Right Lower Abdominal Pain with Blood in Stool: What Could It Mean?

Right lower abdominal discomfort with recent bowel movements showing blood and a sticky sensation?

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my lower right abdomen when pressed, and it feels different from my lower left abdomen.
For the past few days, the pain comes and goes, not continuous.
Sometimes it hurts when I have a bowel movement or when I exert pressure in my abdomen.
I have noticed blood in my stool, and there is also blood on the toilet paper when I wipe (each time I have a bowel movement, there is pain in my anus with a tearing sensation, and this has been going on for a while).
Recently, I have also felt that my stool is somewhat sticky, and I haven't paid attention to whether it has become thinner.
A few days ago, I visited a gynecologist who performed an ultrasound and mentioned that the pain could be related to my ovaries or appendix.
I was prescribed medication, but it doesn't seem to have improved my condition.
Should I see a gastroenterologist or continue with the gynecologist? Could this be a sign or symptom of colorectal cancer? P.S.
I just finished my menstrual period, and I have been sleeping late lately.
My diet has not been normal, with very little fruit and not much water intake...

Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/23

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

Although the probability of developing colorectal cancer at the age of 19 is not zero, it is generally very low.
Based on your description, the likelihood of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) seems higher.
It is recommended to start with a light diet and maintain a good lifestyle.
If symptoms persist without improvement, you can consult a physician for medication.
If there is still no improvement or if you are very concerned, a colonoscopy can be arranged.

Reply Date: 2015/11/23

More Info

Right lower abdominal pain accompanied by blood in the stool can be concerning and warrants a thorough evaluation. Given your symptoms, there are several potential causes to consider, and it’s essential to approach this systematically.

Possible Causes
1. Hemorrhoids: One of the most common causes of blood in the stool, especially if you experience pain during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids can cause a tearing sensation and may lead to bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the stool.

2. Anal Fissures: These are small tears in the lining of the anus, often resulting from passing hard stools. They can cause sharp pain during and after bowel movements, along with bleeding.

3. Diverticulitis: This condition occurs when small pouches (diverticula) in the colon become inflamed or infected. Symptoms can include lower abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and sometimes blood in the stool.

4. Infections: Gastrointestinal infections can lead to inflammation and bleeding. Bacterial infections, such as those caused by E. coli or Salmonella, can result in abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea.

5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. These diseases often require long-term management.

6. Colorectal Polyps or Cancer: While less common, polyps can bleed, and colorectal cancer can present with similar symptoms, especially in individuals over 50 or those with a family history of colorectal cancer.

Next Steps
Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. They specialize in digestive system disorders and can perform necessary diagnostic tests, such as a colonoscopy, to visualize the colon and rectum directly. This procedure can help identify any abnormalities, including polyps, fissures, or signs of IBD.

Importance of Diet and Lifestyle
You mentioned irregular eating habits, including low fruit and water intake. A diet high in fiber and adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy bowel movements and preventing constipation, which can exacerbate conditions like hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet can help improve your digestive health.

Conclusion
While your symptoms could be due to benign conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures, the presence of blood in the stool should never be ignored. It is essential to seek medical attention promptly to rule out more serious conditions. A gastroenterologist will be able to provide a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment plan based on your specific situation. Remember, early diagnosis and intervention are key to managing any potential health issues effectively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Symptoms

I occasionally experience pain in the lower right abdomen, and for the past few months, there has been blood in my stool. Additionally, I feel pain in the anus during bowel movements and have a decreased appetite.

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Frequent pain in the lower right abdomen, blood in the stool, and anal pain. It is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, and to follow up with a gastroenterology clinic.

Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns

Dear Doctor, I may have written a bit too much, but I hope you can patiently read through my previous symptoms. About two to three weeks ago, I started experiencing diarrhea (three to four times a day), often feeling a dull ache and bloating in my lower abdomen, as if my belt wa...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Right lower abdominal pain is often associated with colonic disorders. It is recommended to undergo a colon examination. Best regards, Dr. Chen Qifeng, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.

Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns

Hello, I started experiencing hard stools with bright red blood on the toilet paper since the beginning of June. After seeing a doctor, I was prescribed medication for hemorrhoids, and it resolved within a week. My bowel movements returned to normal, being golden yellow and neith...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: You are experiencing pain in the lower right abdomen and blood in your stool, with no pain when at rest but experiencing referred pain. Possible causes include constipation (it is recommended to increase water intake and consume more fruits and vegetables), enteritis, or g...

Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Symptoms and Potential Causes

I have been experiencing rectal bleeding for the past 1 to 2 days, along with pain during bowel movements. Sometimes, there is also itching around the anus, and I occasionally feel pain in the lower right abdomen. Could this be colorectal cancer?

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
Hello: Blood in the stool is considered an abnormal symptom and may indicate a range of conditions, from common hemorrhoids to more serious gastrointestinal diseases. Based on your description, hemorrhoidal bleeding is the most likely cause; however, the accompanying pain in the ...