As cushions around the anal canal, hemorrhoids are a normal component of the human anatomy and help in controlling bowel movements. They do, however, consist of many blood vessels. Excessive straining can cause them to swell and become annoying. This can lead to symptoms like bright red blood when one goes to the toilet, lumps around the anus, discomfort, and itching.
Men are more likely to have it than women, especially those over 50.
Piles formation may result from straining while using toilets or from overexerting it when working out, but there are many options for relief and treatment. Piles in men can be initially treated with over-the-counter drugs and home remedies; however, surgery becomes necessary later.
Piles/ Hemorrhoids can affect both men and women, and it is predicted that three out of every four of us will have piles at least once.
What Are Piles in Men and How do Men get piles?
The hemorrhoidal cushions, which are made of spongy tissue and fed with blood vessels, line our anus and help in its closure. While these are normal, they occasionally tend to develop into piles, particularly if blood accumulation causes them to enlarge. Piles are typically shaped like little, spherical, discolored lumps. These may be felt on the surface of the anus or hanging down from the anal opening.
What are the different types of piles in men?
Piles can be classified based on their location, the severity of symptoms, and the pathology that contributed to their development. Different types of hemorrhoids that affect males are:
- Internal piles are found deeper within the anal canal, and the patient usually complains of bright red bleeding when using the restroom. Bleeding is painless.
- External piles, on the other hand, are those that develop closer to the surface of the anus and are frequently extremely sensitive and painful. These could feel like lumps close to the anal opening.
A man can potentially have both internal and external hemorrhoids at the same time.
- Prolapsed piles are internal hemorrhoids that have come out of the anal opening and become noticeable. These are quite painful at times.
- Thrombosed piles, which are typically external hemorrhoids with blood clots formed, are also frequently extremely painful.
Grading of Internal Piles in Men:
Internal piles in men are graded on a four-point scale by proctologists.
- Grade 1 refers to small swellings on the anal canal’s inner lining. From outside the anus opening, they are not apparent and cannot be felt or seen. When a fellow tries to defecate, he complains of painless bleeding.
- Grade 2 is more severe. When someone strains to defecate, they protrude from the anus, but they go back inside on their own.
- Grade 3 comes out of the anus and will not return unless the fellow pushes them back in with physical force.
- Grade 4 prolapses and hangs there permanently, making it impossible for a fellow to push them back inside.
Causes & Symptoms of Piles in Males
What causes piles in men? / Causes of Piles in Men
Some common causes of piles in men are listed below. They are closely associated with elevated pressure in the anal tissues and blood vessels.
- Straining and constipation: Excessive straining on the toilet is a common cause of hemorrhoids in men. There are two reasons for this. One reason is that prolonged sitting on the toilet relaxes the anus, which opens the door for blood to enter the hemorrhoids. Second, straining, which is frequently brought on by constipation, can put too much strain on the veins and blood vessels surrounding the anus, causing them to swell up and bleed.
- Inadequate dietary fiber: Hemorrhoids in men are frequently caused by a diet deficient in fiber. A man who is low in fiber is much more likely to experience constipation and overstrain himself on the toilet, as fiber helps to keep tools softer.
- Obesity: It should come as no surprise that being overweight can increase the risk of developing piles because it puts strain on the blood vessels, which is a common cause of hemorrhoids.
- Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for extended periods may increase the risk of piles.
- Heavy Lifting: Men who lift large, heavy objects regularly run the risk of piles developing. This is due to the possibility of anal vein inflammation caused by the strain of lifting large weights.
- Aging: A man’s body’s tissues, particularly those in the rectum and anus, weaken with age, increasing his risk of hemorrhoids.
- Hereditary factors: Some people may inherit a weakness of the wall of the veins in the anal region.
- A persistent cough
- Increased anal tone
What are the symptoms of piles in men?
The following lists some typical signs of piles in men that are simple to recognize:
- Bleeding During or After Bowel Movements: Hemorrhoids can cause spontaneous bleeding during or after bowel movements.
- Lump around the Anus: An internal hemorrhoid may feel as if something is coming out from the anal opening that goes in on its own or requires manual pushing back. If it is an external hemorrhoid, there might be a lump or swelling associated with the anal opening.
