Devices and methods for preventing or reducing the severity of hemorrhoidsinclude a raised portion and a base, where the raised portion extends in afirst direction away from the base and is shaped to engage and apply pressureto a region of a patient subject to hemorrhoids. The devices may furtherinclude a plug for insertion into the anal canal to engage and apply pressureto another region of the patient subject to hemorrhoids. The methods includesecuring the device in an engagement position to apply the pressure to preventor reduce the severity of hemorrhoids. Such devices and methods are especiallyapplicable during the childbirth process.
