Piles cannot be self-diagnosed and therefore before any medical treatment can be undertaken you will need to see a specialist who will review your symptoms and undertake a physical examination to determine and diagnose your condition.

How do I get diagnosed?

Only a specialist in piles can make a full diagnosis. Your GP can refer you to a colorectal surgeon (or similar specialist) on the NHS or you can choose to self-refer privately.

What happens when I go to my GP?

Your GP is a good place to start if you are concerned about your symptoms. They will either carry out an examination and then refer you to a specialist or listen to your symptoms and refer you straight away. It may take several visits before your GP makes the referral as they will often judge the severity of your symptoms and try symptom relief medication (like creams etc) and suggest diet and lifestyle changes as the first step. If you present with more severe symptoms, you may get referred sooner.

What happens if I self-refer privately?

You do not need a GP referral to be seen privately. There are many private hospitals nationwide as well as specialists like eXroid with private clinics that see self-referred patients. Private hospitals usually operate on a 2-appointment basis – a consultation then a follow-up treatment. eXroid offers a combined appointment with a GMC registered consultant, carrying out the consultation, examination and then treatment (if suitable).

What are the treatment options for piles?

There are quite a few options for treating piles with a range of factors to consider, namely

Suitability for your grade (read What are grades?),

• Level of risk (often linked to how the procedure works – i.e. cutting, risk of bleeding etc),
• Recovery time and if this will impact your daily life and
• How long to see results and feel the benefits.

With so many options out there, we have pulled together the main options currently available. We encourage all sufferers to look into all options available and choose one best suited to you. Your specialist will discuss options with you and provide impartial advice. Some options are available on the NHS and all are available privately. If you want to discuss which would be right for you, why not call us for help choosing: 0800 999 3777

Non-surgical options (no anaesthetic required)

Electrotherapy treatment. This treatment can be used for piles of any severity. An  electric current is gently applied to the base of the haemorrhoid causing it to shrink. Results can be felt immediately, with full benefits felt after 4-6 weeks. Pain, risk and recovery time are low. 

Read more about the eXroid electrotherapy treatment.

Sclerotherapy. This treatment is only for less severe piles. A chemical is injected into a non-painful area at the base of the pile. This causes it to shrink over time. Results are seen in 3-16 weeks. Pain, risk and recovery time are low. 

Non-surgical options (may require local anaesthetic)

Banding (Rubber Band Ligation). This treatment can be used for more severe piles. A band is placed around the haemorrhoid which cuts off the blood supply and causes it to drop off in 10-14 days. Only 1-2 piles are usually treated to minimise post treatment pain and bleeding. Pain, risk and recovery time are moderate. 

Radio Frequency treatment. This treatment is for less severe to medium severity piles. A needle probe delivers radio frequency energy to the haemorrhoid which heats it and causes it to shrink. Results can be felt immediately, with a progress check at 6-8 weeks. Pain, risk and recovery time are moderate. 

Surgical options (require general anaesthetic)

Haemorrhoidectomy. 

This treatmenttakes place under general anaesthetic and is for more severe piles. A surgeon cuts out the piles and recovery time takes 2-6 weeks. Only 1 treatment is needed for removal of piles present. Pain, risk and recovery time are high. 

Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation.

This surgical treatment can be used for more severe piles under general anaesthetic. An ultrasound probe is used to locate feeding vessels to the haemorrhoid, then the vessels are stitched closed to cut off the blood supply, which causes it to shrink. Pain, risk and recovery time are moderate. 

See more on surgical options here: Haemorrhoid Surgery

Other Treatments: The above are the most commonly available treatment options, however, there are also less commonly known options you may wish to consider including infrared photocoagulation, laser and cryotherapy.

Concerned about your symptoms or want to act now?

Sometimes the symptoms of piles can be alarming and cause us to worry – read more about getting help immediately and more about the symptoms of piles here: Time to put an end to piles and their symptoms 

See how eXroid could relieve your symptoms: eXroid electrotherapy treatment.