Let's face it, no one likes talking about poop. But if you're experiencing a little bit of blood when you go #2, it can be pretty alarming. The truth is that rectal bleeding is more common than you think, with up to 15% of adults reporting this symptom at some point in their lives.
So what causes rectal bleeding? And more importantly, is it normal? Read on for everything you need to know about bleeding after pooping.
What Is Rectal Bleeding?
Rectal or anal bleeding refers to any form of blood coming out of your anus or rectum during bowel movements. It may appear as bright red streaks on toilet paper or in the bowl, dark-red clots or pools of blood within the stool.
The good news- If all that comes out from your body while 'pooping' are small drops - this isn't anything serious and could be related with irritation of hemorrhoid vessels inside or outside anus
However, if there are lots of drops (or enough blood to fill a cup) - check-ups would highly recommend because there might something wrong inside
## Symptoms That Accompany Rectal Bleeding
Before we dive into possible causes for rectal bleeds,it'd also important /to consider symptoms commonly associated with the condition:
- Painful bowel movements
- Lumps around anus area.
- Change in consistence and coloration
- Stomach cramps smear tests allergy remedy wipes
These symptoms don't always accompany rectal bleeding,but sometimes they mean underlying condition requiring medical attention such as Ulcerative colitis where inflammation leads numberous bloody bowel moments .
The Causes of Rectal Bleeding
There are many possible causes for rectal bleeding, which can range from harmless to life-threatening:
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids occur when the blood vessels around your rectum or anus become swollen and inflamed - this is normally caused by sitting on the toilet seat too long. This leads to painful bowel movements as well as rectal bleeding.
Anal Fissures
Anal fissures are tears in the lining of your anus that often occurs while passing large hard stool.They may lead to small drops /dots especially after 'pooping'.
Diverticulitis
This happens when pouches in your colon walls become infected and inflamed.Diverticular disease/ Diverticulosis shows no symptoms but could eventually progress into bacterial infections causing baed stomach cramps, diarhea and bloody stools
### Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease refers to a group of conditions that cause inflammation within digestive tract . They include ulcerative colitis ,Crohn's disease,and microscopic colitis.In these diseases you should get severe abdominal pain with vomiting,difficulty swallowing food,stooles flooded with clumps of blood,mucus,and pus.
## When Should You See a Doctor?
If you're experiencing rectal bleeding along with any of other six symptoms previously mentioned,you should make an appointment with gastrointestinal expert who would investigate what might be causing occasional/recurring occurrence
Once there,a doctor can perform tests like colorectal cancer screening,colonoscopy,X-ray,endoscopy,blood work/microscopic examinations.,and fecal matter testing samples even if it seems irrational since trying different medications such anti-diarrheals,laxatives,corticosteroids,mesalamine,enemas wouldn't help pinpoint exact reason for/cause behind-seeing medical specialists' intervention should outweigh simple home remedies depending on medical history,age and other underlying health conditions
Conclusion
As embarrassing as it may be to talk about rectal bleeding,it is important to address symptoms like these that could indicate possible serious medical condition.Don’t hesitate in seeking guidance from a qualified healthcare expert so they can help diagnose the problem before it escalates into something much worse. Remember that your gastrointestinal tract - including digestive organs beyond just colon- are essential for living optimum healthy lifestyle , taking great care of all aspects inside will definitely bring better smiles and joys than discomfort or complications from untreated diseases