TheSite explains a very common condition that nobody seems to talk about. Small varicose veins, located around the anus, which have dilated and filled with blood. Thought to be caused by too much toilet straining, as this puts pressure on the veins. It's also associated with pregnancy, as many new mums will testify.
Piles are often itchy, sometimes painful.
Sufferers may also notice some bleeding when taking a dump, from spot marks on the paper to bright red blood in the stool. Avoid the temptation to scratch. The discomfort may be so bad that all you want to do is shove your hand up your backside and itch for England, but it'll only make the problem worse. In many cases, piles will clear up without treatment. You can improve matters by rethinking your diet in a bid to improve your bowel movements.