How to sit with hemorrhoids: correct positions, pillows, toilet habits, and pain prevention

Proper sitting position doesn't cure hemorrhoids on its own, but it can significantly reduce pain, pressure, itching, and a feeling of fullness. This is especially important for external hemorrhoids, thrombosed external hemorrhoids, prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, skin irritation around the anus, and post-procedure hemorrhoids. The Cleveland Clinic notes that external hemorrhoids can cause itching, tenderness, bleeding, and pain specifically when sitting. [1]

Hemorrhoids develop and worsen not only due to general sitting, but also due to a combination of factors: constipation, straining, prolonged toilet sitting, low dietary fiber intake, pregnancy, excess weight, and chronic diarrhea. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (USA) directly attributes prolonged toilet sitting and straining to the development of hemorrhoids. [2]

The main goal of proper posture is to reduce localized pressure on the anal area, avoid straining, avoid lingering on the toilet, and avoid aggravating inflamed tissue. Therefore, this topic requires a separate discussion of three situations: how to sit on a regular chair, how to sit on the toilet, and how to handle acute pain. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommends that dietary and behavioral changes are the first line of treatment for symptomatic hemorrhoids. [3]

A particularly harmful habit is sitting on the toilet with a phone. In a 2025 PLOS One study of 125 adults undergoing screening colonoscopy, using a smartphone on the toilet was associated with a 46% increased risk of hemorrhoids after accounting for age, gender, body mass index, physical activity, straining, and dietary fiber intake. [4]

The practical conclusion is simple: for hemorrhoids, sit in a manner that avoids direct pressure on the painful area, get up frequently, avoid lingering on the toilet, keep stools soft, and avoid using a pillow as the primary treatment. If there is bleeding, severe pain, or symptoms do not resolve after 7 days of home care, a medical evaluation is necessary. [5] [6]

Situation	How to sit	What to avoid
A regular chair	Straight, with support on the hips, without pressure on the edge of the anus	Hard edge, prolonged sitting motionless
Workplace	Take breaks, stand up, change positions	2-3 hours in a row without movement
Toilet	Bend forward a little, lift your feet slightly	Phone, reading, long wait for a chair
Acute pain	Sit briefly on a soft support, lie on your side more often	Pressing on a painful node
After the procedure	Follow your doctor's instructions and avoid constipation.	Straining and sitting on the toilet for a long time

Why sitting makes symptoms worse

When sitting, some of your body weight is transferred to the buttocks, perineum, and tissues around the anus. If there is an external hemorrhoid, thrombosis, or severe skin irritation, direct pressure can increase pain. The Cleveland Clinic specifically notes that external hemorrhoids can cause pain or aching in the anal area, especially when sitting. [7]

But sitting on a chair and sitting on a toilet are not the same thing. On a chair, the pelvic floor is partially supported by the seat surface, while on a toilet, the central part is unsupported. Therefore, prolonged sitting on the toilet places greater strain on the anorectal area, especially if a person is waiting for a bowel movement, straining, or distracted by a phone. A PLOS One study directly links smartphone use on the toilet to longer sitting times and a higher prevalence of hemorrhoids. [8]

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons notes that constipation, straining, prolonged sitting, and frequent bowel movements play a significant role in patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids. The same guidelines advise patients to limit time on the toilet and avoid straining. [9]

Sitting for long periods at work can also worsen symptoms, although the key factor for hemorrhoids is still related to toilet habits and bowel movements. If a person sits for eight hours, moves little, drinks little water, and then strains when passing hard stools, flare-ups become more likely. NHS Inform lists prolonged sitting, constipation, excess weight, pregnancy, and heavy lifting as risk factors for hemorrhoids. [10]

Therefore, the question of "how to sit" cannot be separated from the question of "how to go to the toilet." Even the perfect pillow won't help if a person spends 20 minutes a day on the toilet, straining, holding back the urge, and eating little dietary fiber. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in the United States recommends avoiding straining and sitting on the toilet for long periods. [11]

Cause of discomfort	What's happening	What helps?
Pressure on the outer node	The pain increases when in contact with the seat	Soft flat pillow, change of position
Sitting on the toilet for a long time	Pressure on hemorrhoidal tissue increases	Get up quickly if there is no stool
Straining	The pressure in the rectum increases	Soft stool, fiber, water
Sedentary lifestyle	Constipation becomes more likely	Walking breaks
Diarrhea	Frequent bowel movements irritate the skin	Treating the cause of diarrhea

