Blood in Stool: Hemorrhoids or Something More Serious?

Seeing blood in the stool can be frightening. Many patients assume rectal bleeding is from hemorrhoids, and hemorrhoids are a very common cause. However, blood in the stool should not be ignored because it can also come from colon polyps, inflammation, infection, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, or colon cancer.

Blood in the stool can look different depending on the cause. Bright red blood on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or coating the stool may come from hemorrhoids or a small tear called an anal fissure. Dark red blood or blood mixed into the stool may suggest bleeding from higher in the colon. Black, tarry stool may suggest bleeding from the upper digestive tract and should be evaluated urgently.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They may cause itching, pain, burning, swelling, discomfort, or bright red bleeding. Hemorrhoids often become worse with constipation, straining, sitting too long on the toilet, pregnancy, heavy lifting, or chronic diarrhea. Treatment may include fiber, hydration, stool softeners, avoiding straining, sitz baths, topical medication, and in some cases hemorrhoid banding or other procedures.

Even if hemorrhoids are present, it is still important not to assume they are the only cause of bleeding. A patient can have hemorrhoids and also have colon polyps, inflammation, or another condition. This is why a gastroenterology evaluation is important, especially if bleeding is new, recurrent, or associated with other symptoms.

You should see a gastroenterologist if you notice blood in your stool, especially if it happens more than once, if the amount increases, or if you also have abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, change in bowel habits, weight loss, fatigue, dizziness, anemia, or a family history of colon cancer. You should seek urgent care if bleeding is heavy, if you feel faint, or if stool is black and tarry.

A colonoscopy may be recommended to evaluate the colon and rectum. Colonoscopy allows the gastroenterologist to look for hemorrhoids, polyps, inflammation, bleeding sources, diverticulosis, masses, or other abnormalities. If polyps are found, they can often be removed during the procedure. This is one of the reasons colonoscopy is important not only for symptoms but also for colon cancer prevention.

Many patients delay care because they feel embarrassed discussing rectal bleeding. There is no need to be embarrassed. Gastroenterologists evaluate these symptoms every day. The goal is to find the cause early and treat it properly.

Dr. Jack Husney is a Brooklyn gastroenterologist who evaluates rectal bleeding, hemorrhoids, constipation, abdominal pain, colon polyps, and colon cancer screening needs. If you are searching for a hemorrhoid doctor in Brooklyn, colonoscopy in Brooklyn, or GI doctor near me for blood in stool, Dr. Husney can help determine whether your bleeding is from hemorrhoids or something that needs further workup.

Blood in the stool should always be taken seriously. It may be hemorrhoids, but you should not guess. A proper GI evaluation can give you answers and help prevent missed diagnoses.