Frequently asked questions
Got questions?
Haemorrhoid treatment FAQs
Honest answers. No awkwardness
From what the treatment feels like to how long it lasts, we’ve answered the most common questions patients ask us. If you’re wondering about something, chances are you’ll find the answer here – clear, simple, and straight from the experts.
Are there any conditions that might prevent me from having Rectify treatment?
In some cases, treatment may not be suitable – either temporarily or permanently – depending on your symptoms or medical history.
If you’re in significant pain on the day of your appointment, or if the examination is too uncomfortable to complete, we may not be able to proceed. In some cases, pain could be caused by a condition that mimics haemorrhoid symptoms, such as an anal fissure or perianal haematoma.
If your piles are thrombosed or you’re experiencing a severe flare-up, it might not be possible to complete the procedure. Please note: if treatment starts but cannot be completed, the treatment portion of the fee is non-refundable.
We also advise against treatment if you have any of the following:
- You are currently pregnant.
- You have a pacemaker or defibrillator.
- You have a diagnosed bleeding disorder.
- You’re on anticoagulant therapy (eg Warfarin with INR > 3.0).
- You have an active anorectal infection.
- You have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- You’ve had a lower abdominal transplant.
- You have only external haemorrhoids.
- You’ve been diagnosed with megacolon.
If you’re unsure or want to talk things through, feel free to call our team on 07457 404509 for personalised advice.
What conditions are covered in the Rectify examination?
Our appointments focus specifically on assessing and treating internal haemorrhoids. That’s what our examination and treatment are designed for.
If, during your consultation, the clinician notices anything unrelated – such as signs of another condition – they may offer basic advice or recommend that you speak to your GP. Any onward referrals or prescriptions would be separate from your Rectify treatment and fall under the clinician’s wider duty of care.
Our priority is to give you the right advice, in the right setting – and make sure you’re looked after properly, whatever the outcome.
Can I have an examination and then decide not to go ahead with treatment?
Yes. If you choose not to continue after your examination, that’s absolutely fine. We’ll refund the treatment portion of the cost. You’ll only be charged for the consultation and examination, which is £365.
There’s no pressure to proceed. We’re here to give you clear information so you can make the decision that’s right for you.
What if I need to change or cancel my appointment?
Life happens. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, just give us a call (or send a WhatsApp message) on 07457 404509 and we’ll do our best to help.
Please note: if you cancel less than 72 hours before your appointment, a cancellation fee may apply. You can find full details in our Terms of Use and Legal Notices.
What is the Haemorrhoid Severity Score (HSS)?
At Rectify, we use the Haemorrhoid Severity Score (HSS) to help assess your symptoms and understand how severe they are. This is a clinically recognised scoring system, widely used by colorectal specialists, and it gives us a consistent way to measure how your symptoms change – before and after treatment.
Tracking your score over time helps build a clearer picture of how your condition is progressing and when it might be time to take action.
To support this, we’ve created a quick online symptom checker based on the HSS. It’s a great starting point if you’re unsure what your symptoms mean or whether Rectify might be right for you.
What does my score mean?
The Haemorrhoid Severity Score (HSS) is out of 15 and is designed to help you better understand your symptoms over time. As a general guide:
- 1 – 2 is considered mild
- 3 – 6 is moderate
- 7 or more may be more severe
That said, everyone experiences symptoms differently – even a lower score can feel just as disruptive as a higher one. The score isn’t a diagnosis, but a useful tool to help you track changes and understand when it might be time to seek support.
If you’re experiencing pain, bleeding, or anything unusual, we always recommend speaking to your GP or a specialist, just to be safe.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No referral needed – you can book directly with us. We’ll guide you through the whole process from consultation to treatment.
If you’d like, we can also let your GP know about your treatment, so your medical records stay up to date. For more information, feel free to call us (or send a WhatsApp message) on 07457 404509.
Does a doctor carry out the procedure?
