The exact cause is still a bit of a mystery. It is thought that increased pressure in and around the back passage (anus) is a major factor in causing piles. This pressure often comes from straining when having a bowel movement, which is why a high fibre diet to keep your bowel movements regular and drinking plenty of water can help prevent piles.

Is there anything that makes piles more likely?

There are certain things that may increase your likelihood of developing piles.

• Being overweight. The increase in pressure throughout the body is likely to be a contributing factor to developing piles.

• Constipation. The increased effort and straining required to open your bowels, putting pressure on the veins around the anus, is a common reason for piles.

• Pregnancy. This is due to the extra pressure that develops within the pelvis where the baby is situated.  The change in hormones can also have a dilatory effect on the veins. Piles during pregnancy typically occur towards the end of pregnancy and during delivery and will most likely go away after the birth of the baby, although this can take a few weeks or months.

• Ageing. The tissue lining the anal canal simply becomes less supportive as we get older.

• Hereditary factors. If your closest family members have piles, then it may be that you have inherited a susceptibility to piles.

You can read more about the common causes and how to minimise your risk of developing or aggravating haemorrhoids here.

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