piles in men - #28154
I am a bit freaked out cause I’ve been dealing with piles in men for a while now. At first, I thought it was just some weird discomfort after eating spicy food, right? But it’s been months, and I’ve got pain, itching, and even bleeding when I go to the bathroom. Ugh, such a hassle! I mean, I try to stay healthy and focus on fiber like my doctor said but it just doesn’t feel like it’s helping enough. Plus, I read somewhere that piles in men can be more serious than I thought. The other day, I was at work, and it got so bad that I had to excuse myself to the restroom a couple of times. I was really embarrassed but I didn’t wanna ignore it. Is it normal for piles in men to cause this much pain? Like, what do I do now? Do I need to see a specialist, or can my regular doctor handle it? I keep hearing mixed stuff about treatment options too – some say surgery and others say just creams or diet changes. Really puts me in a bind! Any insight you guys have on piles in men would be super helpful. Thanks in advance!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Piles, or hemorrhoids, can indeed be quite uncomfortable, and the symptoms you’re experiencing like pain, itching, and bleeding are pretty typical. It’s worth noting that while both men and women can get piles, the discomfort and potential complications can indeed vary from person to person. First, let’s talk about management. You’ve done well to focus on a high-fiber diet; this can help by softening stools, reducing the need to strain, and ultimately, minimizing the pressure on your hemorrhoids. However, if dietary changes alone aren’t enough, you might consider additional fiber supplements like psyllium husk or methylcellulose, ensuring you drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep things moving. Over-the-counter topical treatments, such as hemorrhoid creams or ointments containing hydrocortisone or witch hazel, can also be effective in reducing pain and itching temporarily. Sits baths can provide relief too; sit in warm water for about 15-20 minutes a few times a day, particularly after bowel movements. If you’ve been trying self-care measures for a couple of weeks and things haven’t improved, it’s wise to follow up with your regular doctor. Hemorrhoids can occasionally become thrombosed—a painful condition when a clot forms—which might warrant more immediate medical attention or evaluation by a specialist. They’ll decide if more advanced treatments are necessary, like rubber band ligation or, in some cases, surgery. Surgery isn’t typically first-line treatment but might be considered in more persistent or severe cases. Always best addressing this with your doctor, who knows your health background, before deciding on the next step. They’ll help you manage this effectively without jumping to conclusions about more invasive treatments right away.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.