Fresh red blood is usually a sign of haemorrhoids (piles) but not always. These can be painful and irritating but are not normally something to be concerned about. They can appear as swollen lumps which are inflammed and painful. Straining is a common cause.

Diet is a factor in haemorrhoids due to link with constipation. The important thing is to avoid constipation before it starts so eating plenty of fruit, veg, fibre and drinking 8 glasses of water a day is essential.

Other lifestyle matters include being less sedentary, increase exercise.

Anti-inflammatory creams, suppositories, sprays and gels will help in reducing an inflamed haemorrhoid but should not be used for more than 7 days.

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Witch hazel is an astringent, never seen it used on haemorrhoids so it may sting. Prep H and other OTC creams can be soothing but your need specific products with hydrocortisone for reducing inflammation. If you can avoid constipation then this very likely will go down on its own, although it shows you may have a tendency to develop haemorrhoids.

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The veins at the anal passage plexus have to deal with gravity, so they are prone to statis. Straining of the effort of passing large, bulky stools (such as in a high fibre diet) could be a contributing factor if there was insufficient fluid to soften the stool.

In addition, you mentioned weight training? Using muscles for training or heavy lifting can put additional pressure on the abdomen so may have also had a small part to play. Thats not to say you should give up exercise, just do not do excessive exercises which increase abdominal pressure.

Although people have a tendency to develop these when older, there is no reason why young women shouldn't suffer and indeed they are very common in pregnancy.

Do not be worried about this, a few days will probably see it reduce in size. If there is no pain or bleeding then it is nothing at all to worry about.

Regards

If the haemorrhoid is thrombosed (full of static blood) then it can take 7-10 days to improve, however if it won't reduce on pressure then you may need intervention but the most common treatment in absence of pain is to see what time can manage.

A cyst can be fluid filled, or pus filled if there is bacterial involvement. Other things could also be genital warts, or a polyp. If it is any of these you need to see your doctor for treatment. There are also much rarer possibilities like prolapse and cancer however these tend to occur in people over 55.You have only had it a day or so and there is no other associated symptoms so I would not be worried abou this at all. Its far to early to consider other possibilities.

However if the size of the haemorrhoid is preventing passage of stools then you need to see the doctor sooner.

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