- Itching and Burning in the Anal Area: The anal area may experience burning or itching due to swollen veins.
- Feeling of Incomplete Bowel Movement: Hemorrhoids may restrict the normal passage of stool and result in the feeling of an incomplete bowel movement.
- Some discomfort While Sitting: Pressure on the enlarged veins in the rectum and anus may cause pain while sitting.
- A slimy mucus discharge from the anus that might stain the undergarments, if it is a prolapsed hemorrhoid,
These symptoms can differ greatly from person to person. In addition to piles, other conditions like colon cancer, anal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and anal fissures (tears) may also be the cause. Therefore, do not assume that piles are the cause of any symptoms you may be experiencing; instead, seek advice from a nearby proctologist.
Piles Diagnosis in Males
You should consult with a qualified proctologist physician if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. Based on the patient’s medical history and physical examination, a skilled proctologist can identify piles in men. By looking closely at the region surrounding the anus, he can recognize external hemorrhoids. But to recognize internal piles in men, the proctologist will perform a digital rectal examination and may opt to look inside the rectum and anal canal using techniques like sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and anoscopy.
What Is the Treatment of Piles in Males? / Piles Treatment in Males
In most cases, piles in men can be cured without the need for medication or other treatments. There are several non-surgical ways to treat piles.
Home Remedies for Piles in Men
Home remedies are helpful methods for managing piles. A few natural remedies consist of:
- Sitz Bath: This healing method involves sitting in a warm tub of water. It decreases burning and itching in the pelvic region.
- Aloe Vera Oil: It decreases burning and itching from piles because of its inherent anti-inflammatory properties. You only need to gently massage the affected area with a small amount of aloe vera oil.
- Coconut Oil: Like Aloe Vera oil, coconut oil can be rubbed into the anal passage to ease burning or itching sensations.
Food Modifications for Piles in Men
Another way to lessen the likelihood of piles is with food. You could do the following:
- High-fiber foods: Eating foods high in fiber can help soften stools and ease constipation, both of which comfort hemorrhoids in men. Whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and bran are some of these foods.
- Vitamin C: An antioxidant that can potentially strengthen blood vessels, lower inflammation, and improve immune system performance. It can also lessen the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Vitamin C-rich foods like broccoli, bell peppers, and citrus fruits are excellent additions to your diet.
- Flavonoids: Plant compounds found in foods high in flavonoids can strengthen blood vessels and lower inflammation, which may help in piles symptoms. These foods include dark chocolate, berries, and citrus fruits.
- Probiotics: Eat curd as part of your diet for probiotics. It has beneficial bacteria that can regulate bowel movements and enhance gut health, which can lower the risk of constipation and piles symptoms.
- Limit Red Meat: Red meat is difficult to digest and exacerbates the symptoms of piles; instead, choose other forms of protein.
- Avoid Processed Foods: Processed foods often contain high amounts of unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar, which can aggravate the condition by causing inflammation, digestive troubles, and other health problems. Avoid these foods to manage the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Lifestyle Changes for Piles in Men
By making lifestyle modifications, hemorrhoids can be kept from getting worse. Hemorrhoids can be effectively relieved with these non-surgical methods. A few modifications consist of:
- Stay Hydrated: It’s advised to maintain hydration to soften stool and facilitate bowel movements, which will lessen pressure and strain on the afflicted veins and help heal hemorrhoids.
- Exercise: Engaging in regular exercise helps enhance blood flow throughout the body. It relieves constipation, which can play a role in the emergence of hemorrhoids.
- Use a donut pillow or a cushioned seat pad: Certain activities, like sitting, may be particularly challenging for someone who has external hemorrhoids. Therefore, using a donut pillow or cushioned seat pad will be very beneficial.
- Do not strain when you go to the toilet
- Do not sit for a long time for defecation
Over-the-counter medicines for Piles in Men:
- A fiber supplement like ispaghula husk or mild laxatives like Triphala or Haritaki powder can soften a man’s hard-to-pass stool.
- Painkillers available over-the-counter, like paracetamol, may help reduce pile-related discomfort. Avoid taking opioid-containing painkillers, such as codeine, as they may exacerbate your constipation issues.
