What Are Piles

Piles (clinically known as haemorrhoids) are lumps that form inside the back passage and on the surface of the anus. The lumps are formed by increased pressure on blood vessels in the area, causing them to enlarge and swell.

If you suffer from haemorrhoids, you are not alone. In the UK, piles affect
50% of both men and women alike at some point in their lives.¹

Types of Piles

External

These Piles develop around the outside edge of the anus. They are less common than internal piles, and do not usually cause pain or other symptoms.

Internal

These piles occur inside the rectum thought they may “prolapse”. A prolapsed haemorrhoid is a swollen blood vessel that has been pushed out of the anus.

Could You Have Piles?

Piles are fairly simple to diagnose. Your GP will perform a manual examination of the anus and back passage to determine whether symptoms are present.¹ This is a very common examination, and there is no need to be embarrassed; your GP will probably perform several each day.

Learn more about piles:

Causes

Get more information about how piles are formed.

Symptoms

Learn about the effects of having piles.

Piles Quiz

Take a quick quiz to get a better understanding of your condition.

Prevention

See how you can make a recurrence of piles less likely.

Treatment Options

Find out how to treat piles, from creams to surgery.

* Disclaimer:

Please note we are not in a position to diagnose or prescribe for specific medical conditions on our Helpline. Should you have any queries relating to your particular condition we recommend that you consult your GP.

Reference

NHS Direct. Health Encyclopaedia: Haemorrhoids. Available at: http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=184. Accessed 26/01/08.

Get Piles Resources

Download pamphlets or view websites for more piles tools and information.

Rate Your Piles

Answering three short questions may help you understand your condition.

Call the PPH Helpline

0800 028 2231

Speak to a trained nurse about your PPH questions in complete confidence.*

All about PPH

What Are Piles?