Hemorrhoids are a common, yucky problem that absolutely no one wants to talk about. Unfortunately, not talking about them won't make the problem go away!

Instant remedies for hemorrhoids include the steroid cream Proctosedyl, and other topical creams that relieve the pain and prevent infection of the injured site. However, for people who suffer from the condition, the only permanent solution is a lifestyle change. Yes, this is true even if you have had haemorrhoid surgery - the pesky things tend to come back, and fast!

To keep your hemorrhoids in check, prevent them from bleeding and stop their growth, a thorough lifestyle makeover is necessary. The ultimate goal of this lifestyle change is poop. A nice dump every morning, without straining, without grunting, without cracking your unmentionable regions open every time.

The two main factors contributing to constipation are diet and exercise. In order to keep your digestive system working well, you need to eat well and keep your metabolism working at a good pace. You also need to stay hydrated so that your stools are soft when they finally make their exit.

Whatever you do, do not fall into the cycle of trying not to pass your stools because it hurts too much. The longer you hold things back, the more time your large intestines have to absorb water and make things "harder" for you - pun intended. Straining to pass bowel movements dilates the veins in your anal and rectal area, increasing the number of hemorrhoids, and making it more likely for them to pop open and bleed.

Avoid fatty and sugary foods, as they dehydrate your body and tend to make you constipated. Eat lots of fiber and roughage - whole grains and the skins of vegetables are rich in insoluble fiber, which keeps things moving smoothly along your digestive tract. Green beans and whole wheat are excellent for this purpose.

While your hemorrhoids are exceptionally painful, you will probably be advised to stay on bed-rest, and take sitz baths. Once you start recovering, however, get onto a regular exercise regime. Gentle exercise will speed up your metabolism, ensuring that you have regular and easy bowel movements.

Stress and hormones are two other factors that contribute a great deal to this condition. Try to keep your life as stress-free as possible - see a counselor if you need to. You will find that regular exercise also helps get your endorphins flowing, and helps you manage stressful situations better.

In women, PMS and pregnancy are two very common times for haemorrhoid flare-ups. During these times, they should take special care of their bodies, eat more fiber, and drink enough water. Resorting to laxatives at these specific times can also help greatly.

Hemorrhoids have no permanent cure that has been discovered till date. However, the condition is highly manageable - with proper care, people go for months or even years without having an episode of bleeding.