Positions to relieve hemorrhoids: our practical advice

The positions and gestures described below provide daily relief from hemorrhoids: from the posture for sleeping to the position to adopt on the toilet, each recommendation aims to reduce pain without unnecessary effort.

The best positions to relieve hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, both internal and external, cause burning, swelling, discomfort, and itching. In many cases, it is simple changes in posture that provide the most immediate relief.

Which position to sleep in with hemorrhoids?

The best position at night is on your side: it decreases pressure on the perineum, promotes circulation, and soothes the anal area after a day spent sitting. A cushion tucked between the knees further improves comfort and stabilizes the pelvis.

How to go to the toilet without worsening hemorrhoids?

Everything comes down to position. Sitting on a standard toilet, the angle of the rectum remains closed: you have to push, and this pushing is precisely what dilates the veins. Elevating the feet brings you closer to a squatting posture, opens the angle, and eliminates most of the effort.

• Elevate your feet: a physiological footstool reproduces the squatting position by raising the knees without having to climb onto the toilet.
• Limit sitting time: less than 10 minutes on the toilet. Beyond that, the position itself maintains venous congestion.
• Never strain: the less you push, the less the veins dilate. If it doesn't happen, it is better to get back up and come back later.
• Respect your natural rhythm: go 30 to 60 minutes after a meal, and never hold it in. This regulates transit and prevents constipation — the primary cause of worsening.

In practice, this position is much easier to maintain with stable support. The double footstool adapts to most toilets thanks to its rounded shape, its adjustable height from 12 to 20 cm, and its non-slip pads. Discover the full range of physiological stools, in compact and stackable formats.

The sitz bath to calm a flare-up

During a flare-up, a sitz bath provides the clearest relief. Cold water, between 10 and 20 °C for 10 to 15 minutes, constricts blood vessels and calms the burning sensation — this is the most common traditional reflex. Outside of an acute phase, lukewarm water at 37-38 °C, for 10 to 15 minutes (maximum 20), further relaxes the area and supports local circulation.

• Frequency: 2 to 3 baths per day, especially after each bowel movement.
• Cold as a supplement: a gel pack placed in the freezer, then applied in its fabric sleeve to the perineum — never directly on the skin — prolongs the soothing effect of the bath.

A sitz bath basin can be placed directly on the toilet: a few liters are enough, and you remain comfortably seated. Once the bath is over, gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth, never rubbing. We detail the complete protocol in our article on the sitz bath technique.

Daily hygiene and comfort

Gentle hygiene avoids further irritating skin that is already fragile. After each bowel movement, rinsing with water is the best substitute for toilet paper: it removes residues without the slightest friction, whereas paper — even if moistened — continues to rub an already raw area. A portable bidet or a toilet sprayer is sufficient. On the other hand, avoid scented soaps and wipes on the area.

On a daily basis, balance also relies on movement. Prolonged sitting maintains pressure on the venous network; regular breaks and a little walking stimulate circulation. If you remain seated for a long time, a donut cushion significantly reduces discomfort — we compare the models in our article on anti-hemorrhoid cushions.

Frequently asked questions