If you’ve ever experienced rectal discomfort, bleeding after a bowel movement, or a persistent feeling of fullness down below, you may have wondered whether piles could be the cause. It’s a condition many people have heard of, yet few feel comfortable discussing openly. Because of this, myths about piles continue to circulate, leaving many unsure about what’s true and when to seek proper care.
To help you understand the condition with confidence, piles surgeon Dr Ho Kok Sun addresses some of the most common misconceptions about piles, as well as the facts behind them. Keep reading to learn more.
Myth 1: Eating Spicy Food Causes Piles
Spicy food often gets blamed for triggering piles, but it isn’t actually responsible for causing them. What spicy meals can do, however, is irritate the digestive tract, leading to a burning sensation during bowel movements if you already have piles.
This irritation can make symptoms feel worse, giving the impression that spicy food caused the problem. In reality, piles form due to pressure, straining, or other underlying factors. If you find spicy food causing you discomfort, reducing it temporarily may help, but it isn’t the root cause.
Myth 2: Piles Will Always Go Away on Their Own
It’s easy to assume piles are a temporary inconvenience that will simply resolve over time. While mild cases may improve with increased fibre intake, better hydration, and lifestyle adjustments, more advanced piles often do not disappear without medical attention.
Piles can progress through various stages, from mild swelling and occasional bleeding to prolapsed lumps that remain outside the anus. Once they reach these later stages, home remedies alone are usually not enough to reverse the condition. Recognising the severity early and seeking timely treatment can prevent discomfort from worsening and help you return to your normal routine more quickly.
Myth 3: Piles Are Caused by Poor Hygiene
Poor hygiene is often blamed for piles, but cleanliness has nothing to do with their development. Piles occur when the veins in the rectal area become swollen from factors such as straining, chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, or pregnancy-related pressure.
Good hygiene may help keep the area comfortable and reduce irritation, but it does not prevent piles from forming. Instead of worrying about cleanliness, it’s more helpful to focus on bowel habits, diet, and movement throughout the day.
Myth 4: Sitting on Cold Surfaces Causes Piles
You may have heard of the warning that sitting on a cold bench can cause piles, but this is purely an old wives' tale. Cold surfaces do not trigger the condition, and temperature plays no role in the veins that swell to form piles.
The real issue is prolonged sitting, no matter the surface. Spending long periods seated, especially on the toilet, increases pressure in the rectal veins, which can worsen or contribute to piles.
Myth 5: Piles Are Rare and Embarrassing to Talk About
Because people rarely talk openly about piles, it’s easy to assume the condition is unusual. In truth, piles are extremely common, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Diet, lifestyle, pregnancy, and even genetics all play a role.
The belief that piles are rare creates unnecessary embarrassment and stops people from seeking help. Doctors see patients with piles regularly, and discussing your symptoms is completely normal in a medical setting.
When to See a Doctor
Although mild piles sometimes improve with home care, it’s important to seek medical treatment if you have persistent bleeding, worsening pain, prolapsed lumps that don’t retract, recurrent symptoms, or if home remedies aren’t helping.
A doctor can confirm the cause of your symptoms and recommend suitable treatments, from medication to minimally invasive procedures. Getting the right support early can also help you avoid prolonged discomfort and regain peace of mind.
Treatment Options at HKS Piles Clinic
Mild cases of piles can often be managed with lifestyle adjustments such as increasing dietary fibre, drinking plenty of water and avoiding prolonged sitting during bowel movements. However, when symptoms persist or become severe, medical intervention is often necessary.
At HKS Piles Clinic, available treatments include:
- Banding (Rubber Band Ligation): A minimally invasive procedure where a small rubber band is placed around the base of the pile, cutting off its blood supply so it gradually shrinks and falls off.
- Sclerotherapy: This involves injecting a special solution into the haemorrhoid, causing it to harden and shrink over time.
- Ultrasound-Guided Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation: Using ultrasound imaging, the surgeon locates and ties off the arteries supplying the haemorrhoids, effectively reducing blood flow and swelling.
- Haemorrhoid Energy Transfer (HET): A gentle heat-based treatment designed to target internal piles with minimal discomfort and downtime.
- Laser Piles Surgery: A modern technique using laser energy to remove or shrink haemorrhoidal tissue, suitable for advanced or recurring cases.
Myths about piles can make people delay seeking care, often prolonging their discomfort unnecessarily. If you’re experiencing rectal bleeding, pain, or ongoing discomfort, don’t wait for it to get worse. Schedule a consultation with colorectal specialist Dr Ho Kok Sun for a thorough assessment and a treatment plan to help you regain comfort and peace of mind.
About Dr Ho Kok Sun
Dr Ho Kok Sun
Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), M Med (General Surgery) (Singapore)
FRCS (General Surgery) (Edinburgh), FAM (Singapore)
Dr Ho Kok Sun has dedicated more than a decade to the management of piles and haemorrhoids, offering both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. He is the past President of the ASEAN Society of Colorectal Surgeons and the Society of Colorectal Surgeons (Singapore), and a founding member of the Eurasian Colorectal Technologies Association.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr Ho has been actively involved in training medical students and residents and has contributed extensively to medical literature through journal publications and book chapters. He believes that every patient’s treatment should be individualised, focusing on safety, comfort and long-term results.
