Blood in Your Stool: What it Means and When to Call a Doctor
Seeing blood in your stool can be alarming, and it is a symptom that should never be ignored. While blood in the stool can sometimes be caused by minor issues, it can also signal a more serious digestive condition that requires medical attention.
Understanding the possible causes of blood in the stool and knowing when to see a gastroenterologist can help you take the right next step for your health.
What Does Blood in the Stool Look Like?
Blood in the stool can appear in different ways depending on the source of the bleeding.
- Bright red blood may appear on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or coating the stool
- Dark red or maroon blood may be mixed into the stool
- Black or tarry stools can indicate bleeding higher in the digestive tract
The color and appearance can provide clues, but only a medical evaluation can determine the exact cause.
Common Causes of Blood in the Stool
Blood in the stool does not always mean cancer, but it does mean something is happening in the digestive tract that should be evaluated.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of bright red blood, especially after a bowel movement. They are often associated with straining or constipation.
Anal Fissures
Small tears in the lining of the anus can cause pain and bleeding, usually during or after bowel movements.
Diverticular Disease
Diverticula are small pouches that can form in the colon. When they bleed, they may cause noticeable amounts of blood in the stool.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation, leading to bleeding, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Colon Polyps or Colon Cancer
Polyps and colorectal cancer can cause bleeding that may not always be visible to the naked eye. This is one reason routine screening is so important.
When Blood in the Stool Is a Medical Emergency
You should seek prompt medical care if blood in the stool is accompanied by:
- Dizziness or weakness
- Severe abdominal pain
- Rapid heart rate
- Large amounts of blood
- Black or tarry stools
These symptoms may indicate significant bleeding and require immediate attention.
When to See a Gastroenterologist
Even if symptoms seem mild, you should contact a gastroenterologist if:
- Blood in the stool occurs more than once
- Bleeding persists for more than a few days
- You have changes in bowel habits
- You experience unexplained weight loss
- You have a family history of colon cancer or polyps
Early evaluation helps identify the cause and determine whether further testing, such as a colonoscopy, is needed.
Why You Should Not Ignore Blood in the Stool
Even occasional bleeding can be a sign of an underlying condition. Some causes are minor and easily treated, while others are more serious but highly treatable when caught early. Delaying evaluation can allow conditions to progress and become more difficult to manage.
Blood in the stool is a symptom, not a diagnosis. While it can be caused by something simple, it can also be an early warning sign of a serious digestive issue. Paying attention to changes in your bowel habits and seeking medical care when symptoms appear is an important step in protecting your health.
Get Expert GI Care Across New Jersey
If you have noticed blood in your stool or other concerning digestive symptoms, Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey can help determine the cause and guide you through the next steps. With 28 office locations across six counties in New Jersey, expert care is never far away.
Call 888-452-0022 or request an appointment online.