Haemorrhoids in women
Haemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum. Studies show that some 50 per cent of adults experience symptoms of haemorrhoids. This happens as the blood flows slowly through the veins, resulting in their expansion, which raises the possibility of haemorrhoids forming.
According to obstetrician gynaecologist (ObGyn) Dr Ryan Halsall of Island Laparoscopy, contributing factors of haemorrhoids include a hereditary predisposition; long stay in a standing or sitting position in accordance with the peculiarities of professional activity; frequent constipation; heavy physical exertion; intoxication with harmful substances, for example alcohol; pregnancy or childbirth; frequent use of salty or spicy food; infectious inflammation of venous vessels; colitis, and keeping a low-activity lifestyle.
Of note, Dr Halsall said it is important to know that the absence of these conditions is not a safeguard against haemorrhoids; however, maintaining a healthy lifestyle will reduce your risk.
As it relates to women, the ObGyn said signs of haemorrhoids include discomfort in the anus, itching, pain, and bleeding.
He explained that the symptoms usually manifest with unpleasant sensations arising in the area of the anus, then bleeding from the anus while defecating, painful sensations and itching as a result of irritation.
“If a woman experiences such symptoms she must seek help from her doctor who will refer her to a surgeon,” Dr Halsall said.
The ObGyn said haemorrhoids are diagnosed by different examinations of the patient, which include a digital examination, anoscopy, rectoscopy and recto-manoscopy to detail the presence of haemorrhoids and monitor the changes in the mucous membranes of the anus to diagnose possible diseases.
With regards to treatment, Dr Halsall said this is administered based on the stage of the haemorrhoids which can occur in an acute or chronic form.
“Treatment of haemorrhoids includes topical cream application, cleansing enemas, anti-inflammatory drugs, ointments for applications and phlebotonic drugs (medicines that normalise the structure and functions of venous vessels). Applications using ointments that have a strong anti-inflammatory effect are usually prescribed,” explained Dr Halsall.
He added that after the acute stage, the woman needs to undergo surgical intervention or minimally invasive treatment, depending on the severity of the pathological process.
Treatment of chronic haemorrhoids in the first and second stages is carried out with the help of minimally invasive methods such as sclerotherapy, doping with latex rings, photocoagulation or cryotherapy (freezing haemorrhoids).
Moreover, Dr Halsall said minimally invasive methods eliminate the presence of haemorrhoids, but they do not eliminate their original cause – excess blood flow to the veins of the large intestine. So a woman should follow the correction of her way of life to exclude contributing factors.
“Pay attention to the work of your digestive tract, how frequently you’re constipated or have diarrhoea; avoid straining when using the toilet, drink at least two litres of liquid during the day, and exercise daily,” Dr Halsall said.
