- irregular bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea)
- increased intra-abdominal pressure (prolonged straining) a low-fiber diet
- pregnancy: the increased intra-abdominal pressure and the effect of straining at delivery can predispose to the development of piles
- absence of valves within the haemorrhoidal veins
- aging: as we grow older the body’s supporting tissues get weaker
- being overweight or obese