Is bleeding during a bowel movement a cause for concern?

Brief Answer:
It can be.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX

Bleeding during a bowel movement may be a minor problem such as irritation from a hemorrhoid, or it can be a serious problem, such as bleeding from a cancerous polyp in the colon.

If the blood is mixed in with the stool, or if there is quite a bit of blood, the bleeding may be from higher in the gastrointestinal tract than bleeding from the rectum.

If there is blood when you wipe and not in the water, this can be from a hemorrhoid or a rectal tear from a hard bowel movement, and should resolve with increasing the softness of future bowel movements.

I recommend that if it isn't obvious where the blood is coming from, to go see your doctor to help sort this out. The doctor can look at the anus/rectum to see if there are irritated hemorrhoids or a rectal tear. If neither are seen, and if you are otherwise generally well, you may want to have a colonoscopy or similar study to see the health of the gastrointestinal tract (check it for growths).

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.

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Brief Answer:
Suggestions

Detailed Answer:
Before having a colonoscopy, I suggest you meet with the gastroenterologist who will be doing the colonoscopy to discuss whether it is appropriate for you, and what type of anesthesia would be best. The bleeding still could have been from a simple anal tear or hemorrhoid.

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD

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