Piles in Men - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Piles affect the veins in the anus and lower rectum. They can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding during bowel movements. It is a common condition in men, especially those above 50 years.

If left untreated, the condition worsens, and the affected area starts bleeding. Two types of haemorrhoids, internal and external, can affect men.

1. Internal haemorrhoids occur inside the rectum and may bleed without pain. They can protrude out of the anus during a bowel movement and cause discomfort or a burning sensation.
2. On the other hand, external haemorrhoids develop outside the anus and can cause severe pain, itching, and discomfort. They may also bleed during bowel movements.

It is also possible for a man to have both internal and external haemorrhoids simultaneously. It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of piles, as they can be treated effectively with various treatment options.

Usually, piles are not severe. However, some common symptoms of piles in males are mentioned below, which one can easily identify:

1. Itching and Burning in the Anal Area: The presence of swollen veins can cause itching or burning in the anal area.
2. Bleeding during Bowel Movements: The rupture of veins in haemorrhoids can cause bleeding during or after bowel movements with pain.
3. Lump around the Anus: There may be a lump or swelling around the anus due to the protrusion of the veins in the piles.
4. Feeling of Incomplete Bowel Movement: Haemorrhoids can cause a feeling of incomplete bowel movement, which obstructs the normal passage of stool.
5. Discomfort in Sitting: There could be discomfort in sitting due to pressure on the swollen veins in the anus and rectum.

To read this blog in Hindi, you can visit 'Piles in Men in Hindi'

It is difficult to tell any exact reason for the piles in men. But the pressure on the blood vessels and tissues in the anus increases the chances of causing haemorrhoids. Following are some of the common causes of piles in men:

1. Low-Fibre Diet: Consuming a diet with low fibre can make your stools hard and difficult to pass, leading to more strain during bowel movements. This increases pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus. 
2. Straining during Bowel Movements: Pushing too hard while passing stool can pressure the veins in the rectum and anus, leading to haemorrhoids.
3. Sitting for Long Periods: Spending a lot of time sitting, especially on hard surfaces, can increase the chances of piles.
4. Heavy Lifting: Men who regularly lift heavy objects are also at risk of developing piles. This is because the strain of lifting heavy can cause the veins in the anus to become inflamed.
5. Ageing: As you get older, the tissues in your body become weaker, including those in the anus and rectum, making you more prone to haemorrhoids.

Generally, a person can easily identify whether he has piles or not based on the symptoms, like swelling, bleeding, pain and discomfort in the anal area.

If these symptoms increase, you should consult a doctor. To diagnose piles, the doctor will perform the following tests:

1. Digital Rectal Examination: To understand the severity of the disease, a doctor will wear gloves and lubricate the finger. Then, he will insert the finger inside the anus.
2. Anoscopy: A small camera (anoscope) is inserted into the anal area to examine the anal region.
3. Colonoscopy: The doctor examines your entire bowel using a colonoscope (long, flexible, lighted tube) to check for abnormal growths, red or swollen tissue, sores (ulcers), or bleeding.
4. Sigmoidoscopy: It is a medical procedure used to examine the lower part of the colon and rectum. This is done using a lighted tube with a camera.

Generally, piles in men get cured without any medicine or treatment. You can treat piles in various ways without surgery. 

Home Remedies for Piles in Men

Home remedies are useful techniques to control piles. You can get it conveniently at your home. A few natural remedies include:

1. Sitz Bath: This is a therapeutic technique in which you lie in a warm, water bath. It helps reduce itching and burning in the pelvic area. Adding sodium bicarbonate or Epsom salts to a sitz bath may provide additional relief.
2. Ice Pack: To ease severe and painful piles, use an ice pack on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce swelling, but before applying it to the skin to avoid any harm wrap it in cloth.
3. Witch Hazel: You can apply a small amount of witch hazel to a cotton ball directly on the haemorrhoids. Gently wipe the affected area several times a day, especially after a bowel movement. This will reduce itching and burning.
4. Aloe Vera Oil: Due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces itching and burning caused by piles. Simply apply a small amount of aloe vera oil to the affected area and massage gently.
5. Coconut Oil: It can be an effective treatment for piles because of its antibacterial properties. You can also cook food in coconut oil. The laxative properties present in it can relieve constipation.

