Dr. Deepali is a qualified dental surgeon with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from the esteemed MR Ambedkar Dental College, Bangalore. With a strong foundation in clinical healthcare and a deep-rooted passion for storytelling, she has transitioned into the world of medical writing—where science meets empathy. Drawing from years of hands-on experience in patient care, Dr. Deepali specializes in simplifying complex health information into clear, relatable, and trustworthy content. Her journey as a writer began long before her medical career—with published articles, play scripts, and creative pieces written during her school and college years. Today, she combines that creative flair with her medical background to write well-researched articles on sexual wellness, general health, mental well-being, and more. Her core belief is that health content should empower—not overwhelm. She is especially passionate about patient education and uses her writing to bridge the gap between medical jargon and everyday understanding. Every article she creates is grounded in scientific evidence, empathy, and accessibility.
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Updated on 21st July 2025
Hemorrhoids don’t directly cause erectile dysfunction, but they can indirectly interfere with sexual performance, especially in younger men. Factors like pelvic floor dysfunction, poor blood flow, chronic pain, and anxiety from hemorrhoids may contribute to ED symptoms. The good news? Both conditions are treatable, and early care can improve comfort, confidence, and sexual health. If you notice changes in erections while dealing with piles, talking to a doctor is the first step toward relief. Ask ChatGPT
Does hemorrhoids cause erectile dysfunction? Not directly, but hemorrhoids can indirectly cause erectile dysfunction in ways you might not expect. From pelvic floor strain and poor blood flow to pain and stress, hemorrhoids may indirectly affect erections, especially in younger men.
In this article, we’ll break down how and why this happens, what the research says, and what you can do to manage both conditions safely.
No, piles do not directly cause erectile dysfunction. Piles might indirectly cause erectile dysfunction, especially in the younger age group.
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anal canal, similar to varicose veins. They can develop from straining during bowel movements, sitting too long, or chronic constipation. There are two main types:
A large population-based study[1] in Taiwan looked at over 6,000 men with erectile dysfunction and found that nearly 1 in 4 also had hemorrhoids, compared to just 14% of men without ED. Even more striking, young men under 30 with hemorrhoids were about 3.7 times more likely to also experience ED.
Now, why would younger men be more affected? In older men, ED often comes from age-related issues like low testosterone or heart problems. But if a healthy 25-year-old has ED, it usually means something else is getting in the way, and in some cases, hemorrhoids could be one of those hidden factors.
While this doesn’t prove that hemorrhoids directly cause erectile issues, it suggests that shared risk factors like inflammation, pelvic pressure, or nerve irritation could be at play, especially in younger men who wouldn’t typically be expected to have ED.
Both hemorrhoids and erectile dysfunction often share one key culprit: pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. These pelvic floor muscles are responsible for supporting pelvic organs and managing pressure during bowel movements and sexual function.
Hemorrhoids involve swollen veins and disrupted blood circulation in the lower anal area(anal sphincter). Because the pelvic region is tightly connected, this altered blood flow can affect nearby areas, including the penis.[2]
Living with hemorrhoids can affect more than just your bathroom habits; it can quietly take a toll on your confidence and sexual performance.
Sexual function and pleasure are closely tied to comfort and relaxation. Hemorrhoids, especially during flare-ups, can cause:
Hemorrhoid surgery(surgical hemorrhoidectomy) can actually help with erectile dysfunction by alleviating the symptoms and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.
Study[3] shows that the International Index of Erectile Function scores increased from 15.56 to 27.37 post-surgery, with 41.1% of patients showing improvement.
The positive effects of surgical hemorrhoidectomy on erectile dysfunction are due to:
But, some men may experience complications after the surgery, which can have an impact on their sexual health:
This points to the fact that getting a treatment for hemorrhoids is necessary for quality of life and sexual function, especially if it is indirectly affecting the erectile function. Though there is a small percentage chance of developing a temporary complication, the healthier option is early intervention.
Piles and erectile dysfunction are both treatable conditions. It is best to keep a lookout if you are suffering from piles and noticing difficulty in erectile function. See your doctor if you notice any of these:
Piles and erectile dysfunction can be managed and avoided by various lifestyle changes and little extra care. Let’s find out how.
Hydration
Dietary Habits
Pelvic Floor Care
Physical Activity
Pain Management
Stress and Sexual Anxiety Reduction:
So, does hemorrhoids cause erectile dysfunction? Yes and no. Hemorrhoids don’t directly cause ED, but they can definitely affect it indirectly. Pain, pressure, stress, and pelvic floor strain, all of which can come with hemorrhoids, may interfere with your body’s ability to perform sexually.
Remember, erectile dysfunction is usually linked to several factors, including blood flow problems, nerve issues, and hormonal imbalances. That’s why it’s important to stay aware and not ignore changes.
The longer you wait, the more likely it is for things to get complicated. If you’re dealing with hemorrhoids and noticing changes in your sexual function, bring it up with your doctor.
Early conversations often lead to quicker, easier solutions.
The following blog article provides general information and insights on various topics. However, it is important to note that the information presented is not intended as professional advice in any specific field or area. The content of this blog is for general educational and informational purposes only.
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