• Hemorrhoids often go away on their own.Doctor image by Monika 3 Steps Ahead from Fotolia.com
  
  Hemorrhoids are a condition in which veins inside or around the anus become inflamed, causing them to itch or bleed. Hemorrhoids typically result from straining, aging, diarrhea, chronic constipation, pregnancy and anal sex. In many cases, internal hemorrhoids will go away on their own, but vessels that are chronically inflamed and bothersome may require a doctor's care. If you are experiencing anal bleeding, you should see a doctor to rule out more serious gastrointestinal disorders such as diverticulitis, obstruction of the colon or colon cancer.
  
  

Sclerotherapy

• For small internal hemorrhoids, sclerotherapy can be an effective cure. Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a hardening chemical that scars the inflamed vein. This reduces blood flow to the affected tissue, relieves symptoms and gives the tissue time to heal.
  
  

Rubber Band Ligation

• For larger internal hemorrhoids (those that are too large to be treated with sclerotherapy) rubber band ligation is the most common treatment. Rubber band ligation involves tying off of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow to the area completely. Once blood flow is stanched, the hemorrhoid withers and falls off.
  
  

Infrared Coagulation

• Infrared coagulation is a relatively painless procedure (the patient may feel a brief burst of heat) that is quick and easy to perform. The doctor inserts a probe into the rectum that delivers a burst of infrared light just above the hemorrhoid, prompting the blood in the area to coagulate. This reduces blood flow to the hemorrhoid so that it shrinks and recedes.
  
  

Hemorrhoidectomy

• A hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of a hemorrhoid, and is usually reserved for internal hemorrhoids that have not responded to other treatments. Hemorrhoidectomies involve anesthesia and stitches, and generally require a day or two of recovery time.