All people have naturally occurring hemorrhoidal veins both outside and inside of the recto-anal area. When someone is suffering from piles, these veins are inflamed and enlarged, causing unpleasant symptoms including general discomfort, burning sensation, itchiness, pain and bleeding.


The good thing is that in many cases, piles self-heal. However in 70% of all cases – especially for people over the age of 50 – when self-healing does not occur or the condition frequently recurs, it is extremely important to be aware of the potential causes of piles in order to successfully treat them.

You will find several theories with regards to the causes of piles, including:

  • irregular bowel movements,
  • prolonged sitting on the toilet,
  • and inadequate intake of fiber.


But, in actual fact all these three aspects are interrelated to each other. Insufficient fiber intake usually results in constipation, which will consequently result in straining during bowel movements.


Causes of Piles

Additional factors that may affect the development of hemorrhoids include:

  • diarrhea,
  • regular use of laxatives,
  • wiping too hard after a bowel movement,
  • getting older,
  • liver diseases that cause portal hypertension,
  • genetic predisposition to weak recto-anal veins,
  • excess pressure on the pelvic area caused by the weight of the fetus in pregnancy,
  • excessive straining in labor,
  • regular activities that put extra pressure on the rectal area, such as squatting, digging or lifting heavy weights,
  • excessive body weight,
  • or friction caused by regular anal intercourse.


The muscles and tissue that surrounds and supports the veins inside your recto-anal area can become less toned and stretched out with aging. This is why as you become older you may become more vulnerable to hemorrhoids.
Pregnancy, labor, lifting heavy weights, obesity or anal sexual intercourse are all factors that can put an increased pressure on the recto-anal veins, which can possibly weaken and stretch them out.

Symptoms of Piles | Piles Treatment
You can try to prevent the development of hemorrhoids at any age by:

  • eating fiber rich foods,
  • keeping yourself properly hydrated,
  • avoiding sitting down for long periods of time,
  • keeping yourself physically fit,
  • wiping the affected area gently, using moistened toilet tissues or cotton wool pads,
  • and if the need arises, having a bowel movement without any delay.

If you are suffering from internal or external hemorrhoids, please do not leave them untreated as untreated hemorrhoids can have irreversible consequences on your body.

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