Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns for Your Health

I have been experiencing bright red blood in my stool for a while?

I have been experiencing a sensation of large or hard stools for quite some time, which has caused anal fissures, resulting in fresh blood when wiping.
I also notice blood dripping into the toilet and on the stool itself.
This anal bleeding has persisted for at least three months or longer, with each episode involving fresh blood.
I have issues with constipation, sometimes going up to three days without a bowel movement.
After consuming something like apple stem cells to promote gastrointestinal motility, I experience diarrhea, with the stools resembling old waste, dark in color.
Generally, I have a bowel movement every two days, and the stools are mostly formed, though occasionally a bit soft, which can also cause anal fissures.
Yesterday, the stool was a light yellow with some white, but it wasn't mucus; it simply appeared yellowish-white.
I would like to know if there could be an issue with my colon.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/25

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

This situation is likely due to hemorrhoidal bleeding.
As long as there is no further bleeding, it should not be a concern.
It is recommended to avoid constipation during this period and to shorten the time spent on the toilet.
Warm sitz baths may help alleviate symptoms, and you can also purchase over-the-counter hemorrhoidal suppositories.
It is best to avoid taking stool softeners indiscriminately.
If bleeding persists, it is advisable to consult a physician.
Although the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer at the age of 21 is not zero, it is generally very low.
It is recommended to maintain a light diet and a good lifestyle.
Spicy, irritating, and greasy foods should be avoided.
If symptoms persist without improvement, you may ask a physician for medication or consider undergoing a colonoscopy.

Reply Date: 2017/05/25

More Info

Rectal bleeding is a concerning symptom that should not be overlooked, especially when it has persisted for an extended period, as in your case. The presence of bright red blood in your stool, particularly when accompanied by symptoms such as constipation and pain during bowel movements, can indicate several potential underlying conditions.
One of the most common causes of rectal bleeding is hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. They can cause bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl, especially after a hard bowel movement. Given your history of constipation and the description of your stools being large or hard, hemorrhoids could indeed be a likely culprit. However, if the bleeding has been ongoing for three months or more, it is essential to consider other possibilities as well.

Anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of the anus, can also lead to bright red bleeding during bowel movements. These are often associated with pain and discomfort, particularly when passing hard stools. The fact that you have experienced pain and bleeding after bowel movements suggests that fissures could be contributing to your symptoms.

Another possibility is diverticular disease, which includes diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches form in the walls of the colon, and while it often does not cause symptoms, it can lead to complications such as diverticulitis, which can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits, including rectal bleeding.

In more serious cases, rectal bleeding can be a sign of colorectal cancer or polyps, especially if there are changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or persistent abdominal pain. Given your symptoms and the duration of your bleeding, it is crucial to rule out these more serious conditions.

The yellowish and white stool you mentioned could indicate a variety of issues, including malabsorption or changes in your diet. If your stool is consistently yellow or has a different consistency, it could be worth discussing with a healthcare provider, as it may indicate an underlying gastrointestinal issue.

Given the complexity of your symptoms and the duration of your rectal bleeding, I strongly recommend seeking a thorough evaluation from a healthcare professional, preferably a gastroenterologist. They may suggest diagnostic tests such as a colonoscopy, which allows for direct visualization of the colon and rectum, and can help identify any abnormalities, including hemorrhoids, fissures, diverticula, or polyps.

In the meantime, managing your constipation is crucial. Increasing your fluid intake, consuming a high-fiber diet, and possibly using stool softeners can help alleviate some of the strain during bowel movements, which may reduce the risk of further bleeding and discomfort. Regular exercise can also promote healthy bowel function.

In summary, while hemorrhoids and anal fissures are common causes of rectal bleeding, the persistence of your symptoms warrants a comprehensive evaluation to rule out more serious conditions. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention, as early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your health outcomes.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips

Hello, doctor. In January, I had a positive fecal occult blood test and went to the hospital for a colonoscopy. I recently reviewed the report, which indicates rectal bleeding (the biopsy report showed no issues). I need to undergo another sigmoidoscopy in a month. The doctor pre...

Dr. Zhang Shuhao reply Surgery
Common causes of rectal bleeding include rectal polyps, anal conditions (such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures), rectal inflammation (such as ulcerative colitis or ischemic colitis), and rectal cancer. The doctor has prescribed laxatives and stool softeners, likely to alleviate yo...

Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help

Recently, I experienced constipation and had to strain a lot while using the restroom. The situation has improved somewhat, but after bowel movements, I noticed slight bleeding around the anal area. However, there is no pain, so I'm unsure whether it's blood in my stool...

Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The causes of rectal bleeding include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, inflammation, polyps, and even tumors; however, the most likely causes are still the first two. As age varies, the underlying causes may also differ. Therefore, if symptoms persist without improvement, it is...

Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns for Your Health

Hello, doctor. I am someone who has a bowel movement every day, with a regular physiological clock that prompts me to go in the morning. Usually, my stools don't have much odor. In high school, I experienced constipation once, and after eating spicy food, I had blood in my s...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You are experiencing pain in the buttocks and blood in the toilet during bowel movements, although there is no blood on the stool itself. Common causes of rectal bleeding include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and inflammation. Eating spicy foods and having difficulty with bo...

Understanding Unexplained Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Solutions

Dr. Lin, I have been experiencing significant rectal bleeding during bowel movements, with fresh blood that sprays out, amounting to over ten cc.

Dr. Lin Hongmao reply Surgery
Hello, There are many causes of rectal bleeding, including common conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and colitis, as well as less common issues like diverticulosis, vascular lesions, and tumors. However, based on your description and the sudden onset without pain, i...