While anyone can develop hemorrhoids, certain groups are experiencing an increasing prevalence due to shifts in lifestyle, diet, and overall health trends. These contributing factors highlight why more people than ever are struggling with hemorrhoids:

How Aging Increases Your Risk of Hemorrhoids

As people age, the connective tissues supporting rectal veins weaken, making hemorrhoids more likely to develop and persist.

• The peak incidence occurs between ages 45 to 65, as the body's ability to maintain vein integrity declines. (Source: American Journal of Gastroenterology)

• Constipation becomes more common with age, often due to reduced physical activity, dietary changes, and medication side effects—all of which increase strain during bowel movements, a key cause of hemorrhoids.

"I thought hemorrhoids were just a young person's issue, something that went away quickly. But at 55, I realized they stick around—and no one was talking about it." — Martin, 55

Low-Fiber Diets & Hemorrhoids: The Hidden Connection

Modern diets are lower in fiber than ever before, leading to chronic constipation, which is a primary cause of hemorrhoids.

• The average American consumes only 16g of fiber per day, significantly below the recommended 25-30g needed for regular bowel movements. (Source: USDA)

• Low-fiber diets result in harder stools, which require more straining, increasing pressure on rectal veins and leading to hemorrhoids.

• Processed and fast foods, now dietary staples, contribute to dehydration and poor digestion, exacerbating constipation and hemorrhoid development.

"I always thought I ate pretty well, but after struggling with hemorrhoids, I realized my diet was missing something—fiber. Who knew a little more roughage could make such a difference?" — Jenna, 38

Can Sitting Too Much Cause Hemorrhoids? The Truth About Desk Jobs

Prolonged sitting—whether at work, at home, or in transit—is one of the biggest risk factors for hemorrhoids.

• Over 80% of workers now have sedentary jobs, sitting for most of the day, which restricts blood flow and increases pressure in the rectal area. (Source: Occupational Health Journal)

• A lack of movement slows digestion, contributing to constipation, making hemorrhoids more likely to form and harder to heal.

• Even leisure activities have become more sedentary, with screen time averaging over 7 hours per day for adults. (Source: Pew Research Center)

"I spend eight hours at my desk and then go home and sit on the couch. It wasn’t until my doctor pointed it out that I realized my lifestyle was contributing to my hemorrhoid problem." — Sam, 42

Why Hemorrhoids Are Common During Pregnancy & After Birth

Hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and pressure on pelvic veins during pregnancy contribute to a higher risk of hemorrhoids.

• Up to 40% of pregnant women experience hemorrhoids, often due to constipation and the weight of the growing uterus pressing on blood vessels. (Source: Cleveland Clinic)

• Postpartum hemorrhoids are common after vaginal delivery, as pushing during labor places significant strain on the rectal area.

"Pregnancy was hard enough—then I had to deal with hemorrhoids too. I wish someone had warned me beforehand!" — Sarah, 33

Hemorrhoid Diagnosis & Treatment: How Healthcare Access Impacts Prevalence

Access to healthcare influences recorded hemorrhoid prevalence, as those with better medical care are more likely to seek treatment and receive a diagnosis.

• Higher socioeconomic status correlates with increased diagnosis rates, though this may reflect better healthcare access rather than true differences in prevalence. (Source: National Institute of Health)

• Lower-income individuals may be underreporting cases, either due to lack of access to medical care or the stigma surrounding hemorrhoids.

"I ignored my symptoms for years because I didn’t know what was normal. When I finally saw a doctor, I realized how common hemorrhoids actually are." — Luis, 47

Hemorrhoids Around the World: Why Western Countries See More Cases

Diet and lifestyle habits contribute to differing rates of hemorrhoids worldwide.

• Western countries report higher prevalence, likely due to sedentary lifestyles and diets low in fiber. (Source: World Gastroenterology Organization)

• Asian and African populations experience fewer cases, as their diets tend to be higher in fiber, and squatting toilets reduce straining during bowel movements.

"When I moved to the U.S., I started having digestive issues I never had back home. My doctor told me it was my new diet and sitting all day." — Aisha, 36

Do Men and Women Experience Hemorrhoids Differently?

While men and women develop hemorrhoids at similar rates, biological differences affect severity and treatment patterns.

• Pregnancy makes women more prone to hemorrhoids, but many go untreated due to prioritizing newborn care over their own health.

• Men often experience more severe hemorrhoids, as they tend to delay seeking treatment until symptoms worsen.

"I thought hemorrhoids were just a guy thing until I got them during my second pregnancy. Turns out, it’s something almost every mom deals with at some point." — Danielle, 31

How Stress & Gut Health Affect Hemorrhoid Risk

Chronic stress affects gut health, leading to irregular bowel movements that increase hemorrhoid risk.

• Stress-related gut issues affect over 60% of adults, often resulting in alternating constipation and diarrhea, both of which contribute to hemorrhoids. (Source: American Psychological Association)

"I never connected my stress and stomach problems to hemorrhoids, but once I started managing my anxiety, things got a lot better." — Kevin, 44

 

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By understanding the factors behind the rising prevalence of hemorrhoids, we can take proactive steps toward prevention and better management. At Norms, we’re here to break the stigma and provide real solutions.