Blood in Toilet Water: Causes and When to Seek Help

The toilet water appears slightly red during bowel movements?

I have not experienced diarrhea in the past few instances.
On September 2nd, I had a bowel movement, and the stool was black, shaped like a thick log.
Since it was the first time I encountered this situation, I felt a bit uneasy.
I researched the causes of black stools online.
A couple of days later, on September 5th, I had another bowel movement, and the stool was log-shaped and not thin, but the toilet water had a slight reddish tint around the stool, without spreading to turn the entire water red.
The stool was a slightly dark coffee color.
I had this bowel movement in the morning after eating dragon fruit the previous night, so I didn't think much of it.
Two days later, after dinner, I ate an apple and a pear, and later that evening, I had another bowel movement.
This time, there was again a slight reddish tint in the water around the stool, but it did not spread throughout the toilet.
The stool was log-shaped and not thin, and the color was also coffee brown.
In the previous bowel movements, there was no pain in the anus, but I felt a warm sensation at the anal opening during the bowel movement, although there was no pain, and there was no blood on the toilet paper.
Visually, the stool did not appear to have any blood, but the blood surrounding the stool caught my attention.
Recently, I have also been experiencing stomach pain, similar to hunger pangs; sometimes when I am too hungry, I feel this way, but I have never had any experience with bloody stools before.
All of the above describes my stools as having no blood but with blood around them.
I would like to ask the doctor what this situation might indicate.
Additionally, if I need to go to the hospital for an examination, which parts of my body should be checked?

Dàtóng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/09/07

Dr. Huang Zhihui reply Surgery

Based on your age and your description, it is likely that you have mild hemorrhoids, which could be causing the slight rectal bleeding.
However, for safety reasons, it is recommended that you visit a specialist for an anoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.
If the physician suspects any lesions in the colon, a colonoscopy may be arranged for further evaluation.
As for your stomach pain, it could be due to gastritis or a peptic ulcer, and an upper endoscopy may be necessary if indicated.

Reply Date: 2015/09/07

More Info

Seeing blood in toilet water can be alarming, and it's important to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical help. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced a few instances of blood surrounding your stool, along with changes in stool color and some gastrointestinal discomfort. Let's break down the potential causes and the appropriate steps to take.

Potential Causes of Blood in Toilet Water
1. Hemorrhoids: One of the most common causes of blood in the toilet water is hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. They can cause bright red blood to appear on the toilet paper or in the water, especially if you are straining during bowel movements.

2. Anal Fissures: These are small tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by passing hard stools. They can lead to bleeding and discomfort during bowel movements.

3. Diverticular Disease: Diverticulosis, which involves the formation of small pouches in the colon wall, can lead to diverticulitis if these pouches become inflamed or infected. This condition can cause bleeding and changes in bowel habits.

4. Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Black or tarry stools (melena) indicate bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach or small intestine. The blood is digested, which changes its color. If your stools are black, it could suggest a more serious issue.

5. Colorectal Polyps or Cancer: Polyps are growths on the lining of the colon or rectum that can bleed. In some cases, they can be precursors to colorectal cancer. Blood in the stool can be a symptom of colorectal cancer, especially if accompanied by changes in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss.

6. Gastrointestinal Infections: Certain infections can cause inflammation and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to blood in the stool.

When to Seek Medical Help
Given the symptoms you've described, it is advisable to seek medical attention, especially if:
- The blood persists or increases in volume.

- You experience significant abdominal pain or discomfort.

- You notice changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation.

- You have unexplained weight loss or fatigue.

- You experience any signs of anemia, such as dizziness or shortness of breath.

Recommended Medical Evaluations
When you visit a healthcare provider, they may recommend several evaluations, including:
1. Physical Examination: A thorough examination, including a digital rectal exam, to check for hemorrhoids or fissures.

2. Stool Tests: To check for the presence of blood, infections, or other abnormalities.

3. Colonoscopy: This procedure allows the doctor to view the inside of your colon and rectum directly. It can help identify polyps, tumors, or sources of bleeding.

4. Imaging Studies: In some cases, imaging studies like a CT scan may be necessary to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract.

5. Blood Tests: To check for anemia or other underlying conditions.

Conclusion
While occasional blood in the toilet water can be due to benign conditions like hemorrhoids or fissures, it is crucial to take any instance of rectal bleeding seriously. Given your symptoms, especially the combination of blood in the toilet water and gastrointestinal discomfort, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and address any underlying issues effectively.

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