Piles in Men: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What is Piles?

Piles, also called hemorrhoids, is common in men and can show up in multiple ways, such as bright red blood when you go to the toilet. It can affect both sexes and often manifest between the ages of 45 and 65. Having piles is a real possibility if you are feeling pain, discomfort, and itching in the area around your anal entrance. Pile problems are more common in men than in women because weightlifting and other physically demanding tasks increase the risk for them.

Symptoms of Piles in Men

The early symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Itching and burning around the anus
• Painful lumps around the anus
• Discomfort in sitting
• Blood in stools

The condition of piles may also worsen with time. Those symptoms include:

• Bleeding during bowel movement
• Bright red blood after passing stool
• Mucous discharge
• Anal fistula
• Fecal incontinence

Causes of Piles in Men

There are various potential causes of piles, the majority of which can be managed to prevent recurrence. However, it is also a natural consequence of ageing as the tissue surrounding the blood vessels weakens. Though it is difficult to tell the exact reason for piles in men, the plausible causes might include;

• Obesity
• Straining and constipation
• Heavy weightlifting
• Low fibre diet
• Ageing
• Sitting for long hours

Diagnosis of Piles in Men

A doctor usually diagnose hemorrhoids after performing a physical examination. They will examine the anus of the suspected piles patient and may perform the following tests:

Digital Rectal Examination:

In this test, to figure out the severity of the disease, a doctor will use gloves, lubricate the finger, and insert right inside the anus.

Anoscopy:

To examine the anal region, a small camera called an anoscope is inserted into the anal area.

Sigmoidoscopy:

Your doctor looks inside the lower (sigmoid) part of your colon and rectum using a sigmoidoscope, which is a lighted tube with a camera.

Treatment of Piles in Men

The surgical procedures for piles include:

Hemorrhoidectomy:

Hemorrhoidectomy is surgery in which the hemorrhoid is completely removed. Although it is the most effective method for permanently removing piles, it poses potential risks, such as constipation.

Hemorrhoid stapling:

A surgeon will use staples to stop the flow of blood to the hemorrhoid tissue during this treatment.

Laser Hemorrhoid Procedure:

This is an effective treatment where the surgeon uses a laser to stop the blood flow to the hemorrhoids, causing them to shrink.

Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation:

This minimally invasive procedure includes tying off the blood supply to the hemorrhoids, which makes them shrink and eventually fall off.

Prevention of Piles in Men

There are typically no specific methods for preventing piles in males. However, if piles are detected at the early stage, the condition's progression and deterioration can be avoided. Below are few suggestions for avoiding piles:

Healthy diet:

Staying hydrated and eating a diet full of high-fibre foods can help keep stools soft and make them easier to pass.

Not straining when pooping:

Straining during bowel movements can put pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum, which can lead to hemorrhoids.

Avoid heavy lifting:

Heavy lifting can put pressure on the vessels in the anus and rectum, resulting in hemorrhoids. It is important to use the right lifting methods and to avoid lifting things that are too heavy.

Staying active:

Regular exercise can prevent constipation and increase blood flow, thereby decreasing the risk of hemorrhoids.

Weight management:

Maintaining a healthy weight through food and exercise can help relieve pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum and lower the chance of getting hemorrhoids.

Lifestyle Changes

At first, a doctor will suggest you make certain lifestyle changes to deal with piles. Changing your diet may help you keep the stools regular and soft. This means intaking more fibre, like fruit and vegetables, or mostly breakfast cereals made with bran. A doctor may also recommend that a patient with hemorrhoids increase their intake of water and exercise regularly.

Depending on the severity of your condition of hemorrhoids, it is important to seek professional help form either a proctologist or a gastroenterologist. They can help you manage the condition with proper medication and lifestyle changes and may even suggest surgery in certain cases. You may click here to schedule an in-clinic appointment with the most experienced doctors in your locality.