
Haemorrhoids are swollen veins that can form inside or outside the rectum and anus. They can lead to rectal bleeding and can be pretty uncomfortable and painful. Another term for haemorrhoids is piles. While we all have haemorrhoids from birth, they usually don't cause any issues until they become enlarged and start to produce bothersome symptoms.
Hemorrhoids should be treated quickly to prevent symptoms from worsening, avoid infections or blood clots, and reduce the likelihood of surgery. Addressing the issue early enhances quality of life and helps prevent future flare-ups by alleviating discomfort, itching, and bleeding. Moreover, it allows for using less invasive treatments down the line.
Typical haemorrhoid symptoms include:
Causes
Increased Pressure: Straining during bowel movements due to constipation or diarrhoea can lead to haemorrhoids. This is often exacerbated during pregnancy because of hormonal changes and the added pressure from the growing uterus.
Ageing: As we get older, the tissues that support the veins around the anus weaken, which increases the likelihood of developing haemorrhoids.
Obesity: Excess weight can strain the lower rectum, contributing to the problem.
Prolonged sneezing or coughing can also increase pressure on the anal veins, further raising the risk.
Risk Factors
Here are some practical tips to help prevent haemorrhoids:
Haemorrhoids Surgery: When conservative measures are unsuccessful or haemorrhoids are severe, surgery is typically recommended.
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Delhi, India

Faridabad, India
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India is gaining popularity as a destination for haemorrhoid treatment due to several advantages:
Advanced Medical Facilities: The country boasts a state-of-the-art healthcare system that offers modern diagnostic and treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures.
SkilledMedicalProfessionals: India has highly trained proctology surgeons with significant experience, ensuring high treatment success rates.
Cost-Effective Care: Treatments in India are often much more affordable than in Western countries without compromising quality.
NumerousTreatmentOptions: India offers a wide range of haemorrhoid treatments, from traditional methods to the latest minimally invasive techniques, such as laser therapy, infrared coagulation, and rubber band ligation.
Eat a high-fibre diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to avoid haemorrhoids. Drink water to prevent constipation. Exercise regularly, do not sit for long periods, and follow good bathroom habits, such as not straining or sitting too long on the toilet.
Weight control, using gentle toilet paper, and not lifting heavy objects can also help ease pressure on the rectal area. Also, addressing the need to urinate or have a bowel movement immediately helps avoid straining. These habits aid in digestive health and minimise the occurrence of haemorrhoids.
Second- and third-trimester pregnancy haemorrhoids are common. The reasons are constipation, increased blood supply, hormonal changes that relax blood vessels, and elevated pressure from the enlarged uterus. These causes can lead to the swelling of the rectal veins and haemorrhoids. Though they often improve after delivery, it is essential to treat them with a diet high in fibre, drink plenty of water, and not strain. For information about safe treatment options during pregnancy, always speak with your healthcare professional.
Yes, haemorrhoids can often be treated without surgery through dietary changes, such as consuming more fibre-rich foods and drinking plenty of water. Stool softeners, cold compresses, warm sitz baths, and topical drugs can all help with symptoms. Surgery is generally a last resort, though procedures such as rubber band ligation may be required in more serious cases.
While some pain after haemorrhoid surgery is possible, it is usually bearable using the proper care and medication. Patients can experience pain, swelling, and discomfort upon bowel movements for a few days to one week after the procedure. Prescribed pain medication, stool softeners, and warm sitz baths can all treat pain.
After the operation, most patients receive noticeable relief of symptoms, yet recovery is complete within a few weeks. Always follow your physician's post-operative guidelines to minimise discomfort and promote healing.
Yes, haemorrhoids can cause complications such as blood clots (thrombosis), chronic bleeding leading to anaemia, infection, or strangulation (where an internal haemorrhoid gets trapped and loses its blood supply). Early treatment can prevent these complications and enhance comfort.
The severity and duration of treatment may influence the time it takes for haemorrhoids to heal. Mild haemorrhoids treated at home with sitz baths, local medications, and a diet high in fibre resolve symptoms in a few days to a week. Healing may take two to four weeks for more serious cases, especially if surgery or other treatments are required. Frequent care and following your doctor's advice can enhance the recovery process.
The main difference between internal and external haemorrhoids is where they are located:
Internal haemorrhoids exist within the rectum and, unless they prolapse (bulge) outside the anus, are generally not painful or visible. Unless thrombosed or prolapsed, they often don't hurt, although they can cause rectal bleeding on defecation.
External Hemorrhoids: These are palpable and located under the skin around the anus. They can lead to swelling, itching, or bleeding and are uncomfortable, especially when thrombosed (with blood clots) or inflamed.
You can still work out if you have haemorrhoids, but it's important to select exercises that will not exacerbate the disease. Low-impact forms of exercise, such as yoga, swimming, and walking, are generally safe and can reduce pressure on the rectal area, promote circulation, and decrease constipation.
One standard non-surgical treatment for internal haemorrhoids is rubber band ligation. One or two tiny rubber bands are applied around the bottom to cut the blood supply to the haemorrhoid. The haemorrhoid then dries up and comes out in a few days to a week. The procedure is suitable for mild to severe haemorrhoids and is often carried out under local anaesthesia in a physician's clinic. It has a brief recovery time, is the least invasive, and has a low risk of complications.
If the cause, like habitual constipation, straining to have a bowel movement or diet, is not corrected, haemorrhoids can come back after treatment. Lifestyle habits and rectal vein pressure may lead to recurrence even after successful therapies such as surgery or rubber band ligation. Maintaining a high-fibre diet, having adequate fluid intake, avoiding straining, and exercising regularly enhance regular bowel movements to reduce the likelihood of haemorrhoids returning.

Dr. Shagufta Parveen is a Clinical researcher and medical writer with expertise in clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. She holds a B.Pharm and Doctor of Pharmacy (Post-Baccalaureate) degree from Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad.
During her clinical stint at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital and Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, she gained hands-on experience in the Clinical Pharmacology Department. Combining scientific knowledge with strong medical writing skills, Dr. Shagufta develops evidence-based healthcare content, treatment guides, and patient education resources.
Her work focuses on simplifying complex medical concepts while maintaining scientific accuracy, helping readers better understand healthcare advancements and treatment options.
In addition to her writing expertise, she is actively involved in scientific research and has contributed to peer-reviewed publications.
Her research work is accessible through the following links:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=lMVK1eIAAAAJ&hl=en
https://carcinogenesis.com/index.php/JOC/article/view/870
https://carcinogenesis.com/index.php/JOC/article/view/868
https://wjpsronline.com/abstract/0000000760
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Last Reviewed - January 2026