Many adults have hemorrhoids, which are usually only a problem if they cause bothersome symptoms, such as pain, itching and/or bleeding. Upstate colon and rectal surgeon Jeffrey Albright, MD, advises some ways to minimize discomfort. He recommends making sure your diet includes adequate amounts of fiber and limiting the amount of time spent straining on the toilet. Topical hemorrhoid creams and/or laxatives may be useful, too. Albright also explains methods for removing hemorrhoids.