Orange-Red Toilet Water: Possible Causes and Concerns

The toilet water is orange-red?

Hello Doctor, recently I had a day when my bowel movement consisted of only small pieces of stool.
However, I noticed that after urinating, the toilet water appeared to have an orange-red pigment leaching from the stool, turning the toilet water yellow, with some parts resembling orange-red water.
When I wiped myself and examined the stool, there was no orange-red color present.
I would like to ask if this could indicate blood in the stool, or if it might be related to my diet (the day before, I had pumpkin porridge for lunch, but I vaguely recall a similar incident a few months ago, though I can't remember if I had spicy food or carrots the day before).
I'm also unsure if the orange-red color could have originally been red and then stained by the urine.
Since then, I haven't observed it again, although occasionally my stool has been a darker coffee color.
I consulted both a family medicine doctor and a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, and both felt that if there were blood in the stool, it wouldn't appear orange-red, suggesting it is likely dietary-related and that a stool test is unnecessary.
Three years ago (at age 18), I had a colonoscopy which revealed only a small internal hemorrhoid.
I would like to know what might be causing my current condition and whether it could be colon cancer.
Thank you, Doctor.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/19

Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery

You have not clarified or assessed the conditions of your stool/urine and dietary habits, and medically, there is no specific indication of a higher risk for colorectal cancer.
However, you are concerned and believe that an examination is necessary to completely rule it out.

Reply Date: 2021/08/19

More Info

When it comes to the observation of orange-red water in the toilet after a bowel movement, there are several potential explanations to consider. It's understandable to be concerned, especially when it comes to changes in bowel habits or the appearance of stool.
Firstly, the color of stool can be influenced by various dietary factors. Foods such as carrots, beets, and pumpkin can impart a reddish or orange hue to the stool. Given that you mentioned consuming pumpkin porridge the day before, it is quite plausible that the orange-red color you observed could be a result of this dietary intake. Additionally, certain food dyes and supplements can also affect stool color.

However, it is essential to consider the possibility of blood in the stool, which can appear red or dark brown, depending on where the bleeding is occurring in the gastrointestinal tract. Bright red blood typically indicates bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures, while darker blood may suggest bleeding from higher up, such as the stomach or small intestine. In your case, since you did not notice any red coloration in the stool itself and the color change was primarily in the toilet water, it is less likely to be a sign of significant bleeding.

Your previous experience with hemorrhoids could also explain some changes in bowel habits or the appearance of stool. Hemorrhoids can cause minor bleeding, but this usually presents as bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl, rather than causing a color change in the water itself.
The fact that you have had a colonoscopy in the past, which showed only minor issues, is reassuring. Colon cancer is typically associated with other symptoms, such as significant changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, or blood in the stool. If you are not experiencing any of these symptoms, the likelihood of colon cancer is significantly reduced.

If you continue to notice unusual colors in your stool or if you experience any new symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in appetite, or weight loss, it would be prudent to follow up with a healthcare provider. They may recommend further evaluation, including stool tests or imaging studies, to rule out any underlying conditions.

In summary, the orange-red color in your toilet water is likely related to dietary factors rather than a serious medical condition. However, maintaining awareness of your bowel habits and any accompanying symptoms is essential for your overall health. If you have any concerns or if the situation changes, do not hesitate to seek medical advice for peace of mind and appropriate care.

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