Yes. All Rectify treatments are carried out by GMC-registered doctors who are specially trained in this procedure.
Our clinicians use CE-marked equipment and follow strict medical protocols to ensure your treatment is safe, effective, and professionally delivered. You’re in expert hands from start to finish.
Do I need to follow a specific diet or have an enema before treatment?
No prep needed. There’s no special diet to follow and you don’t need an enema or any bowel preparation before your appointment.
Just come as you are – we’ll take care of everything when you arrive.
Is the procedure painful?
Most people don’t find Rectify treatment painful – but as with any medical procedure, experiences can vary slightly from person to person. Our aim is to keep you as comfortable as possible at every stage.
Here’s what to expect:
- During the examination: Some people feel mild discomfort when the proctoscope (a small plastic tube) is inserted. If needed, we can apply numbing cream and guide you through breathing techniques to help relax the area and reduce sensitivity.
- If other conditions are present: If you have another condition such as an anal fissure, the exam may feel more uncomfortable. Your clinician will assess whether it’s appropriate to proceed and talk you through your options.
- During treatment: The area we treat has very few nerve endings, so most patients describe the sensation as a dull ache rather than sharp pain. We’ll adjust the current to a level that feels manageable for you, and we’ll stay in conversation throughout to make sure you’re OK.
You’re welcome to take paracetamol (2 x 500mg) an hour or two before your appointment if you’d like to minimise any potential discomfort.
Compared to surgical options, Rectify’s non-surgical treatment is far less invasive, with no cutting, no stitching, and no long recovery time. Most people feel completely fine by the next day, if not immediately after.
If you have any questions, please call us (or send a WhatsApp message) on 07457 404509 – we’re happy to talk things through.
How long does the treatment take?
Each haemorrhoid takes around 10 minutes to treat, and we can treat up to three piles in one session. The full appointment, including consultation, examination and treatment, usually lasts 45 to 60 minutes.
You’ll be lying on your side during the procedure, so if you have any back, hip or mobility issues, let us know – we’ll do everything we can to keep you comfortable throughout.
Will an assistant be available to chaperone me
Yes. There will always be a female nurse in the room working with Dr Fox. If men prefer, a male healthcare assistant can assist. Your comfort and dignity matter to us, and we’re here to support you throughout your appointment.
Just let us know in advance or on the day, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Can I go back to everyday activities straight away?
Most people can return to their normal routine immediately after treatment – whether that’s work, driving, or daily errands.
A small number of patients (around 1 in 10) may feel they need a short recovery period, and in rare cases, one or two days of rest might be helpful. We’ll always give you personalised advice before you leave the clinic, so you know exactly what to expect.
Will I need more than one treatment?
It’s possible, yes. About half of patients only need one treatment to feel significant relief, while others may require follow-up sessions – especially if they’ve had higher-grade haemorrhoids or symptoms for a long time.
Everyone’s body responds differently, and your treatment plan will always be tailored to your individual needs.
Can the doctor tell me how many treatments I’ll need?
Not exactly. While your doctor can assess the size and location of your haemorrhoids, there’s no way to predict with certainty how many treatments you’ll need.
Smaller, narrow-based haemorrhoids often respond more quickly, while broader-based or long-standing piles may require more than one session. Your lifestyle, bowel habits, and general health can all influence your progress – so we’ll always give you guidance on how to reduce the chance of recurrence.
How long should I wait between treatments?
Most improvement happens within four weeks of treatment, which is why we’ll check in with you around that time.
If further treatment is needed, we usually recommend doing it within 6 to 8 weeks of your first session. Waiting longer can give any remaining piles a chance to regrow, especially if you’re still straining or dealing with constipation. Our goal is to reduce the haemorrhoids fully and efficiently, helping you get lasting relief.
Expert advice
Need to speak to someone?
If you’d like immediate help or advice about your symptoms, call our friendly and professional team on 07457 404509 or send a WhatsApp message.