When you have internal hemorrhoids, symptoms can disrupt your daily life. If you’re already dealing with itching, bleeding and discomfort, the last thing you want to do is worsen the existing problems. So, what activities irritate hemorrhoids? And what are safe alternatives to try while you research treatment options? Here’s what you need to know!

What Activities Irritate Hemorrhoids?

Internal hemorrhoids are classified from grade 1-4, depending on the degree of protrusion from the rectum. Mild, grade 1 hemorrhoids could become irritated and even progress from the following activities:

• Sitting for too long, especially on the toilet

• Workouts that put pressure on your rectal area, including cycling and heavy weight lifting
  
• Extended periods of standing, especially for individuals living with obesity

What Not to Do When Having Hemorrhoids

If you want to avoid activities that irritate hemorrhoids, you should reduce the amount of time you spend on the toilet. Remaining sedentary for long periods of time is also a problem, as it can take a toll on your digestive health, increasing your risk for constipation—and making hemorrhoids worse!

When you have hemorrhoids, moderate exercise can help manage your symptoms, but strenuous workouts could lead to irritation. (Below you can review the best and worst exercises for hemorrhoids.)

You should also steer clear of constipating foods and avoid dehydration, following a diet to help hemorrhoids instead.  Finally, when you do pass a bowel movement, avoid excessive straining and wiping with rough, irritating toilet paper as both activities can irritate hemorrhoids. 

 Best and Worst Exercises for Hemorrhoids

When you have internal hemorrhoids, these workouts could worsen your symptoms:

• Lifting heavy weights
• Spinning classes or bike rides
• Deep squats
• Sit-ups
• Horseback riding 
• Rowing

Still, in order to help improve digestion and blood flow, and reduce your risk for constipation, you should get regular exercise. Try to work exercise into your daily routine, choosing low-impact options such as the following activities:

•  Walking
•  Yoga
• Swimming
•  Planks
• Body weight exercises

When to See a Doctor

While avoiding certain activities may prevent irritation, if your internal hemorrhoids have progressed past grade 1, you may require medical intervention in order to find lasting relief. Here at the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute, we treat grade 2-3 internal hemorrhoids with hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE), a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks swollen vessels by blocking their blood flow. You can learn more and explore your candidacy by requesting a consultation at on of our three locations in the greater Atlanta area.