Symptomatic internal hemorrhoids. What are your options?

Treatments for symptomatic internal hemorrhoids are many; in general, the method is designed to fit the severity of prolapse. Stool softeners work well for first- and second-degree hemorrhoids. Rubberband ligation, which is an easy and inexpensive office procedure, is used to treat second-degree hemorrhoids, and surgery is often necessary for third- and fourth-degree hemorrhoids. Other methods include sclerotherapy, dilation of the anus, sphincterotomy, and infrared photocoagulation.