If we were all honest with each other most of us would admit to having had pile (haemorrhoids) at some time in our lives. If you haven’t had them then all I can say is that you’re lucky.

So what are piles? (I not going to use the ‘proper’ word any more because its too long and complicated to spell)

Piles are basically swollen blood vessels, which you can get inside or outside of the anus (back passage to most of us). My doctor described them to me as being “varicose veins – in your bum”!!! A lot of people have piles but never really suffer the symptoms – if your one of those people then you won’t be needing the wonderful stuff which I’ll be reviewing in a minute. The symptoms are bleeding, swelling and pain, itching or irritation around the anus. However, these symptoms especially the bleeding could be a sign of something more serious – if you’re not sure then go and see your doctor – sure its embarrassing having to pull your pants down and show your bum to your doctor, but it WILL be beneficial.

What causes piles?

There are several factors that can cause piles and these include:

- Straining during bowel movement usually caused by constipation
- Pregnancy. As the baby grows it puts extra pressure on the anal vessels
- Heredity. Sadly if you’ve got a family history of piles then you could be more susceptible to them

How can I try to prevent them?

- Eat lots of foods like brown rice, wholemeal bread and wholemeal pasta, they are high in fibre
- Eat lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and salads
- Drink lots of water
- Try and avoid eating too much salty, fatty or sugary foods
- Cut back on the amount of tea, coffee and alcohol you drink
- Exercise regularly


I was unfortunate enough to suffer from piles during my pregnancy but they were never uncomfortable enough to bother me. However,
10 ½ months after my son was born they were still bothering me a little, and when one delightful little ‘swelling’ decided to hang itself outside my rear end I decided enough was enough. I’d already got a doctors appointment for something else, so when I was there I decided to be ‘brave’ and tell her about the piles!!! This must have been THE most embarrassing moment of my life – she lifted my son out of my arms, closed the curtains and asked me to pull my pants down………aghhhh!!!

After this most awkward moment she told me that I had indeed got piles and that she would give me a cream to help relieve the symptoms. Great I thought and went off to collect my Anusol from the Chemists. Whilst this cream is available over-the-counter I got mine on prescription as I’m still entitled to free prescriptions until my son is one year old. Therefore I am unable to comment on the price.

On arrival at home I opened the box to find a 23g tube of Anusol cream and a rather odd looking plastic nozzle. After reading the instructions I discovered that this cream should be used in the morning, night and after each bowel movement. That seemed simple enough – but what was the nozzle for?? Further investigation revealed that this 5cm nozzle was to be inserted into the back passage for the relief of internal piles. This was certainly an interesting experience, never having been into that type of thing in bed, and my husband could only wonder in the giggles coming from the bathroom. Trust me, you’ll probably giggle too if you have the ‘pleasure’ of using this cream for internal piles……as with most creams its cold, but up your bum……it felt like ice (not that I’ve ever had ice in there – lol).

Despite the embarrassment at the doctors and the giggles at using the cream I’m happy to say that this cream worked VERY quickly. I only had to use it f
or 2 days for the symptoms of piles to completely disappear. The itchiness went after the first use, while the swelling had gone by the end of the second day.

Now for the boring bits.

What’s in it?

Active ingredients:

Zinc Oxide (10.75%)
Bismuth Oxide (2.14%
Balsam Peru (1.8%)

Also contains:

Glycerol monostearate
Liquid paraffin (only just discovered that as I was reading the list of the side of the tube!!!)
Propylene glycol
Polysorbate 60
Sorbitan stearate
E171
Methyl hydroxybenzoate
Propyl hydroxybenzoate
Water


Obviously if you are allergic to any of the above ingredients then you should avoid this product.

Despite the embarrassment at the doctors and the giggles at using the cream I’m happy to say that this cream worked VERY quickly. I only had to use it for 2 days for the symptoms of piles to completely disappear. The itchiness went after the first use, while the swelling had gone by the end of the second day.

I hope that you never have to use this cream, but if you do – remember if you’ve got piles inside then you’ve got to stick it up your bum!!!