Haemorrhoids (also known as piles) are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus (back passage) and lower rectum (the final part of the large bowel). They are very common and can cause symptoms such as bleeding, discomfort, itching or a feeling of fullness around the anus.
An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus. Although usually not serious, fissures can cause pain and bleeding, particularly during or after passing stools.
Rectal bleeding refers to any bleeding from the anus or lower digestive tract. While it is often caused by conditions such as haemorrhoids or fissures, it should always be assessed by a healthcare professional to identify the cause and rule out more serious conditions.
Most cases can be successfully treated, and many people experience significant improvement with self-care measures, medication or, where appropriate, specialist procedures.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Relevant Diagnostic Tests
Piles, anal fissures and rectal bleeding are common conditions that can affect people of all ages. While they can be uncomfortable and sometimes worrying, many causes can be successfully treated once an accurate diagnosis has been made.
Symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly, depending on the underlying cause. Some people experience occasional symptoms that improve on their own, while others may need medical treatment to help manage ongoing problems.
Symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
In some cases, symptoms may come and go. However, recurring or persistent symptoms should not be ignored.
Several factors can contribute to the development of haemorrhoids and fissures. Common causes and risk factors include:
Straining during bowel movements
Passing hard stools or straining during bowel movements can increase pressure in the veins around the anus.
Constipation
Constipation (difficulty passing stools) is one of the most common causes of haemorrhoids and fissures.
Chronic diarrhoea
Frequent loose stools can irritate the lining of the anus and increase the risk of developing fissures.
Pregnancy
Increased pressure within the abdomen during pregnancy can contribute to haemorrhoids.
Prolonged sitting
Sitting for long periods, particularly on the toilet, can place additional pressure on the veins around the anus.
Low fibre diet
Not getting enough fibre may contribute to constipation and harder stools.
Ageing
As we get older, the tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken.
When should you seek medical advice?
It’s important to speak to a healthcare professional if you experience:
A healthcare professional can assess your symptoms and recommend any tests or treatment that may be appropriate.
Seeking Urgent Medical Advice
Contact NHS 111, seek urgent medical advice, or attend emergency services if you experience:
The good news is that many causes of rectal bleeding and anal discomfort can be diagnosed quickly, allowing appropriate treatment to begin as soon as possible.
Initial Consultation
During your appointment, your gastroenterologist may ask about:
A specialist will begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history and any factors that may be contributing to the problem.
Investigations may include:
Physical examination
An examination of the anal area may help identify haemorrhoids, fissures or other abnormalities.
Digital rectal examination (DRE)
A healthcare professional gently inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to check for any abnormalities.
Proctoscopy or rigid sigmoidoscopy
A short examination using a narrow tube with a light and camera to assess the anal canal and lower rectum.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Involves using a thin, flexible camera to examine the rectum and lower part of the large bowel.
Colonoscopy
Involves using a thin, flexible camera to examine the entire large bowel, which can help identify the cause of rectal bleeding.
Blood tests
These may be used to look for signs of anaemia (a reduced number of red blood cells) or other underlying conditions.
Treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms, their severity and how much they affect your daily life.
Self-Care & Lifestyle Changes
Your specialist may recommend:
Medical & Prescription Treatments
Treatment may include:
It’s important to note that medication can help manage symptoms, but further treatment may sometimes be needed if symptoms persist or return.
If symptoms do not improve with conservative treatments, procedures may be recommended.
These may include:
Rubber band ligation
This involves placing a small rubber band around the haemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to shrink and fall off.
Injection treatment (sclerotherapy)
This procedure involves injecting a solution into the haemorrhoid to help it shrink.
Infrared coagulation
This involves using heat to reduce blood flow to the haemorrhoid, causing it to shrink.
Surgery
Surgery may be recommended for larger haemorrhoids, persistent symptoms or complications.
Procedures may include:
Your specialist will discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your individual circumstances.
Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain, itching and discomfort can be distressing and may affect your confidence, daily activities and overall wellbeing. At Clarity, our experienced specialists provide prompt access to diagnostic investigations and personalised treatment plans to help identify the cause of your symptoms and find effective relief.
Why Choose Us?
✅ Fast access to experienced specialist consultants
✅ Advanced diagnostic testing and investigations
✅ Comprehensive assessment of rectal bleeding and anal conditions
✅ Personalised treatment plans tailored to your symptoms
✅ Access to both non-surgical and surgical treatment options
✅ Comfortable private facilities and ongoing support
As the first step in your private digestive health journey, Clarity Consult is an entirely FREE consultation.
This is designed to be a clear, consultant-led private pathway for patients experiencing digestive symptoms, with fast access, transparent costs and flexible appointments.
It’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional if your haemorrhoid symptoms persist, keep returning, become painful, or if you experience rectal bleeding.
Yes. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fibre and drinking enough fluids may help reduce constipation and make stools easier to pass, which can help reduce symptoms.
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. Options may include lifestyle changes, medication, or specialist procedures such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or surgery.
Rectal bleeding is often caused by conditions such as haemorrhoids or anal fissures. But because bleeding can sometimes be linked to other digestive conditions, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional if you notice blood when going to the toilet.
Although most anal fissures are not serious and can often heal with self-care measures or medical treatment, ongoing or recurring fissures may need to be checked by a specialist.
Rectal bleeding often appears as bright red blood on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or on the surface of stools. Any rectal bleeding should be assessed by a healthcare professional to identify the cause.
Mild haemorrhoids may improve on their own or with self-care measures such as increasing fibre intake and drinking plenty of fluids. Persistent symptoms may benefit from medical advice and treatment.
Yes. Haemorrhoids is the medical term for piles. They occur when blood vessels in or around the anus (back passage) become swollen.
Take Control of Your Digestive Health Today
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain, itching or discomfort, or have concerns about haemorrhoids (piles) or anal fissures, seeking medical advice at Clarity can help identify the cause and get you started on the right treatment.
Speak with one of our specialist gastroenterology consultants for a prompt diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.