How to Shrink Internal Hemorrhoids

Medically reviewed by Mark Ziats, MD, PhD

Last Updated: December 15, 2022 References

Internal hemorrhoids are those that are still inside of the anal cavity. These hemorrhoids are often painless and may not even be noticeable; however, internal hemorrhoids can get worse and move outside of the anus to cause a painful problem.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} To start shrinking internal hemorrhoids and prevent them from becoming worse, there are several things that you can do.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Home Remedies

1
Insert a suppository. External wipes and creams will not help internal hemorrhoids, but there are some suppositories available that can help. Make sure that you check with your doctor first and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use as well. You can find hemorrhoid suppositories in most drug stores. Some available suppositories include:
- Calmol. This suppository contains cocoa butter, zinc oxide, and an astringent to help soothe and shrink hemorrhoids.^{[2]
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  Research source}
- Preparation H. This suppository contains phenylephrine to help constrict and shrink the veins in your anus.^{[3]
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  Research source}
2
Apply an ice pack. An ice pack can help to relieve pain and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. Try applying a towel-wrapped ice pack to your anal region to help relieve any pain and swelling.^{[4]
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Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
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3
Take warm Sitz baths after bowel movements. Taking a Sitz bath after you have a bowel movement may help to relieve the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids and prevent them from becoming larger. To take a Sitz bath, fill a tub with a few inches of warm water and about a cup of Epsom salts. Then sit in the tub for about 20 minutes. Repeat this treatment after every bowel movement.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
4
Use gentle laxatives only if necessary. Avoid stimulant laxatives because these are harsh on your system and may make hemorrhoids worse or lead to chronic constipation.^{[6]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} If you do find that you need to take a laxative, then try taking a gentle stool softener such as docusate.
5
Try a magnesium supplement. Taking magnesium citrate supplements may help to soften your bowel movements and prevent hemorrhoids from becoming worse. Start with 100 mg and increase the dose up to about 300 mg per day.^{[7]
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Research source} It is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage because magnesium can cause diarrhea.
- Talk to your doctor before trying magnesium citrate supplements.
6
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Internal hemorrhoids are generally painless, but if you do experience discomfort, take an NSAID to decrease the inflammation associated with hemorrhoids and therefore decrease the pain (ibuprofen, naproxen).
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before taking any over-the-counter medicines. Talk to your doctor if you are not sure what dosage is right for you.
7
Call your doctor if your hemorrhoids do not improve. If you do not notice an improvement in your hemorrhoids within week, then call your doctor. You may need to get treatment for your hemorrhoids, such as an injection to shrink the hemorrhoid or heat therapy to shrink the hemorrhoid.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Changing Your Diet and Lifestyle

1
Drink plenty of water. Stool contains a lot of water, so it is important to stay well-hydrated to ensure soft stools. Try to drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day to help you stay hydrated.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- You can also drink a few cups of herbal tea to reach your daily fluid intake, but avoid caffeinated beverages. Caffeine has diuretic properties, so it may dehydrate you and lead to constipation.
2
Increase your fiber intake. Hemorrhoids are often due to straining during bowel movements. To make bowel movements easier, increase the fiber in your diet by consuming more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans.^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Some good choices include:
- Whole grains such as brown rice, barley, bulgur wheat, corn, rye, buckwheat, and oatmeal
- Fruits such as prunes, peaches, plums, grapes, apples, and pears
- Vegetables such as Swiss chard, spinach, collard greens, lettuces, and beet greens
- Beans and legumes such as pintos, garbanzos, edamame, and cannellini beans
3
Take psyllium husk or a fiber supplement. If you are having trouble getting enough fiber from diet alone, then you may want to add psyllium husk or a fiber supplement.^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
Go to source} Psyllium husk is a natural bulking agent, which may help make your bowel movements easier. You can add psyllium powder to meals, drink a scoop in a glass of water, or take it in tablet form.
- Make sure that you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
4
Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help to keep your bowels moving and prevent constipation as well.^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Make sure that you get up and move around now and then to stimulate your digestive system. Taking a short walk may be enough to help you have a bowel movement.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Reducing Pressure on Hemorrhoids

1
Go to the bathroom when you feel the urge. Don’t wait once you feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Go as soon as you can. If you get to the toilet and you cannot go, then sit for a few minutes, but don’t sit too long. Sitting on the toilet for a long time may make hemorrhoids worse.^{[13]
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Trustworthy Source
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
2
Try to keep a regular bathroom time each day. See if you can arrange a regular time to use the bathroom without any interruptions. Having a bowel movement around the same time each day may make your bowel movements easier.^{[14]
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Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
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- For example, you might try to go every day at 8:30am and again at 7:00pm
3
Let your bowels and gravity do most of the work. Straining is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids, so stop yourself if you notice that you are pushing too hard.^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} If you cannot seem to have a bowel movement and notice that you are straining, then get up and come back in about an hour to try again. In the meantime, drink some water and move around a bit to help loosen things up.
4
Sit on a foam cushion or a doughnut cushion. Sitting on a hard surface can also irritate hemorrhoids and make them worse. Try sitting on a soft foam cushion or on a doughnut-shaped pillow instead. A cushion or doughnut pillow may help to relieve some of the pressure and discomfort of sitting on a hard surface.^{[16]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
Go to source}