RISK FACTORS
- Excessive straining at bowel movements.
- Heavy weight lifting.
- Diet high in processed food and low in fiber, which tends to cause constipation.
- Sedentary lifestyle with no exercise.
- Any condition which increases intra-abdominal (in the abdomen) pressure
- Childbirth
- Chronic cough
- Obesity
- During pregnancy, there can be formation of piles (hemorrhoids)due to compression of the hemorrhoidal veins, which can be due to:
- pressure as a result of enlarged uterus carrying the baby.
- relaxing effect of progesterone on the smooth muscle of the vein, leading to dilatation.
- increase blood flow of the pelvic region.
- Straining at urination due to enlarged prostrate in males or urethral stricture (narrowing of the urinary opening).
- Chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, anal infection.
- Cancer of rectum, causes compression or thrombosis (blood clot) in the hemorrhoidal vein giving rise to piles (hemorrhoids).
- Loss of muscle tone in the rectum due to old age and after rectal surgery.
- Hereditary: The problem of piles (especially internal hemorrhoids) may run in the families.