Rectal Bleeding: When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Rectal bleeding means any blood coming from the bottom or appearing in your stool. You may notice bright-red blood on toilet paper, streaks of blood on the stool, blood in the toilet bowl or darker stools.
Although rectal bleeding is often caused by a benign condition, it should not be ignored—particularly if it persists, recurs or is accompanied by other bowel symptoms.
What can cause rectal bleeding?
Possible causes include:
- Haemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
- Constipation
- Inflammation or infection of the bowel
- Diverticular disease
- Bowel polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Colorectal or anal cancer
The colour and amount of blood can sometimes help identify where the bleeding is coming from, but an examination may be required to establish the cause.
What happens during your consultation?
Your colorectal surgeon will ask about the bleeding, your bowel habits, any pain and your general health. A gentle examination may be recommended. Depending on your symptoms, further tests such as blood tests, stool tests, a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy may be arranged.
When should rectal bleeding be investigated?
Arrange a medical assessment if the bleeding is recurrent, lasts for several weeks or occurs with abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss or fatigue.
Seek urgent medical attention if the bleeding is heavy or continuous, you pass large blood clots, your stool is black or dark red, or you feel faint or unwell.
If you have noticed rectal bleeding, book a confidential consultation with our colorectal specialist.