Haemorrhoids

What are haemorrhoids?

Your anus is lined with spongy tissue which helps it to close after passing stool. These tissues are filled and supplied with tiny blood vessels.

Haemorrhoids, or piles as they are commonly known, happen when these spongy tissues enlarge and form small, round discoloured lumps. They are uncomfortable for the individual concerned and can often lead to bleeding. They are usually around the anus, or inside the anal canal (the short muscular tube connecting the rectum to the anus) where they may drop down and need to be gently pushed back in.

Who gets haemorrhoids?

Anyone can suffer from haemorrhoids, but there are certain factors which usually increase the likelihood of developing them. Generally they are most common in the 45 – 65 age group. ^[1] They’re more prevalent amongst pregnant women, where increased pressure on the pelvic blood vessels can cause them to enlarge, leading to haemorrhoids.

Other factors that can increase the risk of developing haemorrhoids include:

• constipation or passing hard or large stools (faeces) which can cause straining when using the toilet
• diarrhoea
• obesity or being overweight
• age (as you get older, the body’s supporting tissues naturally become weaker)
• having a family history of haemorrhoids
• regularly lifting heavy objects
• persistent cough or repeated vomiting
• sitting down for long periods

How common are haemorrhoids?

Although we can’t be too precise as to how common piles are because many are small and never seen by a clinician, it’s estimated that up to 13%-36% of people in the UK alone suffer from piles to some extent ^[2]. In the US around 4% of the population report suffering from haemorrhoids at any given time ^[3], and it’s been estimated to affect 4.4% of the population worldwide ^[4].

What causes haemorrhoids?

The exact cause of haemorrhoids is uncertain, but they are associated with an increase in pressure in the blood vessels in the anal and rectal areas. This pressure can then cause the blood vessels to become swollen and inflamed, developing into a pile.

What are the symptoms of haemorrhoids?

There are various symptoms of haemorrhoids which may vary from one person to the next, and some people may not notice symptoms.

More obvious symptoms may include the following:

• bleeding after passing a stool (the blood is usually bright red)
• an itchy bottom
• a lump, or lumps hanging down outside of the anus (these may need to be pushed gently back in after passing a stool)
• a mucus discharge after passing a stool
• soreness, redness and swelling around your anus

Can haemorrhoids lead to other problems?

If you have haemorrhoids which are causing you pain, which aren’t healing, or that become infected, you may require a procedure to remove them. These procedures may be surgical or non-surgical. If you experience any rectal bleeding, you should always get this checked out to rule out any more potentially serious underlying issues.

Our clinician can discuss any concerns you may have, and advise you on the best course of action to help with your haemorrhoids.