How to sit on a regular chair

For hemorrhoids, it's best to sit on a chair so that your weight is distributed across your hips and buttocks, rather than directly on the anal area. Practically, this means sitting deeper in the seat, placing your feet flat on the floor, keeping your pelvis level, avoiding "sliding" onto your tailbone, and avoiding sitting on the very front edge of a hard chair. This isn't a standalone treatment method, but a way to reduce mechanical irritation to the painful area. [12]

If sitting is painful, you can use a soft, flat pillow or a firm lining. It's important that it doesn't sink too deeply or create a sharp edge around the anus. A very soft pillow can sometimes worsen the situation: the pelvis sinks, the buttocks spread apart, and pressure on the perineum can become more uncomfortable. Clinical guidelines for hemorrhoids do not recommend a special pillow as a treatment, so its role should be considered supportive. [13]

Many people buy ring-shaped pillows. These can provide temporary relief for some people, but they're not suitable for everyone: if the opening is too large or the edge is too hard, the tissue around the anus can become subject to additional tension and pressure. Therefore, for hemorrhoids, it's often wiser to start with a soft, flat pillow or wedge-shaped support rather than a hard "donut," if it subjectively reduces pain. [14]

When you have a sedentary job, it's not the perfect 8-hour posture that's important, but regular position changes. Get up for at least 2-5 minutes every 30-60 minutes: walk around, do a few gentle movements, stretch your legs, and drink some water. Physical activity helps prevent constipation, and NHS Inform recommends regular exercise as part of the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids. [15]

If the pain when sitting is sudden and severe, and there is a hard, painful lump at the edge of the anus, or a bluish or dark-colored nodule, do not sit despite the pain. This could be a thrombosed external hemorrhoid, which is characterized by severe pain, swelling, inflammation, and a hard, discolored mass near the anus. [16]

Rule of thumb	How to perform	For what
Sit deeper in the chair	Not on the very edge, but with support on the hips	Less point pressure
Place your feet on the floor	Knees at approximately right angles	More stable pelvis
Use a soft, flat pillow	No hard edges	Less pain with external node
Don't sit still for long periods of time	Get up every 30-60 minutes	Less congestion and constipation
Do not tolerate severe pain	If you experience severe pain, consult a doctor.	Rule out thrombosis, fissure, abscess

How to sit on the toilet

The main rule for hemorrhoids: the toilet is not a place for the phone, reading, or waiting. You should go to the toilet when you really have the urge, sit down, calmly try to defecate, and get up if you don't have a bowel movement quickly. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in the United States specifically recommends avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet and straining during bowel movements. [17]

The correct position on the toilet is to lean your body slightly forward, keep your feet firmly planted, and raise your feet slightly on a low footrest. Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust recommends sitting on the toilet with a forward lean, slightly raising your feet, and using your abdominal muscles, not your shoulders, when defecating. [18]

If stool doesn't pass, don't push. The same source also states: if defecation doesn't occur within the time it usually takes a person to urinate, it's best not to strain and try again later, when the urge returns. This is especially important for hemorrhoids, as straining increases pressure in the anorectal area. [19]

It's best to leave your phone outside the toilet. In a 2025 PLOS One study, 66% of participants used a smartphone on the toilet, and among smartphone users, 37.3% sat for more than 5 minutes per visit, compared to 7.1% among those who didn't use a phone; smartphone use itself was associated with a 46% increased risk of hemorrhoids. [20]

It's equally important not to delay the urge to defecate. NHS Inform explains that delaying bowel movements can make stools harder and drier, which increases the likelihood of straining. For patients with haemorrhoids, this can lead to further irritation and bleeding. [21]

Toilet error	Why is it harmful?	Correct replacement
Sitting with a phone	Increases time imperceptibly	Leave your phone outside the toilet
Wait for the stool for 10-20 minutes	Increased pressure on the anorectal area	Get up and try later
Strain your shoulders and neck	Intra-abdominal pressure increases	Breathe, gently use your belly
Sitting with your legs unsupported	It's harder to relax the pelvic floor	Place your feet firmly
Ignore the urge	The stool becomes harder	Go to the toilet on time

