At a glance
If you are in your twenties or early thirties and dealing with hemorrhoids, you might feel like you are too young for this. You are not. Hemorrhoids affect people of all ages, and several factors common in young adulthood make them more likely than many people realise.
This guide explains why hemorrhoids happen at this age, what the common triggers are, and how to manage them effectively.
Why young adults get hemorrhoids
Diet and hydration
Young adulthood often involves dietary patterns that promote constipation:
- Processed food, takeaways, and low-fibre convenience meals
- Insufficient water intake — replaced by coffee, alcohol, or energy drinks
- Irregular eating patterns — skipping meals, eating late
Constipation leads to hard stools, which leads to straining, which leads to hemorrhoid development.
Sedentary lifestyle
Desk-based jobs, long study sessions, and screen time mean prolonged sitting — which increases pressure on the hemorrhoidal cushions. The transition from active school life to sedentary university or work life is a common trigger point.
Weightlifting and heavy exercise
Gym culture is strong among young adults, and heavy lifting — particularly squats, deadlifts, and heavy compound movements — increases intra-abdominal pressure. This is a recognised trigger for hemorrhoid development and flares.
Toilet habits
Spending extended time on the toilet while scrolling through a phone is extremely common in this age group. The combination of prolonged sitting on the toilet and distraction extends time on the toilet well beyond what the bowel needs.
Stress
University deadlines, early career pressure, financial stress — all of these can affect gut function, disrupt eating patterns, and contribute to the conditions that lead to hemorrhoids.
Pregnancy
For women in their twenties and thirties, pregnancy is a major trigger for hemorrhoid development, driven by hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and the growing uterus.
The embarrassment factor
Young adults are often more embarrassed about hemorrhoids than older adults. The condition feels like something that happens to older people, and the stigma of the location makes it difficult to discuss with friends or seek medical help.
This embarrassment leads to:
- Delayed treatment — suffering for weeks or months before seeking help
- Reliance on internet information rather than professional assessment
- Isolation — feeling unable to tell anyone
- Anxiety that something more serious is wrong
The reality is that GPs see hemorrhoids in young adults regularly. It is a common, well-understood condition. There is no judgment, and the appointment is straightforward.
What to do about it
Address the triggers
For most young adults, addressing the underlying causes resolves the hemorrhoids:
- Improve your diet — more fibre from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes
- Drink more water — at least one and a half to two litres daily
- Fix your toilet habits — put the phone down, keep toilet time under five minutes, do not strain
- Move regularly — break up sitting with standing and walking
- Adjust your gym routine — if heavy lifting is a trigger, modify technique or reduce weight during flares
Manage the symptoms
During a flare:
- Warm sitz baths
- Over-the-counter creams for comfort
- Increased fibre and stool softeners
- Avoid straining
See a doctor if needed
Do not let age or embarrassment stop you from seeking help. See a GP if:
- Self-care is not providing relief
- You are experiencing regular bleeding
- You are unsure whether your symptoms are actually hemorrhoids
- The condition is affecting your daily life
The good news
Hemorrhoids in young adults respond well to treatment, particularly when the underlying lifestyle factors are addressed. Many young people find that making dietary and habit changes resolves the issue completely and prevents recurrence. The earlier you address it, the simpler the solution tends to be.