Hemorrhoids and Strengthen Training

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

A rather embarrassing topic but I’m finally seeking some help/advice. To start off I’m a younger guy in my early 20s with a rather healthy diet and weight. 5’6” 155lbs. I’ve done a little starting strength in the past but I really want to take it serious.(Riptoe’s Starting Strength Program) The issue is I have been suffering from some hemorrhoids for a little over 8 months. Sometimes they flair up and sometimes I don’t notice them. Lately it’s gotten to the point where I decided to go to a doctor to get them banded. The doctor said I have an internal and external one. He told me he would band the internal one with a 3 band process. I new band ever two weeks. He said this would also shrink the external one (they can only band the internal one because of nerves) I’m now currently in the 2 week step of this 6 week banding process. Only advice I was given is to drink lots of water and add more fiber to my diet.

My question is how does squats/deadlifts or any strength training impact hemorroids? Will they come back or get worse? Can I never squat again? Will I need surgery in the future?

Ps. I also have a sensitive stomach.

  • someone seeking relief
2

You may be particularly prone to developing hemorrhoids, unfortunately.

I can’t predict whether they will come back or get worse, or whether you will need surgery in the future.

I would never tell someone “they can never squat again”, because the decision as to whether the benefits of strength training outweigh the possibility of hemorrhoids needing treatment is an individual one.

3

I was (am) in the same boat during my early twenties also. I am a little over forty now and I am training harder now than ever. I have had surgery before and am suspect I will have to have it again. I really don’t feel that training has made the issue worse. in my uneducated opinion, the benefits of training have far exceeded any POTENTIAL aggravation it may cause.