Overview

Everybody has a layer of blood vessels inside the bottom (anus). If these blood vessels become swollen or inflamed, this is called piles (haemorrhoids).

Piles are very common, affecting around 1 in 10 people. The swellings can be:

• internal piles, which start inside the anus and can drop down to outside the anus 
• external piles, which start outside the anus

Piles often get better on their own after a few days. There are also things you can do to treat and prevent piles.  

If your piles are large or they’re causing difficult symptoms,  you might need surgery. There are different treatment options depending on the type of piles you have.

Symptoms of piles

You might have some or all of these symptoms: 

• bleeding (usually bright red and separate from your poo)
• itching
• soreness or pain around your bottom (anus), especially when having a poo or straining 
• lumps around the anus

Causes of piles

Some things significantly increase the risk of piles. These include: 

• finding it hard to have a poo (constipation)
• pushing down when trying to have a poo (straining), which can also can make the symptoms of piles worse 
• pregnancy – the baby’s weight pushes down on the blood vessels bringing blood back to the heart, which casuses increased pressure and stretching of the blood vessels
• heavy lifting

Treatment

You might have already bought medicines or creams from a pharmacy or shop, or tried treatments recommended by your pharmacist or GP.

Avoiding constipation and straining can sometimes help your symptoms and treat small, internal piles. You can read more information about making lifestyle changes.

There are different hospital treatments for piles. The most suitable treatment for you depends on your circumstances and the size of the piles.

Your consultant or specialist nurse might talk to you about these options.

Banding  

We can put special rubber bands around the piles. The piles then fall off, usually 3 to 7 days after banding. Read more information about banding to treat piles.  

Surgery

If your piles are large, you might need surgery treat them. Read more information about surgery to treat piles.