Sedentary work, travel and the car

In sedentary jobs, hemorrhoids are often aggravated not by the chair itself, but by the entire daily routine: lack of movement, insufficient fluids, irregular meals, delayed bowel movements, and constipation. Therefore, a work strategy should include not only a pillow but also breaks, water, dietary fiber, and a normal toilet routine. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) notes that water and dietary fiber help make stool softer and easier to pass. [22]

If your job requires sitting for long periods of time, it's helpful to set a timer for short, active breaks. Getting up from your chair every 30-60 minutes reduces prolonged pressure on the painful area and promotes movement, which is important for preventing constipation. NHS Inform lists regular exercise as one of the measures that help prevent and treat hemorrhoids. [23]

In the car, choose a position that prevents your pelvis from tipping backward and prevents the seat from pressing hard against your anus. If pain intensifies, use a soft, flat surface and stop every 1-2 hours to walk around. If you have an acute thrombosed node, a long drive can be painful, and in this case, it's best to reschedule the trip or discuss pain management and treatment options with your doctor in advance. [24]

On a plane, bus, or train, the rule is the same: don't sit still the entire journey. If possible, get up, walk around, drink water, and don't resist the urge to defecate. If a person deliberately drinks less water to get up less often, their stool may become harder, and the risk of straining after a trip is higher. The NIDDK emphasizes that water and other non-alcoholic liquids help dietary fiber function better. [25]

For people who work as drivers, cashiers, programmers, editors, dispatchers, and other sedentary professions, recurrence prevention is especially important. Hemorrhoids should not be treated solely when sitting is painful; it is important to maintain soft stools, not delay the urge to urinate, and avoid spending long periods of time on the toilet. [26]

Situation	What to do	What to control
Working on a computer	Get up every 30-60 minutes	Water, fiber, stool
Long trip	Make stops and walk	Do not sit still for 3-4 hours
Automobile	Soft, even lining for pain relief	Do not put pressure on the painful area
Airplane	Walk around the salon if possible	Don't get dehydrated
Sedentary profession	Plan your toilet without rushing	Don't take your phone into the toilet

What to do if sitting already hurts

If sitting is painful, first understand the nature of the pain. Mild burning and discomfort may accompany external hemorrhoids, skin irritation, or prolapsed hemorrhoids. However, sudden, severe pain, a firm, painful lump, and a change in color are more likely to indicate a thrombosed external hemorrhoid. The Mayo Clinic describes thrombosed hemorrhoids as a condition characterized by severe pain, swelling, inflammation, and a hard, discolored mass near the anus. [27]

For moderate pain, you can temporarily reduce sitting, lie on your side more often, use a soft pillow, take warm sitz baths, and maintain soft stools. The Mayo Clinic recommends a warm bath or sitz bath for 10-15 minutes 2 or 3 times a day to relieve discomfort. [28]

A cold compress applied through a cloth can reduce discomfort from external swelling, but it should not be applied directly to the skin for long periods of time. The UK National Health Service recommends an ice pack wrapped in a towel as a home remedy for hemorrhoids to help relieve discomfort. [29]

Avoid sitting "through pain," especially on a hard surface. Pain increases spasms, fear of defecation, and the tendency to hold stool, which can worsen constipation. If you have to work, it's better to alternate between sitting, standing, and short walks, rather than searching for one "magic" position for the entire day. [30]

If the pain is severe, increasing, interferes with walking or sitting, or is accompanied by fever, pus, significant swelling, or large amounts of blood, medical attention is needed. Mayo Clinic recommends seeking medical attention if bleeding occurs, if there is no improvement after a week of home care, and if heavy bleeding, dizziness, or weakness occur. [31]

Pain when sitting	Possible cause	What to do
Slight burning sensation	Skin irritation, external node	Hygiene, soft pillow, warm bath
Pain after defecation	Fissure, inflammation, hemorrhoids	Do not strain, soften the stool, examine if repeated
Sudden severe pain	Thrombosed external node	See a doctor
Pain with fever	An abscess or infection is possible.	See a doctor immediately
Pain and blood	Hemorrhoids or other cause	Don't blame everything on hemorrhoids

Pillows, chairs, and "donuts": how to choose safely

A hemorrhoid pillow is a comfort aid, not a cure. It can help ease the pain, but it doesn't relieve constipation, eliminate straining, treat internal hemorrhoids, or replace diagnostic testing for bleeding. Therefore, choosing a pillow should be based on a simple criterion: after 10-15 minutes of sitting, the pain should feel better, not more painful. [32]

