Blood in the stool, also called rectal or GI bleeding, means there is blood in your bowel movement. Depending on where the bleeding is coming from, the blood can look bright red or make your stool look dark and sticky, like tar.
As a result, this symptom can point to different issues. It could be something mild, like diarrhea or hemorrhoids. However, it can also be a sign of more serious problems like inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer.
Blood in stool is also known as bloody stool, rectal bleeding, and GI bleeding. It is a common symptom of various gastrointestinal issues. However, occasional traces and minor rectal bleeding may indicate minor causes like constipation, and anal fissure.
Persistent or significant blood in the stool often signals serious GI conditions. Examples include hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), peptic ulcer disease, and colon cancer. In such cases, prompt medical evaluation, like a rectal examination, is required.
Gastroenterologists typically consider the following possible causes of blood in stool:
No, blood in stool can be caused by various conditions. However, many conditions are not cancerous. Examples include hemorrhoids, anal fissure, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroenteritis, and other problems in the GI tract.
Other causes include diverticulitis, infectious colitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), peptic ulcer, and colon polyps. That’s why it is very important to get it checked by a doctor to rule out serious causes.
If you notice blood in your stool, you should seek medical attention right away. While mild rectal bleeding may not be serious, large amounts of blood require immediate medical attention.
Yes, constipation and straining to poop can cause rectal bleeding. When you strain, it can cause conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissure. Very hard stool may tear the skin inside your anus, causing bleeding. That’s why getting checked and treating your possible causes is important.
Healthcare providers can evaluate rectal bleeding or blood in stool in several ways to determine the cause. As a start, they may ask questions about the circumstances surrounding your rectal bleeding or the blood in your stool.
That is why your answers to these questions can help your provider determine which medical tests to follow up with. Diagnosis often involves a physical examination, a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, and sometimes imaging studies.
If you notice persistent or significant bleeding, dark, tarry stools, or large blood clots in your stool, you should seek medical attention. Other symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, or abdominal pain.
Yes, the color of the blood can indicate its source:
In most cases, a minimal blood loss during bowel movement is harmless. However, you should see a healthcare provider to determine the exact cause of your bleeding. If you are facing excessive bleeding, you should consult your doctor right away.
Depending on the cause, your bleeding may stop on its own. If it stops and doesn’t come back, it probably won’t need further treatment. However, it would be best if you always kept an eye on blood in your stool. Notice if it happens more than once, or if you have other symptoms.
