This website has moved to a new location. Please visit our sister website healthexpress.co.uk for next day delivery.

Home / Haemorrhoids

The causes of piles

Internal haemorrhoids are essentially inflamed vascular structures that are rich in blood vessels. Inflammation occurs because of pressure that causes irritation and results in an immune response. Sometimes the inflammation can be so severe that these structures prolapse and push their way through the anal opening. When this happens internal haemorrhoids should not be confused with external haemorrhoids. External haemorrhoids are far less common and are blood clots that form around the edge of the anal opening.

There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of a person developing this condition such as old age; a diet that is low in fibre and that often leads to constipation; lifting heavy objects or being obese. Some people can also be more prone to them because it runs in the family.

The symptoms

Piles can sometimes be asymptomatic, but when symptoms do occur they can cause discomfort. They may include: bright red blood after passing stools, piles hanging through the anal opening that need to be pushed back after passing stools, mucous or discharge after passing stools, itching, a sore or sensitive anus or a desire to pass stools even when bowels are empty.

Prevention

There is no direct way to prevent haemorrhoids but you can reduce your chances of developing it by eliminating some of the risk factors. You can try to add more fibre in your diet, drink more water and do more exercise to keep your bowel movements regular. You may also want to avoid excessive alcohol use. Losing weight if you are currently overweight can also reduce your risk of developing piles.

Treatment Options

How haemorrhoids are treated is largely dependent on their severity. Mild cases can often go away on their own if patients take steps to improve their diet. Taking in more fibre and fluid can make stools softer and far less likely to cause further irritation. You may also choose to use a laxative to deal with constipation.

If your symptoms aren't going away with the help of diet and exercise then over-the-counter or prescription treatments are an option. Prescription haemorrhoid treatments such as: Anugesic HC, Proctofoam, Proctosedyl, Scheriproct, Ultraproct, Uniroid, Xyloproct or Betnovate, can offer immediate topical relief from symptoms while also reducing swelling. Haemorrhoid treatments are commonly available in the form of gels, ointments, creams, foams or suppositories that can be used externally and/or internally.

In extreme cases where haemorrhoidal swellings are quite large and won't go away with the help of a more fibrous diet or prescription treatment, medical procedures such as injections, surgery or infra-red coagulation can be considered. These procedures all involve the actual removal or shrinking of piles.

Ordering piles treatment online

Prescription treatments are available online. Simply place an order and ensure that you complete the online consultation.Our doctors will review your consultation and provide a prescription if the treatment of your choice is safe for you to use. All prescriptions are processed by a registered pharmacist and shipped via overnight delivery so you can start your treatment as soon as possible.

View all treatments

  • Review by a qualified doctor
  • Including prescription
  • Next-day delivery included
Cream, ointment, & spray

Different treatments exist to relieve both internal and external symptoms. You should speak with your doctor to determine which is best for you.

Anusol HC
Prices from
£24.99
Compare
Scheriproct
Prices from
£22.99
Compare
Proctosedyl
Prices from
£29.99
Compare
Xyloproct
Prices from
£29.99
Compare
Betnovate
Prices from
£19.99
Compare
Suppositories

Treat the condition at its source with suppositories. Fast and effective medications are available from 121doc.

Anusol HC
Prices from
£24.99
Compare
Scheriproct
Prices from
£22.99
Compare
Proctosedyl
Prices from
£29.99
Compare

FAQs

What is included in the online consultation?
Will a doctor review my consultation?
What happens after I submit my order?
Is the price all-inclusive?
Can I place more than one order at a time?
What are my delivery options?
Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?
How do I know which treatment is best for me?
Is this service discreet?
What is included in the online consultation?

Our consultations include general questions about your health (e.g. blood pressure levels, current and past conditions), as well as specific questions related to your selected treatment. We will also request relevant personal information to complete payment and delivery.

All questions are necessary, and your answers and details will not be shared with any third-parties. Only our doctors have access to your medical information.

Will a doctor review my consultation?

It is a legal and medical requirement that a doctor first reviews all completed consultations. We have a team of in-house doctors and specialists who will ensure your selected treatment is safe for your use. All information is stored securely and confidentially.

Please note, we do not guarantee that our doctors will approve treatment.

What happens after I submit my order?

Your consultation will be sent directly to our medical team, where it will be reviewed by one of our doctors.

If your chosen treatment is deemed suitable for your use, they will issue a prescription. Your prescription is then forwarded to our pharmacy, where your medication will be dispensed and dispatched for courier delivery.

Is the price all-inclusive?

Yes. All 121doc orders include a medical consultation, a prescription and next-day delivery. There are no additional costs. We believe in providing a safe and easy-to-use service.

Can I place more than one order at a time?

Yes. However, certain medications may negatively interact with each other. Our doctors may not approve your order on this basis.

You can place multiple items in one basket, and complete a consultation for all.

If you wish to place a second order for a different medication, you will have to complete a separate consultation.

What are my delivery options?

We offer several delivery options:

  • Next-day delivery
  • UPS Access Point - convenient parcel drop-off and collection near your home or work address
  • Nominated-day delivery - choose the most convenient day for delivery

All these options can be tracked and require a signature on delivery. If you are not available, a friend or relative can sign in your place.

None of these options will incur an additional charge.

Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?

To ensure you are purchasing from a reputable company, you should look to see their country’s regulatory bodies verify them.

In the UK, this is the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).Certificates can be viewed here.

How do I know which treatment is best for me?

Some treatments also offer the 'Advise Me' function. You will be asked questions about your lifestyle and needs, plus medical questions. You will then be presented with the advice of our doctors.

Is this service discreet?

Our patients’ privacy is of utmost importance. All your medical information is securely stored and only viewed by our doctors. We do not share your details with third-parties. We are also regularly inspected by various UK regulatory agencies, such as the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

All orders will only show on invoices, bank statements, etc. as ‘HHC Ltd’.