Nigeria, Feb. 14 -- Haemorrhoids, commonly called piles, are a frequent but often misunderstood health condition in Nigeria. Despite how common they are, many people delay seeking treatment until symptoms worsen.

Speaking with PT Health Watch, Shola Fasiku, a general surgeon at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, said the condition is common but underreported because most patients do not visit the hospital for haemorrhoids until they experience serious discomfort or complications.

Mr Fasiku explained that haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus, a medical condition that is frequently dismissed or casually referred to as "piles".

Mr Fasiku said haemorrhoids are "dilatations of the inner cushions," referring to...