Seeing blood after a bowel movement is alarming, and it sends many people to the doctor, which is the right instinct. The reassuring news is that the most common causes are minor, like hemorrhoids or a small tear. But rectal bleeding can also be an early warning of something that needs treatment, so it should never simply be ignored. Here is how to tell what likely needs urgent attention and what is usually less worrying.
The Usually Less Worrying Signs
Bleeding is more often minor when it is:
- Bright red and small in amount, seen on the paper or the surface of the stool
- Linked to hard stools or straining
- Along with anal itching or a small painful lump, pointing to hemorrhoids or a fissure
- Brief and settles on its own
Even so, minor causes should be confirmed rather than assumed, especially the first time.
The Signs That Need Prompt Attention
See a gastroenterologist soon if bleeding comes with any of these:
- A large amount of blood, or bleeding that keeps happening
- Dark red or maroon blood, or black tarry stools, which suggest bleeding higher up
- A change in your bowel habits that lasts more than a couple of weeks
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or belly pain
- You are 45 or older, or have a family history of colon cancer or polyps
Get emergency care for heavy bleeding, or bleeding with dizziness, weakness, or a racing heart.
Why It Is Worth Checking
Hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer can cause bleeding that looks the same to the naked eye. The only way to be sure is an exam. Because colorectal cancer is highly treatable when caught early, and often preventable by removing polyps, checking the cause of bleeding is one of the simplest ways to protect your health.
How the Cause Is Found
Depending on your age, symptoms, and the type of bleeding, I may recommend a colonoscopy, which lets me see the entire colon, find the source, and remove any polyps in the same visit. For clearly minor causes in younger people, a simpler exam may be enough. Our fuller guide on blood in the stool explains the options.
The Bottom Line
Do not panic at the sight of blood, but do not brush it off either. Most rectal bleeding is minor, yet checking it is quick and worthwhile. When in doubt, especially with a change in bowel habits or any warning sign, get it evaluated.
Talk to a Gastroenterologist in Mountainside, NJ
If your symptoms keep coming back or you are not sure what is causing them, Dr. Amber Khan can help. We see patients from across Union County and New Jersey.