Haemorrhoids

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Haemorrhoids

Also known as Piles

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4.5

Get your treatment

Rated

4.5

Summary

Haemorrhoids (also known as piles) are when blood vessels in or around the anus become enlarged.
They’re thought to be caused by increased pressure in blood vessels around the rectum.
Treatment comes as creams, ointments, and suppositories which can ease swelling.

Haemorrhoids: essential info
Causes and symptoms
What are my options?
FAQ

Reviewed on July 02, 2025. by

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

GMC (No. 4624794)

Next review due on July 02, 2028

Last updated on July 02, 2025

Find the Haemorrhoids treatment that’s best for you.

We’ve got a range of options, and our clinicians can help you find the one that’s best for your body and your budget.

Proctosedyl Ointment

Cincochaine + Hydrocortisone

In stock

Available as an ointment or suppository. Relieves discomfort and irritation.

Starting from £39.95

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Scheriproct

Cincochaine + Prednisolone

In stock

Puts a stop to the pain and discomfort from piles. Choose from an ointment or suppository.

Starting from £28.95

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Anusol HC Cream

Benzyl Benzoate + Bismuth Oxide + Bismuth Subgallate + Hydrocortisone + Peru Balsam + Zinc Oxide

In stock

Cream that gives targeted relief from internal and external piles.

Starting from £34.95

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Xyloproct ointment

Lidocaine + Hydrocortisone

In stock

Ointment that targets piles immediately. Short-term treatment.

Starting from £42.95

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Perinal Spray

Lidocaine + Hydrocortisone

Out of stock

Topical spray applied directly to the affected area. Can be used for 7 days.

Starting from £34.95

Out of stock

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].

Treated trusted sources:

BMJ Best Practice (Jan 2016). ‘Hemorrhoids. The right clinical information, right where it’s needed’.
Lohsiriwat, V. (2012). Hemorrhoids: From basic pathophysiology to clinical management. World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG, 18(17), 2009-2017.
Migaly, J. and Sun, Z. (2016). Review of Hemorrhoid Disease: Presentation and Management. Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery, [online] 29(01), pp.022–029.
Kibret, A.A., Oumer, M. and Moges, A.M. (2021). Prevalence and associated factors of hemorrhoids among adult patients visiting the surgical outpatient department in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. PLOS ONE, 16(4), p.e0249736.

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on July 02, 2025. Next review due on July 02, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

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.

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on July 02, 2025. Next review due on July 02, 2028.

How we source info.

What medications are there for haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoid symptoms sometimes settle down after a few days, without needing any specific treatment. Making simple dietary and lifestyle changes to ease or avoid constipation, along with not straining on the toilet, can help to ease symptoms. But if your symptoms persist, there are different treatment options available which can be provided in various forms.

Creams, ointments and suppositories (which are inserted into your bottom) are available which will help to relieve any itching, swelling and discomfort suffered. These medicines should only be used for a few days at a time as they may irritate the skin if they’re used for longer.

If you have constipation or are experiencing hard stools, there are treatments available which will help with this and also to soften your poo. Cold packs can also be used to help ease any discomfort. It’s often a matter of personal preference. If you experience no improvement after using home treatments, you should always seek the advice of a clinician as hospital treatment may be required.

Is there a ‘best’ treatment for haemorrhoids?

In short, no. As this can vary widely from person to person and also on the duration and severity of your symptoms. In some instances, haemorrhoids will clear up on their own after a short period without treatment or a clinical intervention. Lifestyle choices should always be taken into account as making simple changes such as increasing fibre intake and drinking more water can help too.

Do haemorrhoids always need treatment?

Often haemorrhoids will settle after a few days. This, together with making lifestyle improvements, will often reduce the number of repeat episodes, or stop them completely. Taking measures to reduce constipation such as increasing your diet in fibre rich foods like fruit, vegetables, legumes, (peas, pulses, beans) nuts and whole grains, together with drinking plenty of water (two litres a day) will certainly help. Try not to strain when you go to the toilet and afterwards, gently clean around the anus with water and pat dry.

How we source info.

FAQ: Haemorrhoids

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How are haemorrhoids diagnosed?

Answer:

They’re usually confirmed by a clinician examining you and asking questions relating to your symptoms. Many people feel embarrassed due to the intimacy of the area affected and the symptoms suffered, but a clinician will discuss them with you in confidence and help to ease any concerns you may have.

Are there tests for haemorrhoids?

Answer:

On occasion, if you are suffering bleeding as part of your symptoms, a clinician may refer you to a specialist to rule out any other causes (but normally this isn’t necessary). A stool or blood test may also be carried out to check that there are no other underlying conditions.

Can you get side effects from haemorrhoids treatment?

Answer:

As most haemorrhoid treatments contain steroids, these may cause a burning or tingling sensation. As mentioned, self-applied treatments are generally used for a few days only (no longer than a week) as they can cause irritation to the anus and surrounding area. There are non-steroidal treatments available should this be a concern. If you experience any side effects whilst using haemorrhoid medication, let your clinician know.

Does haemorrhoids treatment always work?

Answer:

Haemorrhoids can recur in spite of having used effective medication. It’s important to make healthy lifestyle changes alongside taking any treatments to try and help prevent any repeat instances.

Why should I buy haemorrhoid treatment online with Treated?

Answer:

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GP Clinical Lead

Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)

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Registered with GPhC (No. 2202465)

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Independent Prescriber

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