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What you can do about hemorrhoids

When to use home treatment and when to see the doctor.

Although hemorrhoids aren't often talked about, they are surprisingly common. About half of all people over age 50 have hemorrhoids, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Fortunately, home treatment is often effective at relieving the pain and discomfort hemorrhoids cause. And, when it isn't, there are many medical options available.

What you can do at home

Mild hemorrhoid symptoms can often be improved with a few lifestyle changes and/or over-the-counter drugs.

Options to try include:

• Take a warm bath or sit in a tub of warm water for 10 minutes a few times a day.
• Use wet toilet paper or baby wipes after bowel movements.
• Choose a high-fiber diet, including plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Apply over-the-counter suppositories or creams to numb the area and relieve itching. (Talk with your doctor before using hemorrhoid medicine.)
• Drink plenty of water or other nonalcoholic fluids.
• Exercise to prevent constipation.
• Avoid straining during bowel movements.
• Avoid regular heavy lifting.
• Use acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve pain and swelling.

These remedies can help relieve symptoms, but they do not cure the underlying hemorrhoids. If symptoms are not better after a week or two, it may be time to contact your doctor.

What a doctor can do

When hemorrhoid symptoms don't go away with treatment at home, medical treatment may help. A doctor may recommend:

• A bulk stool softener or fiber supplement.
• Ligation (cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid).
• Sclerotherapy (injecting a chemical to shrink hemorrhoid tissue).
• Coagulation (using an electric current or infrared light to shrink the hemorrhoid).

In cases where the hemorrhoid is prolapsed (protruding from the anus), too large or unresponsive to other treatments, the doctor may recommend surgery (hemorrhoidectomy). A more recently developed option involves using a special stapling tool to remove hemorrhoid tissue and pull the remaining tissue back into place. 

A sensitive issue

Some people find it difficult to talk about hemorrhoids-even with a doctor. If you feel embarrassed, remember these two things:

1. A doctor talks about sensitive, personal topics for a living. He or she is not going to be uncomfortable discussing or treating hemorrhoids.

2. Though you may feel reluctant to bring up the topic, you'll be glad that you did when the pain is gone.

Reviewed 7/15/2025