Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids (often known as piles) are swollen, rigid lumps in or around your anus. If you think you may be suffering from haemorrhoids, we advise you to see your consultant.
What happens during your appointment?
In order for your consultant to diagnose your condition they will ask you to discuss your medical history and will perform a visual assessment. They will follow this up with a physical examination or palpation of the area to help determine if there are any abnormalities.
Depending on the complexity of your condition, they may require you to have additional tests done – colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy.
Treatment Options
Depending on the severity of your condition, your consultant will opt for either of the following treatment options.
- Non-surgical outpatient hemorrhoid treatment
- Hemorrhoid banding
- Hemorrhoid ligation surgery
- Hemorrhoidectomy
What are the symptoms you may have?
If you do have hemorrhoids, you may notice some or all of the following;
- Blood during bowel movements, either on the toilet paper or in the pan, or spots of blood on your underwear
- Itchiness around the anus
- Jelly like mucus discharge
- A lump outside of the back passage, (can be present all the time, or after a bowel motion)
- Discomfort or pain during a bowel movement, especially if constipated
What causes hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are mainly caused when there is too much pressure on the veins around your anus resulting them to swell.
- Constipation is thought to be the main cause, as the pressure of passing hard stools causes the blood vessels to weaken
- Straining during bowel movements
- Pregnancy due to the additional pressure from the baby and constipation caused by hormonal changes
- Prostate problems in men causing difficulty passing urine can lead to piles
