Haemorrhoids are swollen/dilated blood vessels in the anus or in the final part of the intestine (the anal canal).
First of all, it is very important to know that everyone has haemorrhoidal tissue. It is part of normal anatomy. They help the sphincter muscles to close the anus, making it air- and watertight. Only a minority of these increase in size or become symptomatic.
The majority of factors that contribute to the development of symptomatic haemorrhoids are associated with increased pressure in the abdomen and thus, indirectly, in the anal region as well. Some of these factors are: straining during bowel movements, sitting on the toilet for a long time, constipation, diarrhoea, pregnancy, obesity, irregular bowel movements and anal intercourse.
It appears that, over time, these factors contribute to the prolapse of internal haemorrhoids, as well as to thrombosis or clotting of an external haemorrhoid. Haemorrhoids often run in families. Symptoms also increase with age. The supporting tissues lose strength and stretch.
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Your treating doctor will discuss the treatment options with you.
