Blood in Stool? Why You're Bleeding & Medically Approved Next Steps

Seeing blood in stool can be alarming. It's not something to ignore — but it's also not always a medical emergency. In many cases, the cause is common and treatable. In others, it may signal something more serious that needs prompt medical care.

This guide explains why blood in stool happens, what the color and amount may mean, and what medically approved next steps you should take.

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What Does Blood in Stool Look Like?

Blood in stool can appear in different ways depending on where the bleeding is coming from in your digestive tract:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
• Dark red or maroon-colored stool
• Black, tarry stool (often sticky and foul-smelling)
• Hidden (occult) blood only found on a stool test

The color gives doctors clues about where the bleeding is happening:

• Bright red blood usually comes from the lower part of the digestive tract (rectum or anus).
• Dark red or maroon blood may come from the colon or small intestine.
• Black stool can indicate bleeding in the stomach or upper small intestine.

Any unexplained blood in stool should be evaluated — especially if it continues, worsens, or comes with other symptoms.

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Common Causes of Blood in Stool

1. Hemorrhoids (Very Common)

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They are one of the most common causes of bright red blood in stool.

Symptoms may include:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper
• Itching or irritation
• Pain during bowel movements
• A lump near the anus

Hemorrhoids are uncomfortable but usually not dangerous.

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2. Anal Fissures

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus, often caused by constipation or passing hard stools.

Symptoms:

• Sharp pain during bowel movements
• Bright red blood in stool
• Burning sensation afterward

These often heal with proper care, stool softening, and hydration.

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3. Diverticulosis

Small pouches in the colon (diverticula) can sometimes bleed.

• Bleeding can be sudden and heavy
• Often painless
• More common after age 40

This may require medical evaluation, especially if bleeding is significant.

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4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause ongoing inflammation and blood in stool.

Other symptoms may include:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

IBD requires long-term medical management.

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5. Infections

Bacterial infections (like E. coli or Salmonella) can cause bloody diarrhea.

Symptoms often include:

• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Sudden diarrhea

Medical care may be needed, especially if symptoms are severe.

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6. Colon Polyps or Colorectal Cancer

While less common than hemorrhoids, this is the cause people worry about most — and for good reason.

Polyps are growths in the colon that can sometimes bleed. Some polyps may turn into cancer over time.

Warning signs may include:

• Persistent blood in stool
• Changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue (from anemia)

Colorectal cancer risk increases after age 45, which is why screening is recommended starting at this age for most adults.

Not all blood in stool means cancer — but it's important not to assume it's "just hemorrhoids" without evaluation.

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When Is Blood in Stool an Emergency?

Seek urgent medical care if you experience:

• Large amounts of blood
• Dizziness or fainting
• Weakness or rapid heartbeat
• Black, tarry stool with lightheadedness
• Severe abdominal pain

Heavy or ongoing bleeding can lead to anemia or shock and needs immediate treatment.

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Medically Approved Next Steps

If you notice blood in stool, here's what doctors recommend:

1. Don't Panic — But Don't Ignore It

A single small streak of bright red blood may not be urgent, especially if you have known hemorrhoids. But if it happens again, get checked.

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2. Monitor Your Symptoms

Pay attention to:

• Color of the blood
• Amount
• Frequency
• Pain
• Changes in bowel habits
• Fatigue or weakness

This information helps your doctor determine the cause.

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3. Consider a Symptom Check

If you're unsure whether your symptoms require immediate attention or what might be causing them, Ubie offers a free AI-powered symptom checker for blood in stool that can help you understand possible causes and determine the right level of care.

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4. Schedule a Doctor Visit

You should speak to a doctor if:

• Blood in stool happens more than once
• You're over age 45
• You have a family history of colon cancer
• You have ongoing digestive symptoms
• You feel weak or unusually tired

Your doctor may recommend:

• A physical exam
• Stool testing
• Blood tests (to check for anemia)
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy
• Imaging tests if needed

These tests help rule out serious conditions and provide peace of mind.

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5. Follow Through on Screening

Even if bleeding stops, routine colorectal cancer screening is critical after age 45 — earlier if you have risk factors.

Early detection saves lives.

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How to Reduce Risk and Protect Your Gut

While not all causes are preventable, you can reduce strain on your digestive system by:

• Eating high-fiber foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains)
• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding straining during bowel movements
• Exercising regularly
• Limiting processed and red meats
• Avoiding smoking
• Staying up to date on screenings

Healthy bowel habits reduce the risk of hemorrhoids, fissures, and some colon conditions.

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The Bottom Line

Blood in stool is a symptom — not a diagnosis. The cause could be minor, like hemorrhoids, or more serious, like colorectal cancer. The only way to know for sure is proper medical evaluation.

Most cases are treatable. Many are not life-threatening. But ignoring the symptom can delay diagnosis of conditions that are easier to treat when caught early.

If you notice blood in stool:

• Monitor it
• Use tools like a symptom checker if helpful
• And most importantly, speak to a doctor, especially if symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by pain, weakness, dizziness, or changes in bowel habits.

Your health is too important to guess. Getting checked is not overreacting — it's being proactive.