It's best to start with a soft, flat, medium-density pillow. It should distribute the weight across the buttocks and thighs, without causing the pelvis to collapse, or creating a hard edge around the anal area. If the pillow is too soft, the person may sink deeper, and the painful area will become stretched and irritated. [33]

A ring-shaped pillow isn't suitable for everyone. For some, it reduces direct pressure, while for others, it increases the feeling of distension from the edge around the opening. If pain, throbbing, or swelling increases after using such a pillow, it's best to replace it with a flat support. The clinical guidelines of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons do not recommend pillows as a standalone treatment method, and the first line of care is nutrition and behavioral interventions. [34]

The chair should allow you to sit firmly, without your pelvis tipping back or the hard edge pressing on your perineum. If the seat is deep, you can use a small lumbar support to prevent slipping. If the chair is too high and your feet hang down, the pressure is less well distributed, so your feet should be placed on the floor or on a footrest. [35]

After surgery or a procedure, it's best to discuss the choice of pillow with your surgeon, as different procedures have different limitations. For example, after ligation, hemorrhoidectomy, or thrombosed node removal, soft stools, prescribed pain relief, hygiene, and monitoring for bleeding are key, not the pillow's shape. [36]

Type of support	When can it help?	When it doesn't fit
Flat soft pillow	For moderate pain from sitting	If the pelvis is deeply depressed
Medium density pillow	For work and travel	If it presses on the edge
Ring cushion	Sometimes with external pain	If it increases the distension
Wedge-shaped pillow	If it helps keep the pelvis more level	If it increases pressure on the perineum
A hard chair without a cushion	Sometimes it is transferred into remission	Not recommended for acute pain

Sitting after a procedure or surgery

After office procedures and hemorrhoid surgeries, proper sitting is important, but even more important is avoiding constipation and straining. The NIDDK notes that medical treatment may include latex band ligation, sclerotherapy, infrared photocoagulation, and surgical techniques, while the home remedies remain the same: fiber, fluids, no straining, and avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet. [37]

In the first few days after the procedure, it's best to sit for short periods, choosing soft support and changing positions. If your doctor allows it, warm sitz baths can reduce pain and spasms. The Mayo Clinic recommends warm sitz baths for 10-15 minutes 2 or 3 times a day to relieve hemorrhoid discomfort. [38]

After surgery, avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods, even if you're afraid of passing your first bowel movement. While this fear is understandable, prolonged waiting and straining can increase pain and bleeding. Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust recommends avoiding sitting on the toilet for too long, avoiding straining, and trying again later if bowel movements don't appear quickly. [39]

If blood, mucus, or pain occurs after the procedure, this does not always indicate a complication, but any severe, increasing, or unusual symptoms require contacting a doctor. The Mayo Clinic advises that heavy rectal bleeding, dizziness, or weakness require immediate medical attention. [40]

Sitting after surgery should be functional: sit briefly, eat, go to the toilet, do necessary chores, and then change position again. Prolonged, motionless sitting for the sake of "getting used to it" is not necessary. Oxford University Hospitals, in a patient information sheet on hemorrhoids, emphasizes the importance of avoiding constipation after surgery, as straining can cause excess bleeding and discomfort. [41]

Period	How to sit	The main risk
The first days after the procedure	Short, on soft support	Pain and fear of defecation
After ligation	Don't linger on the toilet	Bleeding when straining
After surgery	Alternate between sitting and resting	Constipation, pain, bleeding
The first chair	Don't push, don't sit for a long time	Wound trauma
If the pain intensifies	Contact a doctor	Skip complication

How should pregnant and overweight women sit?

During pregnancy, hemorrhoids are often associated with increased pressure on pelvic vessels, constipation, and altered venous outflow. Therefore, proper sitting posture should be combined with constipation prevention, adequate fluid intake, dietary fiber, and a gentle physical activity regimen, if approved by a doctor. The Mayo Clinic lists pregnancy as a factor that increases the risk of hemorrhoids. [42]

Pregnant women often find it more comfortable to sit on a soft but stable surface, without tilting their pelvis back. If pain intensifies, they can rest on their side more often, as this position reduces direct pressure on the anus. However, it's best to consult with your doctor about any medications, suppositories, or ointments during pregnancy. [43]

It's important for overweight people to consider that pressure on the pelvic area may be higher, and prolonged sitting and inactivity are more often associated with constipation. NHS Inform lists excess weight and obesity as risk factors for haemorrhoids and recommends weight loss as part of prevention if you are overweight. [44]

