Why is my rectal bleeding

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.

If we combine this information with your PHI, we will treat all of that information as PHI, and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. In most cases, bright red blood indicates bleeding in the lower colon or rectum, while darker red blood is a sign of bleeding in the small bowel or upper colon. Very dark or black-red blood is often associated with bleeding in the stomach or other organs in the digestive system. In this article, we examine 11 causes of rectal bleeding, along with other symptoms that each one can prompt.

We also look at when rectal bleeding should be referred to a doctor. Hemorrhoids are inflamed anal blood vessels, and they are extremely common. They can develop on the outside or inside of the anus, appearing as small bumps that occasionally bleed during bowel movements or when wiping.

Hemorrhoids, which are also referred to as piles , can impact anyone of any age but are associated with a few risk factors , including:. Hemorrhoids usually respond well to over-the-counter creams and suppositories that contain hydrocortisone. Taking warm baths frequently, eating a high-fiber diet, and using stool softeners can also help reduce the discomfort of hemorrhoids. A fistula occurs when an abnormal opening or pocket develops between two neighboring organs.

Fistulas that appear between the anus and rectum, or anus and skin, can cause a discharge of white fluid and blood. Fistulas are sometimes treated with antibiotics , but they may require surgery if they progress. Fissures occur when tissues lining the anus, colon, or rectum are torn, resulting in pain and rectal bleeding. Warm baths, a high-fiber diet, and stool softeners can all help reduce symptoms of fissures. In severe cases, fissures may require prescription creams or surgery.

These pockets or diverticula are extremely common. Sometimes diverticula can start bleeding, but this bleeding usually stops on its own. Usually, these pockets do not cause symptoms or require treatment unless they become infected, which is when a condition called diverticulitis occurs. Infected and inflamed diverticula are often painful and can cause rectal bleeding, usually a moderate rush of blood that flows for a few seconds.

Proctitis occurs when the tissues that make up the rectum become inflamed, often resulting in pain and bleeding. Colitis occurs when the tissues lining the colon become inflamed. A type of colitis called ulcerative colitis can also cause ulcers, or open, progressive sores, that are prone to bleeding. Treatments for proctitis and colitis vary, depending on the causes and range from antibiotics to surgery.

Bacterial infections can cause inflammation of the colon and stomach, causing diarrhea that may contain mucus and spots of blood. Viral gastroenteritis does not typically cause bloody diarrhea. Treatment for gastroenteritis usually involves fluids, rest, and antibiotics or antivirals, depending on the cause.

Unprotected sexual intercourse that involves the anal area can spread a wide range of viral and bacterial diseases. These can cause inflammation of the anus and rectum.

Inflammation, if it occurs, increases the likelihood of bleeding. Treatment for STIs usually involves either an antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal medication, depending if the cause is bacterial, viral, or fungal.

Bowel cancer risk Bleeding from the bottom is sometimes a sign of bowel cancer. This is easier to treat if it's found early, so it's important to get it checked. Bright red causes Symptoms Possible causes Bright red blood and pain when pooing, itchy bottom, lumps piles haemorrhoids Bright red blood and pain when pooing — often after constipation a small tear in your anus anal fissure Bleeding with or without lumps, itching or pain sexually transmitted infections STIs like genital warts, damage from anal sex Bright red blood without pain side effect of blood-thinning medicine like warfarin or aspirin, broken blood vessels in the gut angiodysplasia.

A GP can check if you're worried. Dark causes Symptoms Possible causes Blood and yellow slime when pooing, irritated anus, non stop bottom pain anal fistula Bloody diarrhoea with clear slime, feeling and being sick tummy bug gastroenteritis Bloody diarrhoea , tummy cramps and pain, feeling bloated an inflammatory bowel disease IBD like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease Blood in poo bleeding in the anus, bowel or lower gut from injury or another problem Blood in poo, change in pooing habits like looser poo, diarrhoea or constipation , slime with poo bowel polyps , early signs of bowel cancer.

Poo can look very dark or black if you: take iron tablets eat a lot of dark foods like liquorice and blueberries But it's sometimes a sign of something else. Black causes Symptoms Possible causes Dark or black poo bleeding in the stomach or gut — can be from injury or a side effect of blood-thinning medicine like warfarin or aspirin Dark blood or poo with tummy pain or cramps stomach ulcer , diverticular disease and diverticulitis Dark blood without pain blood-thinning medicine like warfarin or aspirin, angiodysplasia broken blood vessels in the gut.