Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Concerns for Your Health

Rectal bleeding

A week ago, I experienced significant pain in my anus while using the restroom, and there was bright red blood on the toilet paper (about the size of two folded sheets) as well as in the toilet bowl.
Since I was in Japan at the time, I bought hemorrhoid cream the day after noticing the blood.
That day, I had diarrhea, and the pain in my anus persisted, with some bright red blood again visible in the toilet.
After two days without a bowel movement, I had to use the restroom at the airport before returning home, and I noticed what seemed to be some discharge on the toilet paper.
Once I returned home, I did not experience any anal pain during bowel movements, but today, I encountered the pain again, and the process was accompanied by a sharp pain in the anus.
When wiping, there was a small amount of pink blood on the toilet paper.
I would like to know what might be causing this.
My diet is normal; I haven't eaten too much meat and try to eat vegetables.
I drink water daily, although it's less than 2000 cc, but still over 1000 cc...
so I am quite worried.

Nìngmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/08/22

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

Based on your description, it seems more like the typical symptoms of an anal fissure, which include pain during bowel movements accompanied by slight bleeding.
The common causes are often constipation or diarrhea.
The fundamental treatment is to improve bowel habits, and warm sitz baths can also be beneficial.
You can also purchase hemorrhoid suppositories at the pharmacy for relief.
If symptoms persist without improvement, it is advisable to consult a physician for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2017/08/22

More Info

Rectal bleeding is a symptom that should never be taken lightly, as it can indicate a variety of underlying health issues. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing intermittent rectal bleeding, accompanied by pain and discomfort. The fact that you have noticed bright red blood on toilet paper and in the toilet bowl, along with pain during bowel movements, raises several possibilities regarding the causes of your symptoms.

One of the most common causes of rectal bleeding, especially when the blood is bright red, is hemorrhoids (also known as piles). Hemorrhoids can be internal or external and are swollen veins in the rectal area that can become inflamed or irritated, often leading to bleeding during bowel movements. The pain you experienced could also be attributed to hemorrhoids, particularly if you were straining during bowel movements or if you had a recent episode of constipation, which can exacerbate the condition.

Another potential cause of your symptoms could be anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of the anus. These can occur due to passing hard stools or straining during bowel movements, leading to sharp pain and bleeding. The fact that you mentioned experiencing pain during bowel movements and seeing blood on toilet paper aligns with this possibility.

In addition to hemorrhoids and fissures, other gastrointestinal conditions could be at play. For instance, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and even colorectal polyps or cancer can cause rectal bleeding. Given your history of gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, it may be prudent to consider these conditions as well.

Your recent travel to Japan and the gastrointestinal issues you experienced during that time could also be relevant. Travel can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal infections or changes in diet that might trigger symptoms. If you had any episodes of diarrhea or foodborne illness, it could potentially have an impact on your current symptoms.

Considering the duration and recurrence of your symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider may recommend a thorough evaluation, which could include a physical examination, a digital rectal exam, and possibly further diagnostic tests such as a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is particularly important if you are experiencing persistent bleeding, as it allows for direct visualization of the colon and rectum to identify any abnormalities.

In the meantime, there are several self-care measures you can take to alleviate your symptoms. Increasing your fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help soften stools and reduce straining during bowel movements. Staying well-hydrated is also crucial, as adequate fluid intake can prevent constipation. Over-the-counter treatments, such as topical hemorrhoid creams or sitz baths, may provide relief from pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids or fissures.

In conclusion, while hemorrhoids and anal fissures are common causes of rectal bleeding, it is vital to rule out more serious conditions, especially given your history and the persistence of your symptoms. Please consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate management of your condition. Remember, early intervention is key to addressing any potential health issues effectively.

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