If you're overweight, your pillow should be firm enough to prevent it from collapsing completely. A pillow that's too soft can create pelvic instability and increase pressure on the painful area. But even more important is avoiding sitting for hours on end: short walks, regular breaks, adequate fluids, and dietary fiber are usually more beneficial than searching for an expensive pillow. [45]

If a pregnant woman or an overweight person experiences bleeding, severe pain, prolapsed hemorrhoids, weakness, or dizziness, don't dismiss it as "common hemorrhoids." The Mayo Clinic warns that rectal bleeding can be associated not only with hemorrhoids but also with other conditions, including colorectal and anal cancer. [46]

Group	Features of the seat	What is especially important
Pregnancy	Soft support, rest on your side if you have pain	Avoid constipation
After childbirth	Do not put pressure on the painful area	Coordinate medications while breastfeeding
Excess weight	A dense pillow, frequent breaks	Stool movement and control
Sedentary work	Set up the chair and timer	Get up every 30-60 minutes
Acute pain	Sit less, change your position more	Rule out thrombosis

When sitting has nothing to do with it and you need to see a doctor

If the pain is severe and appears suddenly, the problem may not be with how a person sits, but with a thrombosed external hemorrhoid, fissure, abscess, or another condition. The Cleveland Clinic emphasizes that not all growths near the anus are hemorrhoids, so diagnosis by a medical professional is important. [47]

Rectal bleeding is a particular concern. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommends that a complete endoscopic examination of the colon is indicated in selected patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding, particularly if there is no obvious anorectal source of the blood or if there is abdominal pain, bloating, new constipation, or worsening constipation.[48]

If symptoms don't improve after 7 days of home care, don't just change pillows and positions. The NIDDK recommends seeing a doctor if over-the-counter remedies don't help after a week or cause side effects, and the Mayo Clinic recommends talking to a healthcare professional if bleeding occurs or there's no improvement after a week of home care. [49] [50]

Pus, fever, chills, increasing swelling, and throbbing pain are more consistent with an infection, such as an anorectal abscess, than with regular hemorrhoids. In this situation, sitting won't resolve the problem, and waiting can be dangerous. [51]

You should also seek immediate medical attention if the prolapsed node does not retract, incontinence, severe weakness, dizziness, black stool, or large amounts of blood occur. The Mayo Clinic specifically recommends seeking immediate medical attention for large amounts of rectal bleeding, dizziness, or weakness. [52]

Symptom	Why is this important?	What to do
Blood for the first time	Not all bleeding is due to hemorrhoids.	See a doctor
No improvement in 7 days	Diagnosis correction is needed	Consultation
Severe sudden pain	Thrombosis or abscess is possible	Don't endure it while sitting
Pus and fever	Infection is possible	Urgent help
Heavy bleeding and weakness	Significant blood loss is possible	Urgent Care

A practical algorithm for every day

Don't start your morning by sitting on the toilet for a long time "just in case." Go to the bathroom when you really need to, don't pick up your phone, sit with a slight forward lean, keep your feet firmly planted, and don't strain. If you don't pass a bowel movement quickly, get up and try again later. [53]

At work, adjust your seat so that your pelvis is stable, your feet are flat on the floor, and the painful area isn't pressed against a hard edge. Use a soft pillow only if it truly relieves pain. Get up and move around every 30-60 minutes, as regular activity helps prevent constipation. [54]

Maintain soft stools throughout the day by drinking fiber, water, and other nonalcoholic liquids. The NIDDK notes that fiber makes stool softer and easier to pass, while liquids help the fiber work better. [55]

For pain, use safe measures: a warm sitz bath, careful hygiene, a soft pillow, short periods of sitting, and, if needed, over-the-counter medications as directed. The NIDDK notes that topical medications can temporarily relieve mild pain, swelling, and itching, but they are generally recommended for use for about 1 week. [56]

In the evening, assess not only the pain but also your stool: was it hard, did you have to strain, how long did it take to go to the toilet, and was there any blood. If the problem recurs, you need to not just change your position, but also adjust your diet, fluids, constipation treatment, and, if necessary, consult a doctor. [57]

