Hemorrhoids are among the most common and widespread afflictions in the developed world.  In fact over 80% of the U.S. population suffer from them at one time or another. According to The National Center of Health statistics, over 23 million people reported incidents of hemorrhoids in the past year,while a total of 36 million reported ever having hemorrhoids. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse concluded that around 52,000 people were impaired due to hemorrhoids between 1983 and 1987. In addition, the National Center of Health Research lists hemorrhoids as the most commonly reported condition among major digestive disorders.