Post-Bowel Movement Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help

Bleeding after bowel movements?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to inquire about an issue I experienced after having a bowel movement.
The first time I wiped, there was no unusual finding, but during the second wipe, I suddenly noticed blood.
It started to flow significantly; could this be due to wiping too hard? I was worried about the bleeding, so I placed some tissue in my rectum.
After about two hours, when I removed it, I found only some dried blood on it.
However, during the bleeding, there was a lot of bright red blood.
Previously, I had some gastrointestinal discomfort and pain (with tests not exceeding 10 days).
I experienced pain on the right side and consulted a gastroenterologist.
I underwent an ultrasound and a CT scan (with contrast), and both stool and blood tests returned normal results.
The doctor mentioned some inflammation at the junction of the large and small intestines and prescribed antibiotics, which alleviated the pain.
The CT scan also revealed stones in the appendix, and I was advised to consider an appendectomy.
However, since I am not currently in pain, the doctor said that if I experience severe pain in the future, I should definitely have it removed to avoid potential risks.
Which specialist should I see next?

Pa Pa, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/03

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.
You can also purchase over-the-counter hemorrhoid suppositories and use stool softeners, but it is best not to take medications indiscriminately.
If bleeding persists, you should consult a physician for medication or consider undergoing a colonoscopy.

Reply Date: 2017/06/03

More Info

Post-bowel movement bleeding can be concerning, and it’s important to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical attention. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a significant amount of bright red blood after a bowel movement, which can be alarming. Here’s a detailed explanation of possible causes and recommendations for your situation.

Possible Causes of Post-Bowel Movement Bleeding
1. Hemorrhoids: One of the most common causes of bright red blood after a bowel movement is hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. They can be caused by straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting, or increased pressure during pregnancy.

2. Anal Fissures: These are small tears in the lining of the anus, often resulting from passing hard stools. They can cause sharp pain and bleeding during or after bowel movements.

3. Diverticular Disease: Diverticulosis involves the formation of small pouches in the colon wall, which can sometimes become inflamed or infected (diverticulitis), leading to bleeding.

4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation and ulceration in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to bleeding.

5. Polyps or Colorectal Cancer: While less common, polyps (growths on the colon lining) or colorectal cancer can also cause rectal bleeding.
6. Infections: Certain infections can lead to inflammation and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

When to Seek Medical Help
Given that you experienced a significant amount of bleeding, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. You should seek medical attention if:
- The bleeding persists or worsens.

- You experience severe abdominal pain.

- You notice changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation.

- You experience symptoms of anemia, such as dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath.

- You have a fever or signs of infection.

Recommended Next Steps
1. Consult a Gastroenterologist: Since you have a history of gastrointestinal issues, it would be prudent to follow up with a gastroenterologist. They can perform further evaluations, such as a colonoscopy, to investigate the source of the bleeding.

2. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms you experience, such as changes in bowel habits, pain, or the frequency of bleeding. This information will be helpful for your healthcare provider.

3. Avoid Straining: If hemorrhoids or anal fissures are suspected, try to avoid straining during bowel movements. Ensure you are consuming a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated to facilitate easier bowel movements.

4. Follow-Up on Previous Findings: Since you mentioned that a CT scan showed possible appendicitis with stones, it’s essential to keep this in mind. If you experience sudden, severe pain in the right lower abdomen, seek immediate medical attention, as this may indicate appendicitis.

5. Medication Review: If you are on any medications, particularly blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs, discuss these with your doctor, as they can contribute to bleeding.

Conclusion
In summary, while post-bowel movement bleeding can be caused by various conditions, it is crucial to take it seriously, especially given the amount of blood you described. Following up with a gastroenterologist will provide you with the best chance of identifying the underlying cause and receiving appropriate treatment. Remember to monitor your symptoms closely and seek help if they worsen or if new symptoms arise. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, so don’t hesitate to reach out for medical assistance.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Post-Bowel Movement Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help

I have a bowel movement every day, but the timing varies. I am usually very busy at work and drink very little water. I have irritable bowel syndrome. Recently, during my menstrual period, on the first day after having a bowel movement, I noticed blood on the toilet paper, and it...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Based on your description, it seems more like irritable bowel syndrome combined with anal fissures. I recommend starting with a light diet and maintaining a good daily routine. Increasing your intake of dietary fiber should also be helpful. If the symptoms persist without improve...

Understanding Post-Defecation Bleeding: When to Seek Medical Help

I have been struggling with constipation for a long time, and every time I have a bowel movement, I have to struggle for a long time with hard stools. Sometimes there is bleeding, but I usually don't pay much attention to it since it's just a small amount of blood on th...

Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, rectal bleeding is commonly seen in patients with hemorrhoids. Some cases are severe, while others may be mild enough not to require a doctor's visit. Patients with hemorrhoids often have irregular diets or spend long hours sitting in office chairs; however, there are...

Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns After Bowel Movements

It has been three to four days since I started experiencing significant rectal bleeding during bowel movements. The toilet bowl is often stained with blood, and I need to use tissue two or three times before the bleeding stops. The blood is mostly bright red (there is both stool ...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
This situation likely indicates a higher possibility of 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 bowel movements. Warm sitz baths may als...

Understanding Rectal Bleeding: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello Dr. Ke, I am a worker who has been living a long-term night shift lifestyle. Recently, I have noticed that after bowel movements, the amount of blood when wiping with toilet paper has been increasing. About half a month ago, there was just a small amount of red, but recentl...