Hemorrhoids are incredibly common, affecting millions of adults across the country every year. In fact, according to the National Center for Health Statistics (2020), hemorrhoidal disease leads to about 4 million care visits annually in the United States.
If you're struggling with pain, swelling, or itching, you don't have to jump straight to surgery. At Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Town and Country, Missouri, Betsy F. Clemens, MD, specializes in providing gentle, highly effective, non-surgical options to help you find lasting relief.
We understand that dealing with hemorrhoids can feel embarrassing or overwhelming. That's why our services are tailored to your needs, with personalized, compassionate care.
Here are four proven, non-surgical treatments we use to help you say goodbye to hemorrhoid discomfort.
The foods you eat and how you behave during bowel movements play a significant role in hemorrhoid development and relief. That’s why we highly recommend the TONE protocol, which stands for:
As a preventative measure, these simple behavioral shifts reduce the pelvic pressure that can cause veins to swell and hemorrhoids to develop.
For hemorrhoid relief, a study published in BMC Surgery (2025) found that strict adherence to this protocol allowed 87.1% of surgical candidates to avoid surgery entirely. By limiting your toilet time and avoiding straining, you give your body a chance to heal naturally.
IRC is a state-of-the-art, non-surgical office procedure that uses targeted infrared light to treat early-stage internal hemorrhoids.
During this quick treatment, Dr. Clemens applies short bursts of infrared energy to the tissue surrounding the hemorrhoid. This cuts off the hemorrhoid’s blood supply and causes it to shrink.
Research in Clinical Endoscopy (2025) shows that IRC achieves an 81% symptom control rate for early-stage hemorrhoids. It's a fast, virtually painless option we perform in our office so that you can get back to your daily routine with minimal downtime.
Can changing your diet really shrink hemorrhoids? Yes, increasing your daily fiber and water intake is one of the most effective ways to prevent and manage flare-ups.
Fiber acts like a sponge, drawing water into your stool to make it softer and easier to pass. When you combine 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily with plenty of water, you eliminate the hard stools that cause painful friction.
This simple change reduces irritation of the sensitive lining of your anal canal.
What if you're dealing with intense itching or pain? We offer specialized medical management to target specific symptoms like anal itchiness and anal pain. This may include prescription topical treatments or temporary lifestyle adjustments to soothe irritated tissues.
If you develop a sudden, painful lump, you might be dealing with thrombosed hemorrhoids. We can evaluate your condition and provide targeted therapies to reduce swelling and relieve anal discomfort without the need for invasive surgery.
You don't have to live with the daily burden of hemorrhoid pain. Our dedicated team is here to guide you toward the right non-surgical solution for your unique needs.
If you're ready to find relief, schedule a visit with Dr. Clemens at our Town and Country office today.
