Hemorrhoids

What are hemorrhoids?

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.

Hemorrhoids, or piles as they are commonly known, happen when these spongy tissues enlarge and form small, round, discoloured lumps. They’re often uncomfortable and can 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 hemorrhoids?

Anyone can suffer from hemorrhoids, but there are certain factors that 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 hemorrhoids.

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

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

How common are hemorrhoids?

Although we can’t be too precise as to how common piles are because many are never seen by a doctor, it’s estimated that around 4% of the US population reports suffering from hemorrhoids at any given time,^[2] and they’re estimated to affect 4.4% of the population worldwide. ^[3]

What causes hemorrhoids?

The exact cause of hemorrhoids is uncertain, but they’re associated with increased pressure in blood vessels. This pressure can then cause the blood vessels to become swollen and inflamed, developing into a pile.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

There are various symptoms of hemorrhoids, 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 hemorrhoids lead to other problems?

If you have hemorrhoids that are causing you pain, 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.

A doctor can discuss any concerns you may have and advise you on the best course of action to help with your hemorrhoids.