Myths vs Facts on Piles

Piles (also called hemorrhoids) are inflamed tissues and veins in the lower rectum or near the anus region. Piles can be found inside the anus or outside of it. Depending on the location of their growth, piles are termed as ‘Internal Hemorrhoids’ or ‘External Hemorrhoids’. People can visit piles speciality hospital to get to know about the various treatment and surgery options.

The most common causes of piles are constipation, diarrhea, incorrect method of lifting heavy weights, pregnancy, straining of the lower pelvic region when passing stools. Some of the symptoms of piles include:

1. Painful and hard lumps around the anal opening.
2. Inflammation, itching, and pain in areas around the anal opening.
3. Visible blood marks on stools
4. Pain when passing stools.

Visit our page to know more information on the causes and symptoms of piles.

Myth 1: I am one of the very few who got piles.

Fact: Dr. KarthikGunasekaran, one of the top urologists from The Laser Gastroenterology Clinic, Chennai opines with other expert urologists that Piles are a common medical problem for people even below 50 years of age.

Hemorrhoids affect 75% of people at least once during their lifetime. If you think you are among select unlucky ones, you must know this fact and see a good urologist near you get your piles treated.

Myth 2: Piles affect only elderly people.

Fact: Piles are caused due to the bulging of veins in the lower rectum and anal regions. As a person ages, the muscles between the rectum and anus become weak and poses a risk of piles. However, people suffering from diarrhoea, constipation happen to put more pressure on those muscles causing the veins to bulge. Pregnant women also are at higher risk of having piles due to the pressure exerted by the growing fetus. Though the risk of piles increases with age, young people suffering from diarrhea, constipation, and pregnant women are also prone to piles.

If you are suffering from constipation, you need to change your food habits n add more fiber in your diet. You may also have to increase your fluid/liquid intake to enable free passage of stools.

Myth 3: Piles treatment needs surgery

Fact: Dr.Karthik Gunasekaran says that most of the time piles don’t need surgery to be treated. He would recommend surgery to those who need it to remove piles, depending on the diagnosis. There are other minor procedures to freeze, remove piles.

It would be best to see a good urologist as soon a person has persistent itching, redness, or inflammation near their anal area.

Myth 4: Spicy foods and cold surfaces cause piles.

Fact: spicy foods only affect the body’s metabolism and there seems to be no evidence that intake of spicy food increases the chances of piles.

Sitting on cold surfaces does not increase the odds of pile growth. In fact, doctors recommend the application of an ice pack, a sitz bath with cold water n Epsom salt to temporarily relieve the symptoms. Sitting on hot surfaces also doesn’t increase the odds of piles.

Myth 5: Exercises must be avoided if you have piles.

Fact: an exercise, in fact, reduces the risk of piles. A person has to take care that he/she should not lift weights in the wrong way by putting pressure on the bottom muscles.

Working out regularly helps in boosting the body’s metabolism, reduce body fat that in turn reduces the chances of getting piles.

Myth 6: Chances of cancer go up with piles

Fact: When you have symptoms of piles such as consistent itching, inflammation near the anus, or streaks of blood, you must see a urologist immediately instead of self-diagnosis. Your doctor can perform tests to see if the symptoms belong to colorectal cancer or piles and put you on to appropriate treatment. You will have to let your doctor know if anyone in your family has a history of colon or rectal cancer.

Myth 7: Sitting continuously for longer periods don’t cause piles

Fact: Sitting continuously for long periods puts pressure on the blood vessels near your bottom. This certainly stacks up the odds of getting piles. You need to keep walking n moving around at regular intervals to avoid that. That also helps you in stretching your back and reducing pressure on your eyes.

In short, having piles and taking care of the symptoms, may be denting your confidence, and making you feel embarrassed when you have problems sitting for a meeting with friends or colleagues. Meeting a good urologist or a gastroenterologist near you and getting the right treatment can get rid of piles and can put your life back on track. Don’t hesitate to discuss your problem with your family members first and then to your doctor.