Advice on Preventing and Treating Haemorrhoids

If you suffer from haemorrhoids (commonly known as 'piles') and want to find out more about how and why they occur, their prevention and the range of treatments available, this is the site for you.

In particular, the site looks at a comparatively new surgical treatment for haemorrhoids and prolapse - PPH - Procedure for Prolapse and Haemorrhoids.

What exactly is a haemorrhoid?

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen blood vessels in the back passage. They are extremely common and as many as one in three of us will experience haemorrhoids at some stage in our lives.

They may occur inside your body in the anal canal, or they may bulge down outside the anus, in which case they are known as prolapsed haemorrhoids. Prolapsed haemorrhoids can become very swollen and enlarged and may require surgery.

Haemorrhoids are often caused by constipation or pregnancy. There are various things you can do to prevent piles from reoccurring, such as making changes to your diet or lifestyle; you can find more details in our About Haemorrhoids section.