How long after hemorrhoid surgery will bowel movements be painless?
Nov 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
In general, it takes 1 to 4 weeks after hemorrhoid surgery before bowel movements become painless. Daily care should focus on maintaining smooth bowel movements by eating more fiber-rich foods, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding constipation. Establish regular bowel habits and avoid prolonged straining during defecation. Keep the anal area clean; wash with warm water after bowel movements and avoid vigorous wiping. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods, and engage in appropriate physical activity to promote blood circulation.
In general, it takes 1 to 4 weeks after hemorrhoid surgery before bowel movements become painless. The specific analysis is as follows:
For simple internal hemorrhoids or smaller mixed hemorrhoids treated with minimally invasive surgery, the wound is small and tissue damage is minimal. If there is no postoperative infection and the patient has strong recovery ability, friction and irritation from stool passing over the wound site are relatively mild. In such cases, bowel movement pain usually significantly improves within about one week.
For severe circumferential mixed hemorrhoids or thrombosed external hemorrhoids, especially when treated with traditional open surgery, the wounds are larger and deeper. If postoperative complications such as infection or swelling occur, or if the patient is older with weaker healing capacity, irritation caused by stool rubbing against the wound is more pronounced. In these cases, it typically takes around four weeks for defecation pain to gradually subside.
Daily care should focus on maintaining smooth bowel movements: eat more fiber-rich foods, drink plenty of water, and avoid constipation. Develop regular bowel habits and avoid prolonged straining or sitting on the toilet. Keep the anal area clean—wash with warm water after bowel movements and avoid vigorous wiping. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing; engage in moderate physical activity to promote blood circulation. Maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, reduce stimulation to the surgical site, and support healing.
