Hemorrhoids often improve within a few days to a few weeks, but in some people they can linger for months or become a recurrent, chronic problem. How long they last depends a lot on the type of hemorrhoid, how severe it is, and whether triggers like constipation or straining are brought under control.

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Hemorrhoids how long do they last? Learn typical healing times for internal, external, and thrombosed hemorrhoids, plus treatment options, forum-style experiences, and when to see a doctor.

Quick Scoop

  • Mild hemorrhoids: often settle in a few days to about a week with gentle care and less straining.
  • More severe or chronic hemorrhoids: can last several weeks or even months, especially if triggers continue.
  • Thrombosed (clotted) hemorrhoids: pain may peak over a few days, with the lump and discomfort easing over 2–3 weeks or longer.
  • Internal hemorrhoids: often last longer than small external ones and may keep bleeding or prolapsing until treated.
  • If pain is strong, bleeding is heavy, or symptoms don’t improve within about a week, medical review is important.

How long different hemorrhoids last

Internal vs external vs thrombosed

  • Internal hemorrhoids
    • Small, mild internal hemorrhoids may calm down in a few days with fiber, fluids, and topical treatments.
* Larger or prolapsing internal hemorrhoids can cause on‑and‑off bleeding or discomfort for weeks or months and often need procedures like banding.
  • External hemorrhoids
    • Small external hemorrhoids frequently shrink over about a week with sitz baths, creams, and avoiding straining.
* Bigger external hemorrhoids can stay tender and swollen for several weeks, especially if you keep getting constipated or sit for long periods.
  • Thrombosed hemorrhoids
    • A clot in an external hemorrhoid usually causes sudden, intense pain that gradually eases as the clot organizes over 2–3 weeks or more.
* In some cases, early minor surgery to remove the clot can shorten the painful phase, but the skin tag or lump may remain for a while.

Typical timelines and what affects them

Usual time ranges

  • Many mild flare‑ups:
    • Improve noticeably within a few days and often feel much better within about a week, even without strong treatment.
  • Moderate to severe cases:
    • Frequently stretch into the “several weeks” range and can drag on for months if chronic constipation, pregnancy pressure, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting aren’t addressed.
  • Chronic hemorrhoids:
    • Some people report living with recurring hemorrhoids for years on forums, cycling through better and worse periods rather than a single clean healing.

Factors that make them last longer

  • Ongoing straining or hard stools from low fiber or dehydration.
  • Long stretches of sitting (desk work, driving, gaming) or heavy lifting that boosts pressure in rectal veins.
  • Pregnancy or older age, which can weaken supporting tissues.
  • Skipping treatment or only treating pain while ignoring bowel habits.

What people say in forums now

Recent hemorrhoid threads and “how long did yours last?” polls show a wide range of real‑world experiences.

“Mine went from unbearable to just annoying in about a week, but the little bump stuck around for over a month.”

“Had on‑and‑off hemorrhoids for years until I finally fixed my constipation and started using a stool for my feet.”

Common patterns in current discussions:

  • Many users say first flare‑ups are the most frightening, but later they recognize the symptoms and treat earlier, so flares are shorter.
  • People who aggressively change diet (fiber), hydration, and bathroom habits often describe going from multi‑week flares to just a few rough days at a time.

Ways to shorten how long they last

At‑home steps

  • Boost fiber to keep stools soft (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, or fiber supplements as advised by a clinician).
  • Drink plenty of water through the day to avoid hard, dry stools.
  • Use warm sitz baths (10–15 minutes, a few times daily) to ease pain and swelling.
  • Apply over‑the‑counter hemorrhoid creams, ointments, or witch hazel pads as directed for short‑term symptom relief.
  • Avoid straining, long “phone sessions” on the toilet, or holding your breath when lifting.

These measures do not cure every case, but they can noticeably shorten symptom duration and reduce flare‑ups for many people.

Medical treatments that can change the timeline

When hemorrhoids keep coming back or never fully settle, doctors may recommend:

  • Rubber‑band ligation, sclerotherapy, or infrared coagulation for internal hemorrhoids to shrink or cut off blood flow.
  • Surgical options (like hemorrhoidectomy or stapled procedures) for large, prolapsing, or very painful hemorrhoids that resist other care.

These options can turn a long‑running, chronic problem into a shorter recovery period followed by long‑term relief for many patients, though recovery itself can take days to weeks.

When to worry and see a doctor

Even though hemorrhoids are common and usually not dangerous, certain signs should not be ignored. Seek prompt medical advice if:

  • Bleeding is heavy, recurrent, or you see dark, tarry stool.
  • Pain is severe, you notice a very hard, tense lump, or fever develops.
  • Symptoms are not improving after about a week of home care, or they keep coming back.
  • You have weight loss, change in bowel habits, or a family history of colorectal disease.

A clinician can confirm it is “just hemorrhoids,” rule out more serious causes of bleeding, and help with tailored treatment that may shorten how long your symptoms last.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.