Food Modifications for Piles in Men

Food can also help reduce the chances of getting piles. You can include:

1. Fibre-Rich Food: Consuming high-fibre foods can help soften stools and reduce constipation, which can aggravate haemorrhoids. These foods include whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and bran.
2. Vitamin C: It is an antioxidant that may boost immune function, reduce inflammation and strengthen blood vessels. Additionally, it can help reduce haemorrhoid symptoms. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, bell peppers and broccoli, are good choices for your diet.
3. Flavonoids: Food rich in flavonoids contains plant compounds that can reduce inflammation and strengthen blood vessels, alleviating piles symptoms. Citrus fruits, berries, and dark chocolate are examples of such foods. 
4. Probiotics: Include curd in your diet. It contains good bacteria that can improve gut health and regulate bowel movements, ultimately reducing the chances of developing constipation and piles symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes for Piles

It is possible to prevent the worsening of haemorrhoids by implementing lifestyle changes. These measures can effectively provide a permanent cure for haemorrhoids without surgery. A few changes include:

1. Keep Yourself Hydrated: To relieve the symptoms of haemorrhoids and promote healing, it is recommended to stay hydrated to soften the stool and ease bowel movements, thus reducing pressure and strain on the affected veins.
2. Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve blood flow in the body. It alleviates constipation, which is a common contributing factor to the development of haemorrhoids.
3. Limit Red Meat: Consuming red meat is hard to digest and make piles symptom worse, so try to eat other types of protein like chicken, fish, or beans instead. 
4. Avoid Processed Food: To manage the symptoms of haemorrhoids, it is advisable to avoid processed foods as they tend to have high levels of unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar, which can cause inflammation, digestive problems, and other health issues that can worsen the condition.

Non-Surgical Treatment

If home remedies and medications don't improve haemorrhoids, non-surgical treatments can be considered. These include:

1. Rubber Band Ligation: This involves placing a rubber band around the haemorrhoid, causing the tissue to die off. This results in piles falling off.
2. Sclerotherapy: A liquid called a sclerosant is injected into the haemorrhoid, which reduces the blood supply and causes the haemorrhoid to shrink.
3. Electrotherapy: An electrical current is used to shrink the haemorrhoid, which will eventually fall off.
4. Infrared Coagulation: This method uses infrared light to shrink the haemorrhoid, similar to sclerotherapy.

If non-surgical treatments for haemorrhoids don't work, surgery may be recommended. There are different surgical methods available to treat haemorrhoids, including:

1. Haemorrhoidectomy: It removes internal or external haemorrhoids that have prolapsed.
2. Stapled Haemorrhoidectomy: A stapling instrument pulls internal haemorrhoids back into the anus or removes them altogether.
3. Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation: This minimally invasive procedure involves tying off the blood supply to the haemorrhoids, causing them to shrink and eventually fall off.
4. Laser Surgery: A surgeon uses a laser to cut off the blood supply to the haemorrhoids, which causes them to shrink. Laser Surgery for piles is an effective solution to treat piles.

Generally, there are no specific ways to prevent piles in men. However, when piles are detected early, the progression and deterioration of the condition can be prevented. Some ways to prevent piles are given below:

1. Healthy Food: A diet rich in fibre can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation, which can put pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum, leading to the formation of haemorrhoids.
2. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum and lower the risk of developing haemorrhoids.
3. Active Lifestyle: Regular exercise can help prevent constipation and improve blood flow, reducing the risk of haemorrhoids.
4. Don't Strain when Pooping: Straining during bowel movements can put pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum, leading to haemorrhoids.
5. Avoid Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy objects can pressure the veins in the anus and rectum, leading to haemorrhoids. It's important to use proper lifting techniques and avoid lifting objects that are too heavy.

Untreated piles can lead to complications, which can cause a lot of trouble, no matter how serious. Following are the Complications of delayed haemorrhoids treatment:

1. Increased Pain: Delaying the treatment of piles can lead to increased pain, itching and discomfort in the affected area.
2. Excessive Bleeding: Haemorrhoids that are left untreated can become more inflamed and swollen, which leads to a higher risk of bleeding.
3. Longer Recovery Time: The longer haemorrhoids are left untreated, the longer it may take for the affected area to heal, leading to a longer recovery time.
4. Thrombosis: Untreated haemorrhoids can become thrombosed, which means a blood clot forms inside the haemorrhoid. This can cause severe pain and require more aggressive treatment.
5. Risk of Infection: Haemorrhoids can infect, causing additional pain, discomfort, and possible complications.
6. Effect on Quality of Life: Hemorrhoids can interfere with daily activities such as sitting, walking, and exercising. Delaying treatment can have long-lasting effects on quality of life.
7. Need for Surgery: If haemorrhoids are left untreated for an extended period, more invasive treatment options, such as surgery, may be necessary to ease symptoms.

Haemorrhoids in men are one of the most common medical concerns, yet one of the most ignored. But proper treatment can help you improve your life by protecting you from these troubles.

You can seek advice, help, and guidance by contacting HexaHealth online health professionals. You can avail top doctors, surgeons and the best hospitals in their network to provide the best care and hassle-free surgery experience in the right hospital.

Suggested Read

To read more about piles, you can visit the links below:

• Piles in Women
• Piles in Pregnancy
• How to Cure First Stage of Piles
• Piles Cure in 3 Days
• Difference between Piles, Fissure and Fistula

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