When symptoms don’t improve as quickly as expected, many people start asking: how long do hemorrhoids last? Just as often, they wonder whether hemorrhoids will go away on their own or if treatment is necessary.
The reality is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The duration of hemorrhoids depends on several factors, including the type (internal vs. external), the severity of symptoms, and whether steps are taken to reduce pressure and irritation in the area.
In some cases, symptoms resolve relatively quickly with simple lifestyle adjustments. In others—especially when hemorrhoids are more advanced or recurring—symptoms can persist for weeks or longer without proper treatment.
Different Types of Hemorrhoids
How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last on Average?
For many people, mild hemorrhoids improve within a few days to about a week. However, this timeline can vary significantly depending on how the condition is managed.
General timelines:
- Mild hemorrhoids: a few days to 1 week
- Moderate hemorrhoids: 1 to 3 weeks
- Severe or recurring hemorrhoids: several weeks or longer
If you’re wondering how long it takes for hemorrhoids to go away, the biggest determining factors are symptom severity and whether you take steps like improving diet, reducing strain, or seeking medical care.
Without intervention, even mild hemorrhoids can linger longer than necessary or return more frequently.
How Long Do External Hemorrhoids Last?
A common follow-up question is how long do external hemorrhoids last, since these tend to be more painful and noticeable.
External hemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus and often cause:
- Pain or tenderness
- Swelling
- Itching
- A visible or palpable lump
External hemorrhoid duration:
Mild external hemorrhoids may improve within a few days to a week, especially with proper care. However, if a blood clot forms (called a thrombosed hemorrhoid), symptoms can last two to three weeks or longer.
Because they are more painful, external hemorrhoids are often treated sooner—but they can still take time to fully resolve.
Simple measures like warm sitz baths, gentle hygiene, and avoiding straining during bowel movements can help shorten recovery time and reduce discomfort.
How Long Do Internal Hemorrhoids Last?
Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and are often painless. Many people don’t realize they have them until they notice rectal bleeding, typically bright red blood on toilet paper or in the bowl.
- Small internal hemorrhoids may improve in a few days
- Larger or prolapsed internal hemorrhoids may last weeks, especially without treatment
Because symptoms are often mild at first, internal hemorrhoids are frequently left untreated. This can allow them to progress, increasing the likelihood of prolonged symptoms or complications.
How Long Do Thrombosed Hemorrhoids Last?
A thrombosed hemorrhoid can last for two to three weeks or longer. A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when an external or internal hemorrhoid fills with one or more blood clots. They can be very painful and swollen, impacting walking, sitting, or passing a stool.
Typical duration:
Thrombosed hemorrhoids can last two to three weeks or longer. While the clot may shrink over time, the underlying hemorrhoid may not fully resolve without treatment.
In some cases, the hemorrhoid may rupture, causing sudden pain and bleeding. This can also increase the risk of infection, particularly with external hemorrhoids.
What Can Make Hemorrhoids Last Longer?
Certain factors can slow healing and prolong symptoms. Addressing these early can make a meaningful difference in recovery time.
Common causes of prolonged hemorrhoids include:
-
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Low-fiber diet
- Ignoring early symptoms
- Prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet
- Increased pressure from straining
- Blood clots within the hemorrhoid
Addressing these early can significantly reduce how long hemorrhoids last.
Do Hemorrhoids Go Away?
Some hemorrhoids can go away on their own, especially when they are mild and caused by temporary straining, constipation, or irritation. In these cases, symptoms may improve within a few days with at-home care, such as eating more fiber, drinking enough water, avoiding straining, and using warm sitz baths.
However, not all hemorrhoids fully resolve without treatment. Larger internal hemorrhoids, prolapsed hemorrhoids, thrombosed hemorrhoids, or hemorrhoids that keep coming back may last longer and require medical evaluation.
Hemorrhoids may also improve temporarily but return if the underlying cause is not addressed. Chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, excess pressure, and low-fiber diets can all make hemorrhoids more likely to persist or flare up again.
If hemorrhoids do not improve within one to two weeks, cause ongoing bleeding, become more painful, or keep recurring, it may be time to see a hemorrhoid specialist. Early evaluation can help determine whether home care is enough or if a minimally invasive treatment option may provide longer-term relief.
Factors That Affect Internal Hemorrhoid Healing
An internal hemorrhoid that doesn’t heal within a week or two should be seen by a specialist. But, what factors impact how quickly an internal hemorrhoid heals?
- Severity of the hemorrhoid. If an internal hemorrhoid is very swollen and enlarged, it’s more likely to prolapse or cause more persistent symptoms that require treatment. Typically, grade-1 hemorrhoids are most likely to heal on their own. Later-stage hemorrhoids are more likely to require medical treatment.
- Lifestyle factors. Eating a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, and being physically active can promote faster healing.
- Underlying health conditions that may prolong symptoms. Being overweight or pregnant can put pressure on the rectum, making it harder for hemorrhoids to heal. Constipation also puts pressure on the veins in the lower rectum and anus, which can cause hemorrhoids and lead to worsening symptoms and slower healing.
If your hemorrhoids aren’t healing or if symptoms persist, it may be time to consider a more advanced solution. USA Hemorrhoid Centers offers a modern treatment for internal hemorrhoids that has fewer risks and a shorter recovery than hemorrhoid surgery. Hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) is a good option for most cases of internal hemorrhoids that don’t go away on their own.
When to See a Doctor for Hemorrhoids
If you notice internal hemorrhoid symptoms for more than a week or two, or if the hemorrhoid prolapses and becomes painful, it’s important to see a hemorrhoid doctor. You should see a doctor if you notice signs of an infection, such as intense swelling or a fever.
You can try over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments, such as a cream or suppository, to relieve the swelling and inflammation. At-home care, such as soaking in a sitz bath (a shallow bath) and ice packs, can also bring relief. Additionally, avoiding prolonged sitting for long periods, adding fiber to the diet, drinking enough water, and exercising can support healing. If there is blood in the stool, anal itching, and other internal hemorrhoid symptoms persist after a week or two despite home care methods, schedule a consultation so you can get the treatment you need for lasting relief.
Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization as a Long Term-Solution
Hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) is a non-surgical treatment for internal hemorrhoids. It targets the blood flow causing the hemorrhoids, helping to reduce inflammation, swelling, and other symptoms, and has been proven to provide effective, long-term relief. HAE has a 97% clinical success rate.
The benefits of choosing HAE over traditional treatment surgical methods are that it doesn’t involve removing or cutting any tissue. The procedure isn’t painful, and there’s less risk of bleeding or an infection. HAE can be performed in an outpatient setting, and most people can return to their normal activity levels within a few days.
Quick Recap For How Long Does it Take for For Hemorrhoids to Go Away?
- Most hemorrhoids last a few days to a few weeks
- External hemorrhoids may heal quickly or take longer if clotted
- Internal hemorrhoids often last longer due to fewer symptoms
- Hemorrhoids may go away on their own, but persistent cases usually require treatment
If hemorrhoids aren’t improving—or keep coming back—early evaluation can shorten recovery and prevent ongoing discomfort.