How long after hemorrhoid treatment can a woman resume sexual intercourse?

Jul 01, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
If hemorrhoid symptoms are severe, with thrombosed external hemorrhoids, incarcerated hemorrhoids, or if surgical treatment is required, the recovery period tends to be relatively long. During the postoperative wound healing process, defecation can easily irritate the wound, causing pain, bleeding, and even the risk of infection. In such cases, it is generally necessary to wait 2–3 months until the wound is completely healed and anal function has returned to normal before resuming sexual activity.

Generally, women can resume sexual activity 2 weeks to 3 months after recovery from hemorrhoids. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the hemorrhoids are severe, with complications such as thrombosed external hemorrhoids, incarcerated hemorrhoids, or if surgical treatment has been performed, the recovery period will be relatively longer. During the healing process after surgery, defecation may irritate the wound, causing pain, bleeding, and even the risk of infection. In such cases, it is usually necessary to wait for 2–3 months until the wound is fully healed and anal function has returned to normal before resuming sexual activity, to avoid increased abdominal pressure or local friction during intercourse that could cause wound dehiscence or bleeding.

If the hemorrhoid symptoms are mild, with occasional rectal bleeding or a feeling of rectal fullness, and are managed conservatively with medications such as topical hemorrhoid ointments or sitz baths, recovery tends to be faster. In such cases, symptoms generally subside within about 2 weeks. Once there is no discomfort such as local pain or swelling in the anal area, sexual activity can be resumed with minimal impact on the body.

During the recovery period from hemorrhoids, regardless of symptom severity, sexual activity should be avoided too early. It is important to maintain anal hygiene, adjust the diet appropriately, and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods to prevent constipation from worsening hemorrhoid symptoms. If any abnormalities occur during recovery, medical advice should be sought promptly.

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