Do Hemorrhoids Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

We’ve all been there — wondering if one ailment is going to lead to another. Hemorrhoids and erectile dysfunction (ED) may not seem intertwined, but a deeper dive into the subject says otherwise. Often, they set in at around the same time, which leads us to ask: Do hemorrhoids cause ED? 

Let’s explore the link between hemorrhoids and ED and what you can do about it.

Can hemorrhoids cause erectile dysfunction?

No, hemorrhoids don’t cause ED. But hemorrhoids can cause pressure and pain near the genitalia. In turn, this can lead to psychological, physiological, and emotional complications linked to symptoms of ED. But it’s probably not the direct cause itself. Here’s a closer look at how having hemorrhoids can increase your risk of ED. 

Psychological impact

Feeling shame or uncertainty because of hemorrhoids could affect sexual performance. Performance anxiety is a common cause of ED. So, if you're worried that hemorrhoids may impact your sexual function, they might. And, if you’re concerned about being embarrassed because of bleeding or other related issues, that can impact your performance too.

Pain

Having pain down below — from hemorrhoids or other causes — may lead you to associate that same pain with your genitalia. Pain due to chronic inflammation, like what happens with prostatitis, can increase your risk of ED. But pain in any part of the body can have a serious impact on developing ED.

Pelvic floor changes

The pelvic floor is made up of all the muscles and tissues that separate the inside of your pelvis from the outside of your body. Chronic inflammation from hemorrhoids can weaken the pelvic floor and increase the risk of ED. Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) can strengthen the pelvic floor and improve both hemorrhoids and ED.

What’s the link between hemorrhoids and erectile dysfunction?

There’s no research to date supporting the notion that hemorrhoids directly cause sexual disorders. When you experience painful hemorrhoids, you may experience embarrassment, anxiety, or fear around having sex. Even if you don’t already have ED, this can negatively affect sexual performance.

Other factors that contribute to this correlation could include age, blood flow, and anatomy: 

• Age: ED typically occurs more frequently as you age, with a drastic climb in rates after age 60. If you’re older than 40, you have a 1 in 2 chance of developing ED. Likewise, hemorrhoids are more common with age.

• Blood flow: Hemorrhoids cause inflammation, which can affect the circulation around the penis. Your penis needs healthy blood flow to keep an erection.

• Anatomy: The pelvic floor is a series of muscles that supports your bladder and bowel, prostate (in men), and vagina and uterus (in women). Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when these muscles don’t work properly. While pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to hemorrhoids, it can also lead to ED. Interestingly, a small study showed improvement in ED symptoms in men after surgical repair of hemorrhoids. This further supports the role of anatomy in both problems. 

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Some exercises can help improve both ED and hemorrhoids. Here are six exercises to try, plus a few to avoid.

• Your pelvic floor is important for your bladder, bowel, and sexual health. Learn more about what your pelvic floor is and how to keep it healthy.

• Hemorrhoids affect about half of all adults. Explore the causes, treatments and how to reduce your risk.

When should you get care for hemorrhoid treatment?

If your symptoms last more than 7 days or you have intense pain in or around your rectum, you should see a healthcare professional. Other reasons to get medical care include symptoms, such as: 

• Stomach pain

• Weight loss

• Fever

• Dizziness

• Lightheadedness

• Bright red blood leakage from your rectum 

These serious symptoms could mean your hemorrhoids are getting worse or something else is going on. 

Hemorrhoid treatment

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, usually disappear a few days after you begin treatment. Fortunately, there are treatment options available. Some treatments include:

• Topical hemorrhoid creams

• Topical nitroglycerine

• Ice packs

• In-office procedures such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or photocoagulation

• Referral to a surgical specialist

Home remedies and lifestyle changes 

There are home remedies you can try to reduce inflammation caused by hemorrhoids. Some lifestyle strategies that can help include:

• Increase how much fiber you get (aim for 20 g to 30 g per day)

• Make sure you drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day

• Try walking, yoga, or Kegel exercises

• Use sitz baths for flare-ups

• Taking stool softeners orally, such as docusate

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Written by:

Dean Shaban, MFA

Dean Shaban, MFA, is a writer, editor, professor, and photographer based in Washington, D.C. After a year at WebMD, Dean joined GoodRx as a Health Editor in January 2024. He has a combined 7 years of experience in editorial and teaching.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

Reviewed by:

Frank Schwalbe, MD

Frank Schwalbe, MD, is an assistant professor of anesthesiology at the Yale School of Medicine. He has practiced anesthesiology for 30 years.

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