The Connection Between Kidney Stones and Hemorrhoids

The Relationship Between Kidney Stones and Hemorrhoids

Kidney stones and hemorrhoids are two very common and often painful health conditions. But is there any relationship between the two? Can developing kidney stones increase your risk for hemorrhoids, or vice versa? There are some overlaps in causes and risk factors that suggest kidney stones and hemorrhoids may be connected in some cases.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in the urine crystalize into stone-like deposits. These stones can range from very small to quite large, even the size of a golf ball in some cases. Kidney stones often don't cause any symptoms until they start traveling down the urinary tract. Once they move from the kidney down toward the bladder and urethra, they can cause severe pain in the back, abdomen, groin and when urinating.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

There are a few key risk factors that make someone more prone to developing kidney stones:

Dehydration - Not drinking enough fluids is a top cause of stones.
Diet high in oxalates - Oxalate is found in many plant foods.
High protein, sodium and sugar intake
Obesity
Gastric bypass surgery
Digestive conditions that affect nutrient absorption like Crohn's or celiac disease
Family history of kidney stones

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids refer to the veins located around the anus or lower rectum region that have become inflamed and swollen. There are two main types - internal and external hemorrhoids:

Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum and often aren't noticeable until they bleed during a bowel movement.
External hemorrhoids protrude outside the anus and are covered by sensitive skin that can cause significant pain and itching. They may also bleed.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

There are several factors that contribute to developing hemorrhoids:

Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements
Sitting for prolonged periods
Low fiber diet
Obesity
Pregnancy
Heavy lifting

The Link Between Kidney Stones and Hemorrhoids

When looking closely at the common causes and risk factors behind kidney stones and hemorrhoids, you can see there is definitely some overlap. Dehydration, low fiber diets, obesity and digestive issues seem to be tied to both conditions. So how exactly are kidney stones and hemorrhoids connected?

Hemorrhoids Caused by Passing Kidney Stones

One of the biggest links between kidney stones and hemorrhoids is the act of passing kidney stones itself. Trying to pass a tiny stone through your urinary tract and urethra can be incredibly painful and take a lot of physical straining. All this intense pressure can easily lead to strained blood vessels in the anus and rectum, causing hemorrhoids.

The intense pain of kidney stones can also cause people to sit on the toilet for long periods of time straining and waiting to pass a stone. Sitting for prolong periods is a top risk factor for developing hemorrhoids too.

Obesity

Carrying around excess weight puts more pressure on veins both inside and outside the body. Obesity and being overweight leads to increased hemorrhoid risk and also kidney stone risk. Maintaining a healthy weight is one way to potentially avoid both conditions.

Digestive Diseases

Often the same digestive system issues that make passing kidney stones more likely can also set the stage for hemorrhoids. For example, inflammatory bowel diseases and celiac disease are linked to both kidney stone formation and hemorrhoids in some patients due to improper absorption of key nutrients.

Dehydration

Not getting enough fluids in your diet is the number one cause of kidney stones. But chronic dehydration also leads to harder, more difficult to pass stools which require straining - and straining then causes hemorrhoids. Making an effort to drink the recommended 6-8 glasses of water per day may help prevent both stones and hemorrhoids.

Low Fiber Diets

Diets low in fiber, fruits and vegetables often lack key fluids and nutrients the body needs. They also lead to harder, drier stools. This combination means low fiber diets tend to contribute to higher rates of both kidney stones and hemorrhoids for many people.

Getting Relief From Kidney Stones and Hemorrhoids

Suffering from the intense and all-consuming pain of kidney stones or uncomfortable hemorrhoids? Try these proven home treatments for relief from both conditions:

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water and fluids like herbal teas helps flush out your system and makes stones, and bowel movements, easier to pass. Shoot for 6-8 glasses minimum per day.

Take Warm Sitz Baths

A warm shallow bath for the buttocks and hips area, called a sitz bath, helps relax muscles and increase blood flow to reduce swelling and soothe pain from kidney stones, hemorrhoids or both.

Apply Cold Compresses

For hemorrhoid pain and swelling relief, wrap some ice cubes with cloth and apply to external hemorrhoids off and on for 15 minute intervals.

Consider Over-the-Counter Creams

Look for hemorrhoid creams with ingredients like hydrocortisone, witch hazel or phenylephrine to reduce swelling, pain and itching quickly.

Increase Fiber Intake

Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds every day to help avoid constipation and make passing kidney stones less painful.

When to See a Doctor

While home treatments can help provide relief for uncomplicated kidney stones and hemorrhoids, it's important to know when to see a doctor. Contact your physician if:

You aren't able to successfully pass a kidney stone and the pain becomes unbearable
You have a high fever and chills along with kidney stone symptoms that signal infection
Hemorrhoid pain and swelling gets significantly worse or bleeding is heavy
Hemorrhoid symptoms last longer than 1-2 weeks despite home treatments

Catching complications early can help minimize kidney and hemorrhoid damage, the need for surgery and improve the chances of successful treatment.

Take Steps to Prevent Kidney Stones and Hemorrhoids

Making some proactive lifestyle changes can go a long way towards avoiding repeat or chronic issues with kidney stones and hemorrhoids:

Drink plenty of fluids - especially water
Eat a fiber rich diet with lots of plant foods
Maintain a healthy weight
Take regular activity or exercise breaks if sitting for long periods
Consider supplements like citrate to inhibit kidney stone development
Don't delay bowel movements - go when needed

Paying attention to adequate hydration, nutrition and healthy bathroom habits makes preventing recurrence of kidney stones, hemorrhoids or both much more possible.

FAQs

Can kidney stones actually lead to hemorrhoids?

Yes. The intense pressure and straining involved in trying to pass a kidney stone can overtax blood vessels in the rectum and anus, causing them to swell into hemorrhoids.

If I have hemorrhoids, does that increase my risk for kidney stones?

Not necessarily. But some underlying causes of hemorrhoids, like chronic constipation and poor hydration, can increase risk for developing kidney stones over time.

Should I see a doctor for hemorrhoids caused by kidney stones?

It's always smart to have new hemorrhoid symptoms evaluated, especially bleeding hemorrhoids. Your doctor can rule out more serious conditions with an exam and treat persistent hemorrhoids.

How can I avoid getting hemorrhoids from kidney stones?

Preventing kidney stones with good hydration, diet and exercise is the best way. Also avoid straining excessively and take sitz baths and over-the-counter creams to treat hemorrhoids caused by passing stones.