Why Is My Toilet Water Red After Bowel Movement? Possible Causes

Doctor Chen, why did the entire toilet water turn red after having a bowel movement?

I just had the urge to have a bowel movement, and when I got up, I noticed that the toilet water was a light red color.
Recently, the appearance and quantity of my stool have not shown any unusual changes (such as becoming thinner, less frequent, or having an abnormal odor), and I haven't experienced any gastrointestinal discomfort.
The toilet paper I just used was brown and did not show any red color.
Prior to this, I had a drink made from papaya and unsweetened soy milk blended together.
Should I be concerned about any issues?

Luka, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/06

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

You may continue to observe and maintain a normal diet.
If the symptoms persist, you can visit a gastroenterology clinic for evaluation and treatment.

Reply Date: 2020/08/06

More Info

Seeing red in the toilet water after a bowel movement can understandably cause concern. However, it is important to approach this situation with a level-headed perspective and consider various potential causes.
Firstly, the red color in the toilet water could be due to the presence of blood. Blood in the stool or in the water can originate from several sources within the gastrointestinal tract. Common causes of rectal bleeding include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or gastrointestinal conditions such as diverticulosis or inflammatory bowel disease. Hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the rectum or anus, can cause bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the water, especially if there is straining during bowel movements. Anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of the anus, can also lead to bleeding, often accompanied by pain during bowel movements.

However, in your case, you mentioned that your stool has not changed in appearance or consistency, and the toilet paper showed no signs of red, which may suggest that the red color in the water is not due to blood. It is also worth noting that certain foods and beverages can cause changes in stool color or the color of the water in the toilet. For instance, foods like beets, tomatoes, or even certain artificial colorings can lead to a reddish hue. In your situation, the papaya and soy milk drink you consumed could potentially be a contributing factor, although it is less common for these foods to cause a significant change in toilet water color.

Another possibility is that the red color could be due to the presence of food dyes or pigments that were not fully digested, which can sometimes occur with certain fruits and vegetables. If the red color persists, it may warrant further investigation to rule out any underlying issues.

Given that you have not experienced any gastrointestinal discomfort or changes in your bowel habits, it may be reasonable to monitor the situation for a short period. If the red color continues to appear after bowel movements, or if you start to notice other symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in stool consistency, or any signs of blood on toilet paper, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend a stool test to check for hidden blood or other diagnostic tests to ensure that there are no underlying gastrointestinal issues.

In summary, while the appearance of red in the toilet water can be alarming, it is essential to consider dietary factors, the possibility of hemorrhoids or fissures, and other benign causes. If the phenomenon persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seeking medical advice is the best course of action to ensure your health and peace of mind.

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