Rectal Bleeding
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Bleeding from anus
Fresh blood from anus
About the Symptom
This is bright red blood passed from the anus.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Bleeding from the anus
Possible Causes
Generally, Rectal bleeding can be related to:
- Anal Fissure
Anal Fissure, also known as an anal tear, is a common condition characterized by a small tear or cut in the lining of the anus. It is often caused by trauma to the anal area during bowel movements, such as passing hard stools or excessive straining. Symptoms include intense pain, bleeding, and itching. Risk factors include chronic constipation, diarrhea, obesity, and pregnancy.
- Anal Varices
Also called anorectal or rectal varices. These are the dilation of submucosal veins, which occur as a complication of portal hypertension. This condition is caused by elevated pressure in the portal venous system, and the portal vein is a major vein leading to the liver. Acute bleeding is rare but can be massive and life-threatening.
- Ulcerative Colitis
An inflammatory condition of the large intestine that damages the gut wall. The exact cause is not well known.
- Hemorrhoid
- Rectal Prolapse
- Anal Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Colonic Polyp
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Rectal bleeding may be related to these serious diseases:
- Ischemic Enteritis
A condition in which the gut wall is damaged due to insufficient blood supply. Causes include low blood pressure, medications, or clots from the heart.
- Diverticular Bleeding
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Are you experiencing anal bleeding?
- When did you first notice the bleeding from the anus?
- Which of the following best describes your bleeding from the anus?
- How often do you experience bleeding from the anus?
- How is your bleeding from the anus now?
Reviewed By:
Mo Gerdvisheh, MD (General Surgery)
Dr. Gerdvisheh is a Board Certified General Surgeon specializing in Minimally Invasive Surgery. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Minor in Chemistry. He went on to earn his medical degree from Saba University School of Medicine and completed General Surgery residency at Mercy Health - Jewish Hospital. During his residency, he was awarded the Joel A. Essig Outstanding Resident Award as the most technically gifted and compassionate surgical resident. Dr. Gerdvisheh is also a graduate of the Harvard Medical School Surgical Leadership Program and holds positions on the Utilization Review, Credentialing, and Robotic Steering committee's at The Christ Hospital. He is committed to providing comprehensive care to his patients for a wide variety of surgical problems.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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With a free 3-min Rectal Bleeding quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
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FAQs
Q.
Blood in Poop at 65: When to Worry and What to Do Next
A.
There are several factors to consider; at 65, blood in stool is common but not normal, with color and pattern offering clues, and causes ranging from hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticulosis, and medication related bleeding to polyps, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or upper GI bleeding. Act promptly: contact a doctor for recurrent or unexplained bleeding or if you are overdue for screening, and seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, clots, black tarry stools, dizziness, weakness or fainting, severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, or anemia; evaluation usually involves an exam, blood and stool tests, and colonoscopy, with treatment tailored to the cause and key next steps and prevention tips explained below.
References:
* Sartori, S., et al. Gastrointestinal Bleeding in the Elderly: A Systematic Review. *Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research*, vol. 2018, 2018, pp. 1-13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30046399/
* Stollman N, Adnan H. Approach to Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding in the Elderly. *Clin Geriatr Med*. 2018 Nov;34(4):539-555. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30201103/
* Laine L, Jensen DM. Diagnosis and Management of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding. *Am J Gastroenterol*. 2020 Jan;115(1):29-41. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31782211/
* Tsoi KKF, Ma TKL, Li X, Lau JYN, Sung JJY, Wu JCY. Risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. *Am J Med*. 2015 Oct;128(10):1111-7.e1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25968140/
* Rex DK, Boland CR, Burt RW, Greene FL, Odze BS, Shike M, Wallace MB, White J. Colorectal Cancer Screening: Current Guidelines and Future Directions. *Gastroenterology*. 2020 Aug;159(2):493-504. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32304918/
Q.
Red Poop at 65+: When to Worry & 5 Causes Women Should Know
A.
Red or maroon stool after age 65 can be caused by harmless foods or supplements, but it can also point to problems that need care. The five common causes women should know are hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticular bleeding, colorectal polyps or cancer, and medication-related bleeding. There are several factors to consider; seek medical advice sooner if episodes recur, there is no food trigger, blood is mixed into stool, or you have weakness, dizziness, belly pain, weight loss, bowel habit changes, a history of colon disease, or you take blood thinners, and see the complete guidance below for when home monitoring is reasonable versus urgent evaluation.
References:
* Strate LL, Gralnek IM. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding in older adults: An updated review. Gastroenterology. 2016 May;150(6):1327-1338.e2. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2016.02.016. Epub 2016 Feb 25. PMID: 26922997.
* Tursi A, Scarpellini E, Pitocco D, et al. Diverticular Disease: From Epidemiology to Management. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Mar 1;12:656329. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.656329. eCollection 2021. PMID: 33737862.
* Fahey MT, O'Connell M, Cunningham D, et al. Colorectal cancer in older adults: an international perspective. J Geriatr Oncol. 2020 Jan;11(1):16-25. doi: 10.1016/j.jgo.2019.06.002. Epub 2019 Jun 15. PMID: 31213444.
* Begaj T, El-Masri R, Moinuddeen S, et al. Angiodysplasia of the gastrointestinal tract. World J Clin Cases. 2023 Jul 6;11(19):4498-4513. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i19.4498. eCollection 2023 Jul 6. PMID: 37456722.
* Theodorou G, Panou A, Katsi E, et al. Ischemic Colitis: A Review of Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Management. World J Clin Cases. 2023 Nov 6;11(31):7395-7407. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i31.7395. eCollection 2023 Nov 6. PMID: 37986790.
Q.
Rectal bleeding with bowel movements
A.
Rectal bleeding with bowel movements is common and often from hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or constipation, but the color and pattern can also point to inflammatory bowel disease, infections, or colorectal polyps and cancer; there are several factors to consider, and key details that could change your next steps are explained below. Seek urgent care for heavy or persistent bleeding, dizziness or weakness, black or maroon stools, severe abdominal pain, fever, or weight loss, and see below for how doctors evaluate, treat, and help prevent this.
References:
* Chang A, Dulai PS. Evaluation and Management of Anorectal Bleeding. Curr Treat Options Gastroenterol. 2019 Sep;22(3):288-297. doi: 10.1007/s11938-019-00236-0. PMID: 31214713.
* Darakjian L, Tejani MN. Approach to the Adult Patient With Rectal Bleeding. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2019 Jun;32(3):145-156. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1681023. PMID: 31191062; PMCID: PMC6546306.
* Strate LL, Gralnek IM. Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Clinical Review. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2019 Jan;53(1):10-17. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001142. PMID: 30451733.
* Gung SY, Al-Mishlab T, O'Donnell S. Management of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a narrative review. Ann Transl Med. 2022 Jul;10(14):795. doi: 10.21037/atm-22-2621. PMID: 36045952; PMCID: PMC9422079.
* Lim YJ, Ng KS, Liau CS. Haemorrhoids and Rectal Bleeding: Current Insights. Aust J Gen Pract. 2020 May;49(5):269-272. PMID: 32374971.
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