Symptoms of Piles in Females

Piles, is a layman word for haemorrhoids. As per several various researches, every human has haemorrhoids and this means the severity of the piles is what helps to diagnose the condition. Piles in women above the age of 40 is common and can also affect women who are pregnant. Dr. Narola Yanger, Laparoscopic & Oncological surgeon, explains what are piles, its causes, its look and feel and can hemorrhoids go away on their own.

What are piles (Haemorrhoids)

Piles, also called hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the lower part of the rectum or anal that when stretched are either swollen or dilated and cause irritation. Although piles can sometimes be painful but to cause the normal anal tissues to pain  and swell to a certain level, is an indication that there must be something very severe that may have led to the pain and swelling.

What are the types of hemorrhoids that can affect females?

You must be aware that hemorrhoids can happen either inside or outside the rectum or anal canal. What type of haemorrhoids has occurs depends on where the swelling has been found:

External

These are haemorrhoids that affect the veins outside the anus and can cause the veins to swell, bleed, crack and itch. Depending on the severity of the piles they may fill with blood that may lead to clotting. Though these are not dangerous, they can result in severe pain, discomfort and swelling.

Internal

These are haemorrhoids that lie inside the rectum. Internal haemorrhoids are usually not felt or seen but can cause severe discomfort. These haemorrhoids are usually painless but can cause strain and irritation when passing stool. The patient might notice small amounts of blood in the toilet. 

Prolapse

There can be situations in which the internal and external hemorrhoids may prolapse, meaning they may stretch and bulge outside the anus or anal canal. These types of haemorrhoids may cause pain or bleed.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

The signs & symptoms of haemorrhoids depend on the type and severity of the haemorrhoids. 

• Bleeding
• Discomfort and pain during bowel movement
• Itching or irritation in and around anal canal
• Soreness around the anus
• Swollen veins which may or may not cause pain depending on the severity and its location
• Blood on the toilet paper
• Hard lump around the anus

Symptoms might be bothersome or distressing, but they usually go away within a few days.

What are the causes & reasons for piles in females?

There can be several reasons for piles in women. Below are some of the common causes due to which the risk of piles might increase.

Pregnant women

When the women is 36 weeks pregnant, the baby enters the pelvic cavity thereby putting pressure in the pelvic area and this automatically leads to increase in the size of the anal and rectal blood vessels and the formation of piles. After the birth of a kid, these heaps normally dissipate.

Constipation

Though this can happen to anyone but is common in women who are pregnant. Pregnant women are prone to feeling constipated and at times this leads to long term constipation. When there is lack of fibre in the diet it leads to constipation thereby pitting strain on the anal canal and leading to piles or haemorrhoids .

Diarrhoea

People who frequently suffer from diarrhoea or have been a victim of diarrhoea for a long period of time may also suffer from piles. Diarrhoea can increase the irritation and swelling of haemorrhoids which can then lead to inflammation and painful sensations.

Prolonged sitting

Male and females whose job requires sitting for longer duration can put pressure on the hips making the gluteal muscles to spread out. The small veins around the anus and rectum are stretched causing pain and swelling of the veins.

Ageing

Haemorrhoids are most common in people over the age of 50. Young people and children, on the other hand, can also get haemorrhoids.

Heavy lifting

People who are addicted to workouts and lifting too heavy weights are prone to haemorrhoids.

Treatment

Following are some of the piles treatment options that can help relieve signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids.

• Over the counter medication creams and ointments can help reduce inflammation, pain and swelling
• Sitz bath often called hip baths can help relieve the pain and swelling and promotes healing of anal fissures. Sitz bath, in simple terms is basically sitting and soaking your rectal area in the tub of warm water at least 2-3 times a day. 
• Consuming right prescribed fiber supplements as it can help reduce constipation
• Using ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort

If nothing works, the final solution to hemorrhoids is surgery, i.e. hemorrhoidectomy in which large external haemorrhoids are removed or haemorrhoids stapling, in which a stapling instrument is used to remove the internal hemorrhoids.

How can you prevent piles in females?

The best way to prevent piles is to consume food items that result in soft stools. To prevent haemorrhoids and reduce the effect of its symptoms, below are some common tips that can be followed.

• Eat food rich in fiber like fruits, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains. This helps in softening the bowel movement.  It helps to avoid straining and putting pressure on anal canal thereby reducing the risk of heamorrhoids. 
• Keeping yourself active and fit can help to reduce pressure on veins and avoid sitting for longer durations. 
• Drink plenty of fluids, drinking 8 glasses of water each day helps to keep the stool soft.
• Take bathroom breaks as and when needed, allowing yourself to reduce pressure on anal canal
• Avoid eating foods hard to digest, especially during pregnancy as it may put severe pressure on anus
• Maintain a moderate body weight, as being obese may increase the risk of having Hemorrhoids.

In conclusion

Hemorrhoids are very frequent, affecting 40 to 50% of the population. Even after trying home remedies and making relevant lifestyle changes, the symptom of piles in females and males might be severe. If a patient’s haemorrhoids persists for more than one week, medical help may be required immediately. Make an appointment with our leading specialist for more information or personalised advice.

FAQs

What causes piles in females?

In women, the main cause of piles is when they are pregnant because there is a lot of pressure on the pelvic area and also feeling constipated during pregnancy is common in females. 

Do piles go away on their own?

Yes, if the piles are not severe and are not causing much pain and swelling they usually go away on their own within one week.

How can I check piles at home?

If there is blood after your bowel movement, lump type feeling around the anus, itchiness in the anus and mucus even after wiping with tissues are some of the indications to note for piles.