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What Are the Different Causes of Bloody Stool?

J. Beam
J. Beam

Bloody stool is a symptom that can be caused by a number of gastrointestinal problems. Referred to in medical terms as hematochezia, bloody stool can be either visible or not. When there are visible signs, patients are better able to describe their symptoms to their doctor. Sometimes the blood is not visible, but is present in the stool regardless. This is confirmed by fecal occult blood testing. Whether visible or not, bloody stool is caused by bleeding somewhere along the gastrointestinal tract.

One of the first things to provide the first clue to doctors as to the cause of bloody stool is the color of the blood. Typically, the brighter red the blood, the closer to the rectum the bleeding is occurring. The farther away from the rectum the source of blood is, the longer the blood remains in the gastrointestinal tract. As blood passes through the tract, it is broken down by bacteria, turning it darker or even black. Black “tarry” stool is medically referred to as melena.

Certain conditions involving the colon may cause bloody stools.
Certain conditions involving the colon may cause bloody stools.

Blood in the stool is frequently a symptom of a variety of harmless gastrointestinal conditions such as hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, but can also be a symptom of more serious conditions such as stomach or colon cancer. Bloody stool may also be caused by Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, stomach ulcers, and any condition that may be uncertain but previously diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome.

Bright red blood in the stool usually indicates that the bleeding is located closer to the rectum.
Bright red blood in the stool usually indicates that the bleeding is located closer to the rectum.

In order for a doctor to diagnose the cause of bloody stool, they may first confirm that blood is indeed present by doing a fecal test. The general location of gastrointestinal bleeding may be determined by the color of the blood in the stool, but visual inspection of the gastrointestinal tract is only way for a doctor to be certain of the location. Bright red or maroon blood in the stool will likely prompt a colonoscopy, while black or tarry stool may prompt esophageal inspection. The extent of testing for diagnosis will depend on the severity and frequency of bleeding as well as other symptoms.

Ulcers in the stomach can be causing bloody stool.
Ulcers in the stomach can be causing bloody stool.

Bloody stool does not always indicate a disease. In fact, this symptom can be very mild and infrequent as the result of constipation, hemorrhoids, or even after stomach viruses that caused severe or violent vomiting. If blood is present in small amounts and on toilet tissue only, simply be aware of any new or developing symptoms. Infrequent and mild bloody stool is not cause for alarm and while worth mentioning to your doctor, may not require immediate medical attention. However, if bloody stool is present with other symptoms, especially fever, abdominal cramping, rectal hemorrhaging, or persists for several days, seek medical attention.

Discussion Comments

ineedhelp123

I am 20. It hurts when I have a bowel movement and I see blood on the paper afterward, and I'm not sure, but also a little bit of white string like things but not a lot of it. The blood is really red and it hurts a little. The tip of my penis is also red and it burns when I urinate, but I don't have any weird discharge.

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    • Certain conditions involving the colon may cause bloody stools.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      Certain conditions involving the colon may cause bloody stools.
    • Bright red blood in the stool usually indicates that the bleeding is located closer to the rectum.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      Bright red blood in the stool usually indicates that the bleeding is located closer to the rectum.
    • Ulcers in the stomach can be causing bloody stool.
      By: p6m5
      Ulcers in the stomach can be causing bloody stool.
    • A person should consult their doctor if he or she experiences bloody stools accompanied by severe abdominal cramping.
      By: sframe
      A person should consult their doctor if he or she experiences bloody stools accompanied by severe abdominal cramping.
    • Constipation can cause bloody stools.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      Constipation can cause bloody stools.
    • Irritable bowel syndrome and similar conditions may be the cause of bloody stool.
      By: joshya
      Irritable bowel syndrome and similar conditions may be the cause of bloody stool.
    • A condition as serious as colon cancer may be causing bloody stool.
      By: rob3000
      A condition as serious as colon cancer may be causing bloody stool.