IBS and Hemorrhoids

Many people with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) develop hemorrhoids, often because they’re sitting on the toilet too long due to constipation or diarrhea. But do IBS and hemorrhoids always go hand in hand? And can you manage your symptoms to reduce your risk for hemorrhoids? Here’s what you need to know.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that can cause constipation (IBS-C), diarrhea (IBS-D) or a mixture of symptoms (IBS-M). The exact causes of IBS are not well-known. But, in addition to changes in your bowel movements, symptoms can include:   

• Bloating
• Gas
• White mucus in the stool
• Feeling like your bowels aren’t emptied, even after passing stool  

What’s the Connection Between IBS and Hemorrhoids?

Research suggests that IBS increases your hemorrhoid risk, largely because many IBS symptoms are part of  what causes hemorrhoids. Plus, if you already have this problem, your IBS symptoms can make hemorrhoids symptoms worse.  

But why is that true? IBS sufferers with constipation often strain to pass bowel movements, causing rectal and anal veins to bulge and swell under the pressure. Even if you have diarrhea, and stools pass quickly, you’re still likely spending more time sitting on the toilet, increasing your risk for both internal and external hemorrhoids. And, if that happens, you may develop complications including:

• Bleeding, especially when you pass stool
• Itching
• Prolapsed hemorrhoids
• Strangulated hemorrhoids  
• Urinary retention (difficulties completely emptying your bladder)  

Fortunately, you may be able to manage IBS and hemorrhoids with simple lifestyle changes, including changes to your diet.

Managing IBS and Hemorrhoids with Diet

When you have IBS, you should steer clear of trigger foods such as beans, dairy products, spicy foods, alcohol and sorbitol, mannitol, or xylitol. If you struggle with constipation, you may find relief by taking in more fluid and fiber. But be aware that certain fruits and vegetables may trigger worsening IBS symptoms. And, since lifestyle changes won’t relieve all cases of IBS and hemorrhoids, you may need to seek further hemorrhoid treatment.

Finding Hemorrhoids Relief in Texas

If your IBS diagnosis has left you facing the symptoms of grade 2 or 3 internal hemorrhoids, help is available at the Texas Hemorrhoid Institute.  Our interventional radiologists provide a medical procedure—called Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization, or HAE—that provides a less invasive alternative to hemorrhoid surgery while still resolving painful symptoms. Best of all, the procedure allows you to avoid overnight hospital stays, and it comes with a shorter recovery period and a reduced risk for complications.  So, is HAE the right procedure to relieve your hemorrhoids? While not everyone is a candidate, we’re here to review your treatment options. So, to get the process started, we encourage you to request a consultation request a consultation request a consultation with our hemorrhoid specialists in Houston and Dallas.