Piles, or haemorrhoids as they are formally known, are enlarged veins of the lower rectum and anus. Though often kept quiet, female piles are particularly common, with the highest incidence during pregnancy and post-childbirth. An estimated 4.4% of the world’s population suffers from piles, but women are at risk for piles due to hormonal changes, pressure in the pelvis during pregnancy, and other factors. In India alone, nearly 40% of adults may have symptoms of piles, with even higher rates in postpartum women.
It is important to understand the definition of piles, the signs and symptoms of piles in females, and the common causes of piles to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. This blog will take you through everything you need to know to learn to soothe and prevent piles and digestive issues in the future.
What do “piles” mean in females?
Piles in females, also known as haemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the anus or in the rectum that can cause pain and discomfort or bleeding, especially during bowel movements. Female haemorrhoids are often caused by pregnancy, childbirth and hormonal changes, so they are fairly common in women.
Why do piles occur after pregnancy?
There are some of the most common reasons for piles to occur after pregnancy in some women, which are as follows:
- Increased Pressure on Rectal Veins – During pregnancy, the growing uterus puts pressure on the pelvic veins and lower rectum, leading to swollen veins, a common cause of female piles or bawaseer.
- Constipation & Straining- Hormonal changes slow digestion, causing constipation, a major reason for piles in females. Straining during bowel movements increases pressure, worsening piles symptoms.
- Hormonal Fluctuations – Progesterone relaxes the blood vessel walls, making them more likely to swell. This is one of the hormonal piles cause problems during and after pregnancy.
- Labour and Birth Stress – Straining and pushing during delivery can cause hemorrhoids from excessive pressure on the rectal area. It is one of the most common causes of piles in women after childbirth.
- Postpartum Inactivity- A lack of activity after the birth of a child can lead to delayed digestion and piles symptoms, especially in new mothers.
What are the symptoms of piles that occur after pregnancy?
Piles, commonly referred to as bawasir or hemorrhoids, are swollen veins located in the rectum or anus that cause discomfort, particularly in women. Knowing the early symptoms of piles in females will lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Bleeding with Bowel Movements: The most frequent symptom of piles in women is painless bleeding (in bright red), which is often seen either on the toilet tissue or in the toilet bowl.
- Pain and Discomfort: Especially with or immediately after bowel movements, external piles in females are more likely to hurt and be tender to touch.
- Itching and Irritation: A persistent itch around the anus is a classic sign of female piles, the itch may be attributed to inflammation or the discharge of mucous.
- Swelling or Lumps: Small, swollen (tender) lumps around the anal area may indicate external hemorrhoids in women.
- Discharge of Mucous: May produce a slimy discharge (which may cause irritation and discomfort during cleaning).
- Prolapse (Bulging Hemorrhoids): Internal piles may protrude from the body, with bulging lumps being visible, as well as pain and difficulty sitting.
- Feeling of Incomplete Evacuation: Many women report a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel, which is a less commonly reported female piles symptom.
These piles symptoms in women may worsen due to pregnancy, constipation, prolonged sitting, or straining during bowel movements. If you notice any of these signs, consult a doctor for piles treatment for ladies to avoid complications.
What are the risk factors of piles?
Understanding what causes piles in women can help with early prevention and treatment. Here are some common risk factors every woman should know:
- Pregnancy & Childbirth: The increased pressure on the rectal veins during pregnancy and childbirth is often a significant contributor to the development of piles in women.
- Chronic Constipation or Straining: Chronic and recurrent straining during a bowel movement can cause increased swelling of the veins, resulting in hemorrhoids.
- Sitting for Long Periods of Time: A sedentary lifestyle, or prolonged sitting, can also exacerbate blood flow and subsequently increase the risk of piles.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes or fluctuations experienced during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can also cause a weakening of the walls of the vein.
- Poor Diet & Dehydration: A low fiber diet and incomplete water intake lead to hard stools and are common contributors to the ongoing problem of piles.
- Obesity: Being overweight contributes to the risk of piles due to additional pressure on the lower rectum.
How are piles in women diagnosed?
Understanding the right diagnostic steps is key to identifying haemorrhoids in women and ruling out other conditions.