- Pain and itching from piles may be reduced with the use of suppositories, ointments, and soothing creams. A wide variety of products are offered over the counter. Use these for no more than a few days at a time as they may cause skin sensitivity.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Piles in Men:
Non-surgical treatments for hemorrhoids may be explored if home remedies and medication fail to provide relief. These consist of:
- Sclerotherapy: The hemorrhoid is injected with a liquid known as a sclerosant, such as Phenol in oil, which reduces the blood supply and causes the hemorrhoid to shrink. This results in a fibrotic reaction that scars and obliterates the blood vessels that supply the piles. In piles of Grade 1 and early Grade 2, it is advised.
- Rubber Band Ligation: This technique involves ligating the hemorrhoid’s root with a rubber band that causes tissue death. As a result, piles start to collapse. For piles of grades 2 and 3, banding is the most used pile treatment.
- Electrotherapy: This involves shrinking the hemorrhoid with an electrical current after it eventually falls off. Heat energy is used in diathermy and electrotherapy to destroy the piles. They seem to be as successful as infrared coagulation, and there is little chance of complications.
- Infrared Coagulation: This technique uses infrared light to shrink the hemorrhoid. Using infrared light to burn and cut off the hemorrhoid’s circulation, this pile treatment technique reduces the hemorrhoid’s size. For first- and second-degree piles, it may be just as successful as injection sclerotherapy and banding treatment.
- Kshar Karma Treatment for Piles in Men: This treatment involves applying a unique ayurvedic medication called Kshara in the anal passage at the location of pile masses. The application of Kshar causes the pile mass to decrease and the bleeding to stop. For males with first- and early- 2nd stage internal hemorrhoids, kshar karma treatment is recommended.
Surgical Treatment of Piles in Men
Surgery may be indicated for hemorrhoids if non-surgical treatments are ineffective. Hemorrhoids in men can be treated surgically using a variety of techniques, including:
- Hemorrhoidectomy: This procedure removes prolapsed internal or external hemorrhoids. When banding or other methods fail to treat a grade 3 or 4 pile, surgery to remove the hemorrhoid(s) may be the only viable option. General anesthesia is used during the procedure. It can, however, be extremely painful in the days that follow the procedure.
- Stapled Haemorrhoidectomy: Internal hemorrhoids are either pulled back into the anus or removed completely using a stapling instrument. Above the piles, a circular section of the anal canal lining is removed using a circular stapling gun. As a result, the piles are drawn back up in the anal passage.
- Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation: By cutting off the hemorrhoids’ blood supply, this minimally invasive treatment causes the hemorrhoids to shrink and eventually fall off. Under the guidance of ultrasonography, the small arteries supplying blood to the piles are tied or ligated.
- Laser Surgery: To reduce the size of hemorrhoids, a surgeon uses a laser to cut off their blood supply.
- Ksharsutra Treatment for Piles in Men: The Ksharsutra treatment involves ligating a specialized medicated thread at the base of the pile mass. It causes the pile mass to stop receiving blood, which causes it to shed off in a week or ten days. Men with late second, third, and fourth stage internal piles are advised to undergo Ksharsutra treatment.
Why should you not delay piles treatment in men? Or Complications of Delayed Piles Treatment in Men:
Men tend to keep their medical conditions to themselves, avoid talking about their problems, and pass off their discomfort as momentary discomfort. Delaying treatment for male piles can lead to complications, however. If hemorrhoids are not treated promptly, they can result in problems like:
- Masses of tissue hang out on the skin
- Advancement of disease from Grade I to Grade IV
- Rectal prolapse can be the result of continuous pressure during stools.
- Worse Pain: Postponing pile treatment may result in worsening pain, itching, and discomfort in the affected area.
- Excessive Bleeding: Untreated hemorrhoids can swell and become more inflammatory, which increases the risk of bleeding and anemia.
- Extended Healing Period: Hemorrhoids that are not treated for a longer time may require a longer healing period for the affected area.
- Thrombosis: If left untreated, hemorrhoids may thrombose, forming a blood clot inside them. This may result in extreme discomfort and require more intensive treatment.
- Risk of Infection: Hemorrhoids have the potential to get infected leading to more pain, discomfort, and possible complications.
