A patient’s story
Oliver, a 46-year-old office worker, booked an appointment after weeks of discomfort he kept hoping would resolve on its own. He noticed itching, occasional bright red bleeding, and a feeling of pressure after bowel movements. Like many patients, he delayed seeking advice out of embarrassment. When he finally came in, he felt relieved when I explained that haemorrhoids were the cause of his symptoms, and that they are a common, treatable condition
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I see patients like Oliver every week. If you are experiencing similar symptoms, you are not alone and you do not need to suffer in silence.
What are piles or haemorrhoids?
Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. They develop when increased pressure causes these veins to enlarge, leading to discomfort, pain, itching, or bleeding.
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There are two main types of haemorrhoids:
Internal haemorrhoids, which develop inside the rectum and are often painless
External haemorrhoids, which form under the skin around the anus and may cause pain, swelling, and irritation
Haemorrhoids are extremely common and affect people of all ages.
What causes haemorrhoids?
Several factors can increase pressure in the rectal veins, including:
Straining during bowel movements
Chronic constipation
Low-fibre diets
Prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet
Pregnancy
Obesity
Over time, these pressures weaken the vein walls, allowing haemorrhoids to develop.
Common symptoms of haemorrhoids
Patients often describe:
Itching or burning around the anus
Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting
Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
A lump or swelling near the anus
Any rectal bleeding should always be assessed, even if you suspect haemorrhoids, to rule out other conditions.
How can you reduce your risk of haemorrhoids?
You can significantly lower your risk by making practical lifestyle changes:
Increase fibre intake through fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes
Drink plenty of fluids to keep stools soft
Exercise regularly to support bowel function
Avoid prolonged sitting and take regular movement breaks
Do not strain during bowel movements
Respond promptly to the urge to open your bowels
Maintain a healthy weight
These measures not only reduce haemorrhoid risk but also improve overall digestive health.
How do we treat haemorrhoids?
Treatment depends on severity, symptoms, and response to conservative measures.
Initial treatments often include
Dietary adjustments, especially increasing fibre and fluids
Topical creams or ointments to relieve itching and pain
Warm Sitz baths to soothe inflammation
If symptoms persist, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended, including:
Rubber band ligation, where a band cuts off blood supply to the haemorrhoid
Sclerotherapy, which shrinks haemorrhoids using an injected solution
Infrared coagulation, using heat to reduce haemorrhoidal tissue
Surgery, such as haemorrhoidectomy, is reserved for severe or recurrent cases.
Early assessment allows us to choose the least invasive and most effective option for you.
What is haemorrhoidal banding?
Haemorrhoidal banding is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure used to treat symptomatic internal haemorrhoids.
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A small rubber band is placed at the base of the haemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply. The haemorrhoid then shrinks and falls away naturally.
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Performed under local anaesthetic
Well tolerated
Low complication risk
Patients usually return to normal activities quickly
Banding is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for haemorrhoids when lifestyle measures alone are not enough.
Can lifestyle changes reduce bowel cancer risk?
Yes. Many steps that support bowel health also reduce bowel cancer risk, including:
High-fibre diets
Maintaining a healthy weight
Regular physical activity
Avoiding smoking
Limiting alcohol intake
Appropriate screening, based on age and family history
Rectal bleeding should never be ignored, even when haemorrhoids are suspected.
When should you seek medical advice?
You should book an assessment if:
Symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes
Bleeding continues or worsens
Pain interferes with daily life
You notice a new lump or change in bowel habits
Early evaluation improves outcomes and provides reassurance.