Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids or piles are small blood filled lumps that are caused by the increased pressure placed on the varicose veins. Developing on the rectum or the anus, they can be experienced by both men and women of any age, though your chances of developing the condition increase, as you get older. Although this condition initially develops inside the anus (known as internal haemorrhoids), they can occasionally protrude and become external piles.

As haemorrhoids are caused by an increase of pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, factors such as straining when using the toilet, and constipation are thought to be key contributors to the formation of piles. Likewise, if you are obese, it is thought that your chance of developing piles is significantly increased. You are also more susceptible to this condition if you are pregnant or over 50 years of age. Changes in your lifestyle, such as including exercise in your daily routine to avoid a sedentary lifestyle and increasing your consumption of fibre to avoid constipation, are usually recommended.

Not everybody with haemorrhoids will experience symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include:

• bleeding after every bowel movement
• mucus discharge after bowel movements
• itchiness, swelling and inflammation and soreness around the anus or rectum

You may also experience the constant feeling that your bowels are full and need to be emptied. A pile may also prolapse (move outside of the anus).

Although haemorrhoids are usually harmless and in time should disappear on their own, symptoms can often be painful and cause great discomfort. Piles treatments provide effective short-term relief of these symptoms and help to alleviate any irritation caused by the piles.

Once you have haemorrhoids you are likely to experience flare ups. The only way to get rid of haemorrhoids completely is through surgery which is usually a last resort if they have been allowed to get to a point where treatment is not sufficient. Most people first turn to over the counter treatments, but although helpful in some cases are not strong enough for many to alleviate the symptoms that stop them from partaking in their usual day to day activities without pain and discomfort. There are various prescription medications available that can help to numb the painful area, reduce inflammation, itching and discomfort and shortening the length of the flare up.

Haemorrhoids are available in a number of treatments in the form of creams, lotions, ointments or sprays, which are all effective methods for treating external haemorrhoids. Some of these medications also come with a detachable nozzle, which can be attached to the medicine to treat internal piles. Likewise, some treatments are also available as suppositories, providing an additional treatment method for internal piles.

For piles that are more severe, further treatments options may need to be considered, such as banding, injections, infrared coagulation and surgery. However, a doctor will prescribe or recommend the most suitable option for you.

Yes, euroClinix offers a discreet consultation service to help patients find the most suitable and effective piles treatment. Many people that have piles avoid seeing their doctor either through embarrassment, not finding the time to make an appointment or hoping that they will go away on their own. You don't have to suffer with the symptoms when there are haemorrhoid treatments online that can be delivered discreetly to your door the next day. During the ordering process you will be asked to answer key medical questions to determine your suitability for the treatments we offer. If you are approved, your medication will be discreetly shipped to your door.