Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Medically Reviewed on 10/29/2021
Doctor's Notes on Rectal Bleeding
Rectal bleeding is blood that is passed with the stool during a bowel movement. Rectal bleeding may be bright red or may be a darker, blackish color. It is also possible to have blood in the stool that is not visible to the naked eye (called occult bleeding). The medical term for rectal bleeding is hematochezia. There are a number of causes of rectal bleeding. Causes may include:
- hemorrhoids,
- tears in the anus,
- inflammatory bowel diseases,
- ulcers,
- ischemic colitis, and
- polyps or cancers of the intestine or anus.
Rectal bleeding may be associated with other symptoms, depending on the cause of the bleeding. Other associated symptoms may include:
- fatigue,
- diarrhea,
- constipation,
- abdominal pain,
- weight loss,
- decreased appetite,
- dark or tarry stools, or
- rectal pain.
What Is the Treatment for Rectal Bleeding?
Treatment for rectal bleeding depends on the condition that is causing the bleeding and is directed at managing that condition.
- A number of medications are used to control inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Compresses, sitz baths, hemorrhoid creams, and ligation are some measures that control bleeding from hemorrhoids.
- Anal fissures or tears can be treated with ointments or can improve over time.
- Certain conditions that cause rectal bleeding, including large polyps and cancers, are treated by surgery.
- Treatment for anemia (low red blood cell count) may be needed if there has been a significant amount of blood loss.
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Colonoscopy Procedure
Colonoscopy is a procedure used to view the inside of the colon. Reasons for colonoscopy is to detect or diagnose diseases of the colon, for example, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, other types of colitis, colon polyps, colon cancer, diverticulitis, and other bowel and rectal diseases. Risks for colonoscopy include colon perforation, infection, or bleeding. -
Foreign Body in Rectum
The majority of foreign bodies (objects) placed in the rectum have been placed through the anus. Examples of foreign objects in the rectum include bottles, candles, fruits, vegetables, and sex toys. If a person knows they have, or thinks they have a foreign body in the rectum, they should seek medical care. The object may be easily removed by a health care professional; however, in some cases surgery is necessary to remove the object. -
Hemorrhoids
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Rectal Cancer
The rectum is the lower part of the colon that connects the large bowel to the anus. The rectum's primary function is to store formed stool in preparation for evacuation. Rectal cancer symptoms and signs include bleeding, bowel obstruction, weight loss, change in bowel habits, constipation, narrow stools, and pain during bowel movements. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. -
Rectal Pain
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Symptoms and Signs: Rectal Bleeding
Rectal bleeding is blood passed rectally. Blood in the stool can be bright red or maroon in color. Larger amounts of blood that remain in the intestine long enough can turn the stool black. Blood in the stool also may be invisible to the naked eye (occult). -
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an acute or chronic inflammation of the membranes that line the colon. Symptoms of UC include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, urgency for a bowel movement, fever, fatigue, and lack of appetite. Treatment for UC include medication and lifestyle changes. On occasion, surgery may be a necessary treatment for ulcerative colitis. -
When Should You Worry About Rectal Bleeding?
Most of the time, rectal bleeding is not caused by a serious medical condition, but the only way to be sure is to see a doctor for evaluation.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.