Many sports with intense repetitive motions such as running and cycling can put extra strain on the anal area, which can lead to piles. The main way to combat this is to always drink plenty of water when exercising, and maintain a health high-fibre diet.

While not a direct cause of piles, excessive stress can lead to digestive problems such as constipation or diarrhoea, which can increase the risk of haemorrhoid problems.

While the type of food you eat doesn’t directly trigger haemorrhoids, eating a diet low in fibre and not drinking enough water can lead to constipation, which can cause piles due to excessive straining on the loo.

There are lots of different factors that can increase your risk of piles, but genetics can play into it. If you visit the doctor about your piles, they’re likely to ask about any family history as a contributing factor, so it’s worth knowing this information even though it’s not the most pleasant topic to ask your family about!