Time of day	What to do	The main goal
Morning	Toilet without a phone and without waiting	Don't push
Job	Sit on a soft surface and get up regularly.	Reduce pressure
Day	Drink water, eat dietary fiber	Soft stool
Exacerbation	Warm bath, short sitting	Reduce pain
Evening	Assess stool and blood	Understand triggers

Frequently asked questions

Is it okay to sit with hemorrhoids, or is it better to lie down?
Sitting is fine if the pain is tolerable and the position doesn't aggravate the symptoms. For acute pain, it's best to alternate short periods of sitting with walking and resting on your side, rather than sitting for hours through the pain. External hemorrhoids can indeed be painful, especially when sitting. [58]

What's the best way to sit for hemorrhoids?
It's usually best to start with a soft, flat, medium-density pillow that distributes weight across the hips and buttocks. A ring pillow isn't suitable for everyone: if it increases distension, throbbing, or pain, it's best to replace it. The main treatment remains soft stools, avoiding straining, and limiting time on the toilet. [59]

How many minutes can you sit on the toilet?
It's best to sit only as long as it takes to have a bowel movement, without using your phone or reading. Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust advises against sitting for long periods of time: if a bowel movement doesn't occur within the time it usually takes a person to urinate, it's best to get up and try again later. [60]

Should you elevate your feet?
A small footrest can help you achieve a more comfortable, forward-leaning position that reduces straining. Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust recommends sitting forward on the toilet with your feet slightly elevated and using your abdominal muscles rather than your shoulders. [61]

Why shouldn't you sit on the toilet with your phone?
Your phone can silently increase your time spent on the toilet. In a PLOS One study, smartphone users were significantly more likely to sit for more than 5 minutes, and using a smartphone on the toilet was associated with a 46% increased risk of hemorrhoids. [62]

Is it okay to sit on a cold surface when you have hemorrhoids?
A short-term cold compress with a towel can help relieve external discomfort, but sitting on a cold surface for a long time is not recommended. The NHS recommends using an ice pack wrapped in a towel as a temporary measure to relieve discomfort, not as a permanent method of sitting. [63]

What should you do if you experience bleeding after sitting?
It's important to evaluate the cause of the bleeding, not just change your pillow. The Mayo Clinic warns that rectal bleeding may be caused by more than just hemorrhoids and recommends consulting a doctor if you experience blood during bowel movements or if there's no improvement after a week of home care. [64]

Is it possible to sit after hemorrhoid surgery?
Sitting is generally tolerated, but it's best to do it for short periods, on a soft surface, and avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet. After surgery, it's especially important to avoid constipation and straining, as these can increase pain and bleeding. [65]

Key points from experts

Alexander T. Hawkins, MD, MPH, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, lead author of the 2024 American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons hemorrhoidal disease clinical practice guidelines. Key message: Behavioral measures are the first line of treatment, and patients should be educated about the importance of avoiding straining and limiting time on the toilet. [66]

Anuradha R. Bhama, MD, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, co-author of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons clinical practice guidelines. Key message: When bleeding occurs, it's important to go beyond the "it's hemorrhoids" explanation, as some patients require endoscopic evaluation and exclusion of other sources of blood. [67]

Trisha Pasricha, MD, MPH, a gastroenterologist and researcher at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, said: "Having a smartphone on the toilet is associated with longer sitting times and a 46% increased risk of hemorrhoids, so the habit of scrolling through news and social media on the toilet has practical medical implications." [68]

Experts from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, USA. Key message: Home care for hemorrhoids should include dietary fiber, fiber supplements if needed, water or other non-alcoholic liquids, avoiding straining, and avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet. [69]

Mayo Clinic experts: Key message: Warm sitz baths may relieve pain, but bleeding, severe pain, and no improvement after a week of home care require a visit to a healthcare professional. [70] [71]

Result

For hemorrhoids, it's best to sit on a soft, stable surface that doesn't give too much weight, distributing your weight across your hips and buttocks. If pain occurs, change your position, stand up, walk, occasionally rest on your side, and avoid trying to sit out a flare-up on a hard chair. [72]

The most important position is not in a chair, but on the toilet: no phone, no reading, no long waits, no straining, with a slight forward lean and a firm foothold. If you can't get to the toilet quickly, it's best to get up and try again later, when the urge returns. [73]

A pillow may help relieve discomfort, but it is not a substitute for treating the underlying cause: soft stools, dietary fiber, water, avoiding straining, limiting time on the toilet, and seeking medical attention for bleeding, severe pain, or prolapse.[74][75]