- Effects on Quality of Life: Hemorrhoids can make it difficult to perform regular tasks like walking, sitting, and working out. Delaying treatment can have a lasting impact on one’s quality of life.
- Need for Surgery: More invasive treatment options, like surgery, might be required to relieve hemorrhoids’ symptoms if they go untreated for a long time.
Prevention of Piles in Men
Early detection is key to preventing the condition’s progression and worsening of piles in men. Below are some strategies to avoid piles:
- Healthy Food: Eating a diet high in fiber can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation, which helps maintain soft stool and prevent piles.
- Weight management: By eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise, one can reduce the strain on the veins in the rectum and anus and minimize the chance of getting hemorrhoids.
- Active Lifestyle: Regular physical activity lowers the risk of hemorrhoids by improving blood flow and preventing constipation.
- Avoid straining while passing stool. This can cause hemorrhoids by putting pressure to the veins in the rectum and anus.
- Refrain from Heavy Lifting: Hemorrhoids can result from lifting heavy objects, which can put pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus. It’s important to lift objects safely and to avoid picking up too heavy objects.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of liquid and minimizing caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee.
FAQs about Piles in Men
Both men and women frequently have piles. However, males are more likely than females to develop piles, based on certain medical research.
Piles or hemorrhoids are common in people 45 to 65 years of age. However, an unhealthy diet and lifestyle can also cause piles to develop in younger boys and men.
No, piles do not cause cancer and are not carcinogenic.
Foods to avoid during piles include
- Fast food,
- Spicy food,
- Processed food,
- Red meat,
- Caffeinated beverages, and
- Alcohol.
The duration of piles symptoms in men is not pre-determined. However, it is advised to consult an experienced proctologist for further advice if the symptoms haven’t gone away after a few days. Get in touch with Piles To Smiles for a consultation with one of our qualified proctologists.
Typically, piles in men resemble tiny, discolored lumps. They may feel like they are hanging down from the anal canal or on the anus.
When you experience symptoms such as blood before, during, or after passing stool, pain, or discomfort in the anal area, or if over-the-counter medications are not providing relief for your piles, you should consult a doctor.
Enlarged blood vessels called piles can form inside or outside the anus and rectum in males. They are the most prevalent anorectal disorder. They may result in rectal bleeding and be uncomfortable and painful with a feeling of something coming out from the anal opening.
The following are the main reasons why men get piles:
- Constipation;
- Straining;
- Inadequate consumption of fiber
- Lifting heavy weights
- Prolonged periods of time spent on the toilet
Some of the common symptoms of piles in males are:
- Bleeding
- Feeling of something coming out from the anal opening during defecation.
- Painful swelling near the anal opening
- Itching
- Pain
- Sticky discharge from the anus
- Discomfort while sitting
Certain home remedies can help lower the chance of piles developing. These include
- Avoid constipation,
- Eat a diet high in fiber,
- Drink lots of liquids,
- Abstain from alcohol, and
- Avoid straining and prolonged sitting on the toilet seat.
A person with piles may try a variety of natural cures or even take the prescription drugs that his doctor has recommended. These options do not provide a permanent cure for piles, they only serve to prevent them from getting worse.
One of the most common misconceptions is that piles go away on their own. Over time, these will only get worse. Therefore, it is always advisable to treat Piles as soon as possible to prevent getting worse, avoid complications, and enable convenient treatment.
Ayurvedic piles treatment is the best treatment for Piles in men. The benefits of Ayurvedic treatment are:
- Non-surgical/ minimal surgical treatment
- Minimal blood loss
- No stitches
- Quick recovery
- Improved Quality of Life
- Cost Effective Treatment
- No Hospitalization
- No Bed Rest
Myth: Only older men get piles.
Fact: It is true that piles is more common in older men, but piles is not limited to this age group. Young males and boys who are sedentary and consume more junk food and less fiber may develop piles.
Although blood on toilet paper, blood dripping in the toilet, or blood on the surface of your feces are signs that you may have piles, piles do not always cause pain or other symptoms. You may feel some swelling on your anus or something protruding from the anal canal. These are just some of the symptoms of piles.