varicose veins during pregnancy

Introduction

Piles, commonly known as haemorrhoids, were once considered a condition affecting mostly older adults. However, in recent years, doctors across India have observed a significant rise in piles among young adults, especially those between 20 and 40 years of age. What was once uncommon in this age group has now become a frequent reason for outpatient visits and surgical consultations.

This growing trend is closely linked to modern lifestyle changes, including sedentary work routines, unhealthy dietary habits, chronic constipation, high stress levels, and delayed medical attention. As a result, piles are increasingly being diagnosed at an early age, often progressing due to lack of awareness and late treatment.

Understanding why piles are increasing among young adults in India is essential for early detection, prevention, and timely management before the condition worsens.

A Growing Health Concern Among India’s Youth

Medical experts across India report that piles, along with related anorectal conditions such as fissures and fistulas, are no longer limited to older age groups. An increasing number of young professionals, college students, and even teenagers are now being diagnosed with piles.

Symptoms such as bleeding during bowel movements, anal pain, discomfort, itching, and swelling are becoming common complaints among younger patients. Unfortunately, many ignore these early signs due to embarrassment or lack of awareness, allowing the condition to worsen over time.

The rise in piles among young adults is closely linked to modern lifestyle habits, making it an emerging but often overlooked health issue in India.

Key Reasons Why Piles Are Increasing Among Young Adults

Sedentary Lifestyle and Long Sitting Hours

Modern work culture has made sedentary lifestyles common among young adults. Desk jobs, remote work, competitive exam preparation, and prolonged screen time have significantly reduced daily physical activity. Sitting for long hours places constant pressure on the rectal veins, increasing the risk of piles (haemorrhoids).

Poor posture, minimal movement, and skipping regular breaks further impair blood circulation in the pelvic region, creating ideal conditions for piles development at a young age.

The growing dependence on fast food, processed snacks, refined carbohydrates, and irregular meal timings has replaced traditional fiber-rich diets. Low fiber intake leads to hard stools, difficulty in bowel movements, and increased straining.

Chronic straining caused by hard stools remains one of the strongest risk factors for piles, especially among young adults who consume fewer fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Busy schedules, work pressure, frequent travel, and ignoring the natural urge to pass stools disrupt normal bowel habits. Over time, this results in chronic constipation, forcing individuals to strain repeatedly during bowel movements.

Constipation continues to be one of the most common causes of piles in young adults across India and a major contributor to worsening symptoms.

Spending long periods scrolling on mobile phones while using the toilet has become a widespread habit among young adults. Prolonged sitting increases pressure on the anal and rectal area, significantly raising the risk of piles and anal fissures.

This habit delays bowel emptying and further increases strain on rectal veins, accelerating piles formation.

High levels of stress, anxiety, mental fatigue, and poor sleep directly affect digestive health. Stress disrupts gut movement, slows digestion, and worsens constipation.

Stress-related digestive problems have emerged as a hidden but major factor behind the rising incidence of piles among younger populations.

A lack of regular exercise slows intestinal movement and weakens digestion. Without physical activity, bowel movements become irregular, increasing dependence on straining during stool passage.

Although exercise plays a key role in preventing piles, it is often neglected by young adults due to demanding work schedules and lifestyle choices.

Rising obesity and weight gain among young adults increase pressure on the abdominal and pelvic region. Excess body weight affects blood circulation and places additional strain on rectal veins, contributing to the formation and progression of haemorrhoids.

Many young adults delay seeking medical help due to embarrassment, fear of surgery, or underestimating early symptoms. Mild bleeding, discomfort, or itching is often ignored until piles progress to advanced stages.

Delayed diagnosis makes piles more difficult to manage and may require surgical or interventional treatment.

Alcohol consumption leads to dehydration, which hardens stools and worsens constipation. Smoking negatively affects blood circulation and tissue healing. When combined with a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet, these habits significantly increase the risk of piles in young adults.

Early Symptoms Young Adults Should Not Ignore

Piles often begin with mild and painless symptoms, which is why many young adults overlook them. However, ignoring these early warning signs can allow the condition to worsen and progress to advanced stages that require medical intervention.

Young adults should seek attention if they experience any of the following early symptoms of piles (haemorrhoids):

  • Bleeding during or after bowel movements
  • Pain or burning sensation near the anus
  • Itching or irritation in the anal area
  • Swelling or a lump around the anal opening
  • A constant feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation

Early identification of these piles symptoms allows timely treatment, prevents complications such as severe pain, infection, or anaemia due to blood loss, and significantly reduces the need for invasive piles surgery later.

Can Piles Be Prevented at a Young Age?

In many cases, piles in young adults are preventable. Simple but consistent lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the risk by addressing the root causes such as constipation, straining, and prolonged sitting.

Key piles prevention measures include:

  • Following a fiber-rich diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Drinking adequate water daily to keep stools soft
  • Taking regular breaks from prolonged sitting at work or study
  • Exercising consistently to improve digestion and bowel movement
  • Avoiding excessive toilet time and mobile phone usage in toilets
  • Managing stress levels and maintaining healthy sleep patterns

Early lifestyle correction and preventive care for piles are far more effective than treating advanced-stage disease.

When Should Young Adults Seek Medical Treatment for Piles?

If piles symptoms continue despite lifestyle changes, medical evaluation becomes essential. Delaying treatment can cause the condition to worsen and lead to complications such as:

  • Severe or persistent anal pain
  • Recurrent or heavy rectal bleeding
  • Anaemia due to chronic blood loss
  • Reduced quality of life and daily discomfort
  • Progression to higher-grade piles requiring procedural treatment

Today, modern piles treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures, allow safe and effective management with minimal discomfort and faster recovery, especially when the condition is diagnosed early.

Advanced Piles Treatment in Bangalore

Medfine Hospitals offers advanced piles treatment in Bangalore, with a strong focus on accurate diagnosis, stage-wise treatment planning, and patient comfort. Each case of piles (haemorrhoids) is carefully evaluated to determine the severity and the most suitable treatment approach.

Medfine Hospital provides minimally invasive piles treatment options, including laser piles treatment, which help reduce pain, blood loss, and hospital stay. These advanced techniques allow patients to recover faster, return to daily activities sooner, and experience a lower risk of recurrence compared to conventional methods.

With experienced surgeons, modern infrastructure, and a patient-first approach, Medfine Hospitals ensures safe, effective, and evidence-based care for piles at every stage.

Conclusion

Piles are no longer limited to older adults. Sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, chronic constipation, stress, and delayed medical care have made piles increasingly common among young adults in India. Ignoring early symptoms often leads to worsening discomfort and complications.

Awareness, preventive habits, and early medical evaluation are key to effective management. With modern, minimally invasive options available, piles can be treated safely with faster recovery. At Medfine Hospitals, patients receive stage-based, evidence-driven care focused on long-term relief and better outcomes.

Related Links

    1. Cleveland clinic

      https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15120-hemorrhoids