Millions of Americans have a problem that doesn't come up in polite conversation. Some of them are even too embarrassed to talk to their doctor about it.

"Everybody has hemorrhoids and then with wear and tear, constipation, pregnancy, delivery would see a lot of external hemorrhoidal problems," said Dr. Blatchford.

But for some, hemorrhoids can be so painful

"The tissue tends to enlarge and stretch and become more problematic as they age," said Dr. Garnet Blatchford.

They can keep them from enjoying life.

"People come in and they can't sit. They're miserable," said Dr. Blatchford.

That's the time to see Dr. Garnet Blatchford.

"We rarely recommend any of the over the counter preparations. There�s no known medicinal value to any of them, such as Preparation H or any of those. They're basically lubricants," said Dr. Blatchford.

Surgery is a last resort. But a procedure called banding can help ease the pain and is done right in the doctor�s office. Dr. Blatchford says the most important thing is to get checked so your doctor can rule out something more serious.

"It's not wise to delay coming in, particularly if you�re having bleeding. You want to make sure that it really is the hemorrhoids that are bleeding and not rectal cancer or colon cancer," said Dr. Blatchford.

Dr. Blatchford says there's no reason to suffer with hemorrhoids, help is just a visit away.