemorrhoids with your fingers?
You can feel external haemorrhoids because they’re under the skin near your anus. Internal ones are deeper inside and usually can’t be felt unless they push out.
4. How long do haemorrhoids last?
Small ones can go away in a few days. Bigger ones might take a few weeks, especially if they’re painful or swollen.
