Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Blood in the stool persists for a period of time?

Doctor, I'm sorry.
Before I turned eighteen or nineteen, my bowel movements were very regular, but after I turned twenty, I started experiencing constipation, and sometimes diarrhea.
Occasionally, I also have abdominal pain.
However, when I consulted a doctor previously, they said it was irritable bowel syndrome.
Later, I discovered I had three hemorrhoids, which I had surgically removed.
About five months after the hemorrhoid surgery, I started experiencing rectal bleeding.
When I bleed, it looks like the entire toilet is red, but there is no pain.
Additionally, there is a lot of blood on the toilet paper, and sometimes it even gets on my hands.
The toilet paper also has what seems to be mucus or possibly thick blood or stool; I'm not sure.
When I saw the doctor, they mentioned that I developed another hemorrhoid inside, but there was no bleeding at that time (this was on the third day).
The bleeding from the hemorrhoid is supposed to stop within five days, but since then, I have only had one or two instances without blood, and it has been ongoing for eight or nine days.
Thank you, doctor.

Xiao Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/29

Dr. Cai Jinji reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

If it is confirmed that the hemorrhoid issue has been properly addressed, or if it is determined that it is not a hemorrhoid problem, you may consider further examination.
You can consult your physician for more information.

Reply Date: 2018/10/29

More Info

Understanding blood in stool can be concerning, especially when it has been a recurring issue for you. Based on your description, it seems you have experienced a series of gastrointestinal symptoms, including constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and the presence of blood in your stool. These symptoms can be indicative of several underlying conditions, and it is crucial to approach them with care.

Firstly, the presence of blood in the stool can arise from various causes. In your case, since you have a history of hemorrhoids (痔瘡), it is possible that the bleeding is related to this condition. Hemorrhoids can cause bright red blood to appear on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl, especially during bowel movements. The blood is typically bright red if it originates from the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as the rectum or anus. However, if the blood is darker, it may indicate bleeding from higher up in the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition to hemorrhoids, other potential causes of blood in the stool include:
1. Anal fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by passing hard stools.

2. Diverticular disease: Diverticulosis can lead to diverticulitis, which may cause bleeding.

3. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can lead to blood in the stool.

4. Polyps or colorectal cancer: These can also cause bleeding, especially in individuals over 50 or those with a family history of colorectal cancer.

Given your symptoms, including the presence of mucus and the consistency of the blood, it is essential to seek medical attention. While hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding, the presence of mucus and the change in your bowel habits could suggest other gastrointestinal issues that may require further investigation.

When to seek help:
- If the bleeding persists for more than a few days.

- If you experience significant abdominal pain or discomfort.

- If you notice changes in your bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation.

- If you experience other symptoms, such as weight loss, fatigue, or changes in appetite.

Your healthcare provider may recommend several diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. These may include a physical examination, a digital rectal exam, blood tests, and possibly imaging studies or a colonoscopy to visualize the colon and rectum.

In the meantime, managing your symptoms is essential. Staying hydrated, maintaining a high-fiber diet, and avoiding straining during bowel movements can help alleviate some discomfort associated with hemorrhoids and constipation. If you are prescribed medication or treatment for your hemorrhoids, ensure you follow your doctor's instructions closely.

In summary, while hemorrhoids may be the cause of your bleeding, it is crucial to rule out other potential conditions. Persistent or recurrent blood in the stool should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Do not hesitate to seek medical advice, as early intervention can lead to better outcomes and peace of mind.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

Finding blood in your stool, especially if it is not bright red, can be indicative of several potential issues. It may suggest the presence of conditions such as hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even more serious conditions like colorectal c...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
If the stool is dark red, it does not necessarily indicate bleeding. To determine whether it is bleeding, a stool test is required. At the age of 23, it is mostly likely hemorrhoidal bleeding. As long as there is no further bleeding, it should not be a concern. It is recommended ...

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. I am a 19-year-old college student. Recently, I have been experiencing blood in my stool frequently, sometimes a lot, resembling urine in flow, and at other times just a small amount on the toilet paper. Sometimes I see blood during bowel movements, and sometimes I...

Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If there is blood in the stool and significant bleeding, it is important to see a gastroenterologist for an examination as soon as possible. The causes may include hemorrhoids, colorectal cancer, or colonic ulcers, among others, and should not be taken lightly. Otherwise, it coul...

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello doctor, I have a question. Today when I went to the bathroom, there was no blood in my stool, but after straining a bit, I noticed fresh red blood on the edge of the stool. The first time I wiped, there was blood, but the second time there was none. I had a stool test done ...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is advisable to investigate the cause of blood in the stool in order to provide appropriate treatment. Common causes of blood in the stool include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, rectal or colon polyps, tumors, or inflammation. It is recommended to increase fiber and fluid ...

Blood in Stool: What You Need to Know and Do

Dear Doctor, Yesterday, I noticed blood in my stool and also found blood on the toilet paper after wiping. Could you please advise me on how to proceed? I would be very grateful.

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the presence of blood in the stool may be caused by hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, tumors, polyps, or diverticular bleeding, with hemorrhoidal bleeding being the most common. It is advisable to consume more fruits, vegetables, and fluids to maintai...