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What Does Blood In Stool Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 2 Apr 2014

Question: I recently had a baby and am pretty sure I have hemorrhoids. I've been noticing blood in my stool lately but I figured that was to be expected. Tonight there was blood and then three small pieces of stool attached to a long string. I put on gloves to inspect it and the string was strong, thin- a bit thicker than floss. It snapped and broke. What could this be?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: It seems to be a worm larva Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through the reports you uploaded and the string-like thing you noticed seems to be a worm (ascarid larva). However, I insist to do further examinations to evaluate your current situation: - send the string-like thing to the lab for further examination - do examination of stool for ova-parasites - do colonoscopy to further evaluate the hemorrhoids - do fecal occult blood testing I also advise to avoid constipation: - keep a good anal hygiene - drink more water - have more foods high in fiber - apply local cream containing lidocaine Hope it was of help! Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (11 hours later)

I went into urgent care and they said they didn't think it was parasite because I hadnt been out of the country. They said the string might have been clotted blood from hemorrhoids. Is that true? A month ago I found a tiny worm (less than .5 cm) on my bathroom floor. Could that be a threadworm?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (2 days later)

Brief Answer: Insist to do exam.of stool for ova/parasites... Detailed Answer: Hi, I still insist in doing examination of the stool for ova/parasites to determine whether it is from clotted blood or parasites. The tiny worm you saw a month ago could be a thread-worm. Therefore, I still insist to do examination of stool for ova/parasites. I suggest to send 3 stool samples to the lab for 3 consecutive days. You can ask to the lab to provide stool containers with formalin preservative liquid and to mix the stool mass well before filling the container. Hope it was of help! Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

I went in again and requested a stool sample test. My doctor is only having me bring in one sample. As for the threadworms, I've checked my anus several times at night and cannot find any worms. Don't they typically come out at night to lay eggs? Also, my anus isn't itchy. It was only itchy after reading about threadworms. My doctor found a small cut from my hemorrhoid. Is it still likely it could be threadworms? He said it wasn't ascarid larva because they're thicker and white.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer: Wait until lab results... Detailed Answer: Hi, Please bare in mind that thread worms do have their larva and egg life-cycle. So, although you are looking for the larva (which can be visible); there might be ova (eggs) that are not visible. The microscopical examination will determine it. I am glad to know that it was not ascarid larva as he has examined better live and not the photo. Anyway, you are doing all you can to find the right diagnosis, so, I suggest to wait for the lab results first, then discuss it further. For the moment, take good hygiene of your anus and take good care of your diet to avoid constipation. Dr.Klerida

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar