These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

John, age 40: I have had hemorrhoids for many years, but they have never bothered me much. Once in a while they hurt or bleed, and I know that it's time to pay more attention to my diet and drink some extra water. My new doctor and I talked about them during my last visit. She asked if I had ever considered having them treated, and we talked about the pros and cons of my options. I decided that since they don't bother me very much, and because I know what to do if they flare up, I will just keep managing them as I have been. I can always have treatment later if they get worse.

Genevieve, age 50: Because I sit all day at work, my hemorrhoids can be a big inconvenience. I get plenty of fiber and water in my diet, but they are still bothering me. My doctor and I agreed that it would be reasonable for me to try the rubber band treatment. I will still have to watch what I eat and drink to keep my stools soft, but I hope that the treatment will take care of most of the pain so I can be more comfortable at work.

Ricardo, age 38: I had a rubber band hemorrhoid treatment several years ago. I recall that the treatment was quite painful, but it worked very well for a long time. Unfortunately, now the problem has come back. My doctor and I are talking about what to do next. He says I can do the rubber band treatment again or have surgery. Since the rubber band treatment worked well for me before, I plan to have it done again.

Barbara, age 47: I have given all the hemorrhoid home treatments a try, and they have helped. But I still feel like I need something more. It concerns me to have rectal bleeding, although my doctor has tested me and we are confident that I don't have anything more serious than hemorrhoids. I'm going to try one of the nonsurgical treatments and see if that will help stop or reduce the bleeding so I can worry a little less. I have heard good things about the infrared photocoagulation treatment.