- Medical History: The doctor checks for piles symptoms like bleeding, pain, or itching. They ask about pregnancy, childbirth, or chronic constipation, all of which are common piles causes in females.
- Visual Inspection: The anal area is examined for external piles, swelling, or visible lumps, early signs of piles in females.
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): A lubricated finger is used to check for internal haemorrhoids, tenderness, or abnormalities.
- Anoscopy: A small tube (anoscope) is inserted to get a clear view of internal piles in women and assess their severity.
- Sigmoidoscopy: If needed, this procedure looks deeper into the rectum and colon to rule out other bawaseer causes.
- Colonoscopy: In severe or unclear cases, a full colon exam helps rule out serious issues like colorectal cancer or anal fissures.
What are the treatment options for piles in females?
There are certain effective treatment options for piles in women, depending on the severity of symptoms, type of haemorrhoids, and underlying causes such as pregnancy or chronic constipation.
- Topical Creams & Ointments – Utilize hydrocortisone or witch hazel-based creams to alleviate itching, swelling, and pain, which can present as piles symptoms in females.
- Suppositories – Ease the discomfort of internal piles in females while decreasing swelling and speeding healing.
- Rubber Band Ligation – A method that does not require surgical intervention and employs a rubber band placed around internal haemorrhoids to obstruct their blood supply; the pile will shrink and slough off.
- Laser Treatment – For women experiencing piles with bleeding, it is a minimally invasive treatment that requires little recovery and spares the woman pain.
- Hemorrhoidectomy – The surgical removal of piles is indicated in severe cases, for women who have chronic piles, or who have tried other methods unsuccessfully.
- Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy – A surgical method that is considered less painful, in which internal piles are stapled back in place.
- Preventive Care & Home Remedies – Drink water, eat a high-fiber diet, strain at stool, and do not sit for long periods. Very important in the early stages of piles symptoms in females, as well as to prevent piles post-pregnancy.
What are the Natural Remedies for Piles in Women?
Looking for gentle, home-based relief? These natural remedies for piles in women can help manage symptoms, especially during the early stages of female haemorrhoids and bawaseer.
- Warm Sitz Baths: Soak the affected area for 10-15 minutes, especially after bowel movements, to relieve pain and swelling.
- Cold Compress: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to help numb discomfort as it helps in relieving the inflammation in the anal area.
- Aloe Vera or Witch Hazel: Anti-inflammatory gels that help to soothe irritation and itching; these options work well for alleviating external symptoms of piles.
- Coconut Oil: Helpful to moisturize and calm inflamed skin, especially for providing comfort for external piles in females.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Protect sensitive skin by diluting with water before applying; some find relief it provides with itching or inflammation, but it may further irritate/exacerbate health for sensitive skin.
- High-Fiber Diet & Hydration: Together, these are the keys to avoiding straining, softening stools, and decreasing ailments that may be causing piles-like symptoms (i.e., constipation).
- Herbal Remedies: Supplements like butcher’s broom or topical calendula to help promote better circulation and lessen symptoms in bawaseer.
- Regular Exercise: Regular walking/exercise would help with bowel function and prevent increased symptoms of piles in females.
When to see a doctor for piles in females?
Typically, if you have piles (hemorrhoids), you do not need to see a physician unless the symptoms become severe or do not improve after a few weeks. You can see a physician if you have noticed a hard lump near the anus, which may be a thrombosed hemorrhoid, a type of piles that are usually more painful for women.
If you are having heavy or uncontrollable anal bleeding, this is considered a serious complication and you should seek medical help immediately.
Dealing with piles after pregnancy can be physically and emotionally challenging, but you’re not alone. Whether you’re facing early symptoms of piles in females, struggling with external hemorrhoids, or seeking ways to get rid of piles naturally, understanding the causes of bawasir and accessing timely care is essential.
At T.R.U.E. Hospitals, our experienced proctologists in Gurgaon specialize in diagnosing and treating female piles with compassion and precision. From non-surgical treatments like laser therapy and rubber band ligation to advanced hemorrhoidectomy procedures, we tailor care to suit each patient’s needs.
If you’re noticing signs like anal pain, bleeding during bowel movements, or a lump near the anus, don’t wait. Visit a proctologist near you to rule out complications and begin effective piles treatment for ladies.