What to do about difficulty urinating due to hemorrhoids

Nov 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

In general, difficulty urinating caused by hemorrhoids may result from pain-induced sphincter spasm, abnormal abdominal pressure due to straining during bowel movements, concurrent urinary tract infection, thrombosed external hemorrhoids, or incarcerated hemorrhoids. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through general measures, medication, and other treatments. In daily life, avoid prolonged sitting or standing; get up and move for 5 minutes every hour.

In general, difficulty urinating caused by hemorrhoids may be due to factors such as pain-induced sphincter spasm, abnormal abdominal pressure from straining during bowel movements, concurrent urinary tract infection, thrombosed external hemorrhoids, or incarcerated hemorrhoids. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, and other treatments. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Pain-induced sphincter spasm: Pain from hemorrhoids can trigger reflexive spasms of the urethral sphincter, obstructing urine outflow. Soaking in warm water (around 40°C) for 15 minutes can help relieve pain. After soaking, gently massage the lower abdomen and try listening to running water to stimulate urination, helping relax the urethral sphincter.

2. Abnormal abdominal pressure from straining during bowel movements: Excessive straining increases pressure on hemorrhoids and causes a sudden rise in intra-abdominal pressure, compressing the urethra. Adjust your diet by consuming fiber-rich foods such as bananas and oats, drink 1500–2000 mL of water daily to soften stools, and avoid excessive straining during defecation.

3. Hemorrhoids complicated by urinary tract infection: Hemorrhoids can harbor bacteria that lead to urinary tract infections; inflammation then irritates the urethra, causing difficulty urinating. Follow your doctor’s instructions to take medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, levofloxacin capsules, or amoxicillin capsules. After urination, clean the perianal area and urethral opening with warm water.

4. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids: A blood clot forming within the external hemorrhoidal veins causes severe pain, which indirectly affects urination. Take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, acetaminophen tablets, or micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) tablets as directed by your doctor. Once the pain subsides, urination difficulties typically improve.

5. Incarcerated hemorrhoids: Prolapsed internal or mixed hemorrhoids that cannot be reduced may become incarcerated, causing intense pain and resulting in urinary obstruction. A hemorrhoid reduction procedure—performed manually or surgically—is required to reposition the prolapsed tissue, relieve local compression, and restore normal urination.

To manage symptoms daily, avoid prolonged sitting or standing; get up and move for 5 minutes every hour. Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear and change it frequently to keep the anal area dry. Develop regular bowel habits, avoid spending excessive time on the toilet, and adopt comprehensive hygiene practices to alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms and improve urination.

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What is the best hemorrhoid cream?

There is no such thing as the "best hemorrhoid ointment." Commonly recommended and effective options include Ma Ying Long Musk Hemorrhoid Ointment, Gang Tai Ointment, Yunnan Baiyao Hemorrhoid Ointment, Taisun Compound Carraghenate Cream, and Jiu Hua Ointment. Each of these has specific therapeutic effects and should be selected according to the type and symptoms of hemorrhoids. If symptoms fail to improve or worsen after use, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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How long should Ma Yinglong be left on before washing off?

Ma Yinglong usually refers to Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoids Ointment. There is no need to deliberately wash it off after application. This ointment is for external use only; the active ingredients act directly on the affected skin or mucous membranes, gradually penetrating and being absorbed. Residual components will not cause harm, so additional washing is unnecessary. If symptoms such as perianal redness, swelling, worsened itching, or allergic reactions occur after application, medical attention should be sought promptly.

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What is a fleshy growth in the anus?

Anal lumps may be caused by external hemorrhoids, prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, rectal polyps, perianal abscesses, or genital warts. These conditions can be improved through dietary adjustments, maintaining hygiene, medication, or surgical intervention. If the lump increases in size, pain worsens, or bleeding occurs, prompt medical attention is necessary. Prolonged sitting and constipation can lead to congestion and dilation of the anal venous plexus.

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What medications can be used to treat anal fissures?

In general, anal fissure is a small ulcer formed by a full-thickness longitudinal tear in the skin of the anal canal, often accompanied by symptoms such as pain during defecation and rectal bleeding. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as nitroglycerin ointment, compound carrageenan cream, lidocaine hydrochloride gel, Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoids Ointment, or erythromycin ointment for treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows: