Why Do I Have Blood in My Stool?

Blood in the stool, also known as hematochezia, can have several causes, ranging from minor to severe. It's important to determine the source of bleeding to receive proper medical treatment. Here are some common causes of blood in the stool:

1. Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum or anus. They can cause painless bleeding, especially after passing a hard stool. The blood is usually bright red and visible on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.

2. Anal Fissures: Anal fissures are small tears or cuts in the lining of the anus. They can occur due to constipation and excessive straining during bowel movements. Anal fissures can cause pain and bright red blood on the toilet paper or mixed with stool.

3. Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is a condition in which small pouches or sacs develop in the large intestine. When these pouches become inflamed or infected, they can bleed and cause blood in the stool. Diverticular bleeding is typically painless.

4. Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine. It can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. The blood in ulcerative colitis is usually mixed with mucus and may appear as streaks of blood on the toilet paper or mixed in the stool.

5. Crohn's Disease: Crohn's disease is another inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract, including the small intestine and colon. It can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. Similar to ulcerative colitis, the blood in Crohn's disease may appear mixed with mucus or as streaks of blood.

6. Colorectal Polyps: Colorectal polyps are growths in the colon or rectum. They are usually noncancerous, but some types of polyps can develop into cancer over time. Colorectal polyps can sometimes cause bleeding, especially if they are large or located in certain areas of the colon.

7. Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. Rectal bleeding is a common symptom of colorectal cancer, especially when the tumor is located in the lower rectum. The blood may be bright red or dark and tarry, depending on the location of the tumor and the amount of bleeding.

8. Other Causes: In some cases, blood in the stool can result from other conditions, such as infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic), certain medications, or vascular malformations.

If you notice blood in your stool, it's important to see a healthcare professional, especially if you have other symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, or a change in bowel habits. The doctor may perform a physical exam, order laboratory tests, or recommend further diagnostic procedures, such as a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, to determine the cause of bleeding and provide appropriate treatment.