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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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
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- Passing out blood from the anus
- Bright red rectal bleeding
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FAQs
Q.
Is it a Hemorrhage? Why You’re Bleeding & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider: a hemorrhage is heavy or uncontrolled bleeding, and warning signs include bleeding that will not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of pressure, blood in vomit or stool, black tarry stools, sudden severe headache, dizziness, fainting, confusion, or shock; small, controlled bleeding from minor cuts or hemorrhoids is usually not a hemorrhage. See below for medically approved next steps for minor wounds, rectal bleeding, and suspected internal bleeding, plus key risks like blood thinners, recent surgery, or pregnancy, and clear guidance on when to seek urgent care or call emergency services.
References:
* Ranucci M, Caimmi P, Di Dedda G, Gatta L, Lo Monaco F, Pellegatta R, Sirtori L, Zangrillo A. Acute severe bleeding: A practical guide for clinicians. J Intern Med. 2021 Apr;289(4):450-464. doi: 10.1111/joim.13217. Epub 2021 Jan 12. PMID: 33315264.
* Al-Samkari H, Connors JM. Approach to the Patient with Bleeding. Med Clin North Am. 2019 Mar;103(2):337-350. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2018.10.007. Epub 2018 Dec 20. PMID: 30704616.
* Butenas S. Physiology of Hemostasis. Transl Res Hemost. 2022;1(1):21-29. doi: 10.1002/trh2.12004. Epub 2021 Dec 28. PMID: 35059639; PMCID: PMC8753232.
* Spahn DR, Bouillon B, Cerny V, Coats TJ, Duranteau J, Fernandez-Mondéjar E, Filipescu D, Hunt BJ, Komadina R, Maegele M, Pazdernik L, Rossaint R, Santulli M, Schmidt M, Tinazzi E, Vincent JL, von Heymann C, Winstedt D, Zasa M. Management of massive hemorrhage in trauma: a practical overview. Minerva Anestesiol. 2019 Oct;85(10):1135-1150. doi: 10.23736/S0375-9393.19.13840-2. Epub 2019 Jul 29. PMID: 31359676.
* Sarani B, Kaplan A, Sakran JV, Shunkwiler S. Acute non-traumatic hemorrhage in the critically ill: a practical approach. Curr Opin Crit Care. 2019 Aug;25(4):421-427. doi: 10.1097/MCC.0000000000000627. PMID: 31219460.
Q.
Dreading Colonoscopy Prep? Why It’s Vital and Your Medical Next Steps
A.
Colonoscopy prep is essential because a thoroughly clean colon lets your doctor see and remove polyps early, improving cancer detection and reducing the chance of repeat procedures. Your next steps are to schedule the exam, follow diet and split-dose prep instructions exactly, stay hydrated, and contact your doctor urgently for severe pain, heavy bleeding, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration. There are several factors to consider that may change your plan, including which clear liquids are allowed and ways to ease discomfort, so see below for important details.
References:
* Hassan C, et al. Patient Preferences for Colonoscopy Preparation: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Gastrointest Endosc. 2020 Dec;92(6):1184-1193.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2020.07.036. Epub 2020 Aug 3. PMID: 32742967.
* Rex DK, et al. Adequacy of Bowel Preparation in Older Adults Undergoing Screening and Surveillance Colonoscopy. Am J Gastroenterol. 2019 May;114(5):716-724. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000155. PMID: 30755913.
* Zhang X, et al. Effectiveness of Screening Colonoscopy in Reducing the Risk of Colorectal Cancer and Related Deaths: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Clin Oncol. 2023 Apr 1;41(10):1890-1901. doi: 10.1200/JCO.22.01633. Epub 2023 Feb 16. PMID: 36796306.
* Williams S, et al. Patient adherence to colonoscopy: what are the barriers and how can they be overcome? Ther Adv Gastroenterol. 2021 May 21;14:17562848211015340. doi: 10.1177/17562848211015340. PMID: 34045431; PMCID: PMC8135832.
* Kaminski MF, et al. Quality Indicators for Colonoscopy: From Preparation to Polypectomy. Dig Dis Sci. 2020 Nov;65(11):3102-3118. doi: 10.1007/s10620-020-06103-w. Epub 2020 Feb 24. PMID: 32098485; PMCID: PMC7017208.
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