Occasional Blood on Toilet Paper: What It Means and When to See a Doctor

Q: Occasional Blood on Toilet Paper: What It Means and When to See a Doctor

Hello： The symptoms are related to rectal bleeding, with the bleeding occurring at the anal or rectal location. <br>Please schedule an appointment at the colorectal surgery outpatient clinic. <br>Our clinic hours are Monday afternoons, Tuesday mornings and afternoons, Wednesday a

Occasionally, there is blood on the toilet paper after bowel movements?

Hello, doctor.
After I have a bowel movement, I sometimes notice a little blood on the toilet paper when I wipe.
However, there have been three instances where there was quite a bit of blood, and once I could even see blood mixed with the stool.
On one or two occasions, I saw a little blood in the stool, but most of the time, there was only a little blood on the toilet paper, and sometimes my stool appears completely normal without any blood.
Could you please advise what might be the issue and which specialty I should consult? Also, since I work in the morning, I am unsure if there are evening clinics available at Taoyuan Hospital and what the clinic hours are.
Thank you.

Aqi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/02/14

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: The symptoms are related to rectal bleeding, with the bleeding occurring at the anal or rectal location.
Please schedule an appointment at the colorectal surgery outpatient clinic.
Our clinic hours are Monday afternoons, Tuesday mornings and afternoons, Wednesday afternoons, Thursday mornings, and Friday mornings.
On Saturdays, we have general surgery in Room 2 (in February, the dates are February 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th).
Wishing you good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2012/02/14

More Info

When you notice blood on toilet paper after a bowel movement, it can be concerning and may indicate several potential issues. The presence of blood can arise from various sources in the gastrointestinal tract, and understanding the context and accompanying symptoms is crucial in determining the appropriate course of action.

Possible Causes of Blood on Toilet Paper
1. Hemorrhoids: One of the most common causes of blood on toilet paper is hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. They can cause bright red blood, especially during bowel movements, and may be accompanied by itching or discomfort.

2. Anal Fissures: These are small tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by passing hard stools. They can lead to sharp pain during bowel movements and may also result in blood on toilet paper.

3. Diverticular Disease: Diverticulosis, which involves the formation of small pouches in the colon wall, can sometimes lead to diverticulitis, where these pouches become inflamed. This condition can cause bleeding and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

4. Gastrointestinal Conditions: Other gastrointestinal issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal polyps, or even colorectal cancer, can also present with rectal bleeding. These conditions may require more extensive evaluation.

5. Infections: Certain infections of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to inflammation and bleeding, which may also manifest as blood on toilet paper.

When to See a Doctor
Given the variability in your symptoms—occasional blood, some instances of more significant bleeding, and normal bowel movements—it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider. You should seek medical attention if:
- You experience persistent bleeding.

- The blood is dark or accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, or changes in bowel habits.

- You have a history of gastrointestinal issues or family history of colorectal cancer.

Which Specialist to See
For issues related to rectal bleeding, you should consider seeing a gastroenterologist. They specialize in digestive system disorders and can perform necessary evaluations, such as a colonoscopy, to determine the source of the bleeding.

Availability of Services
Regarding your inquiry about the availability of gastroenterology services at Taoyuan Hospital, it is best to check directly with the hospital. Many hospitals have evening clinics, but hours can vary. You can call the hospital's main line or check their website for specific information about clinic hours and whether they have gastroenterology services available in the evening.

Conclusion
In summary, while occasional blood on toilet paper can be due to benign conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures, it is essential to monitor the situation closely. If you notice any alarming symptoms or if the bleeding persists, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Early evaluation can help rule out more serious conditions and ensure appropriate treatment. Always prioritize your health and well-being, and consult a healthcare professional when in doubt.

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