Is Rectal Bleeding Always a Cause for Concern?

Seeing blood in the toilet after using the bathroom can be alarming, especially when you’re not sure of the cause. Rectal bleeding can occur for a number of different reasons — some more serious than others.

At Gastro Center of Maryland, with offices in Annapolis, Columbia, Olney, Riverdale, and Timonium, we offer comprehensive diagnostic testing on site to identify what’s causing rectal bleeding.

Our experienced team of gastroenterologists also personalize a care plan to treat the conditions that trigger bleeding in the rectum, so you can avoid more serious complications.

Why you may have rectal bleeding

Rectal bleeding can be a side effect of an acute condition that lasts only a few days or a chronic health issue that persists for months or years. Some of the causes of rectal bleeding our team diagnoses and treats include:

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins that can protrude out of the rectum. In some cases, the veins might break through the skin and cause bleeding.

Hemorrhoids often occur when you strain too much during a bowel movement or when lifting heavy objects. They may become painful and are treatable with topical medications or a minor surgical procedure to close off the enlarged vein.

Anal fissures

Anal fissure describes a tear in the lining of the anal canal. Tears occur after straining to pass hard stool and can cause pain, itching, and bleeding.

Anal fissures can heal on their own but may also require medical treatment.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

IBD causes chronic inflammation in the lining of the small and large intestines. Types of IBD include Crohn’s disease (inflammation in your small intestine) and ulcerative colitis (inflammation in the large intestine).

Treatment for IBD includes medications and diet changes. Surgery may also be an option when your condition is severe.

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer can develop as polyps on the lining of the colon. While not all polyps become cancerous, those that do are more likely to bleed.

Untreated cancer can spread to other areas of the body and become more difficult to treat.

When to be concerned about rectal bleeding

While you might initially feel alarmed about seeing blood on the toilet paper or in your stool, it’s important that you don’t panic. Be sure to schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Gastro Center of Maryland right away to find out what’s causing the bleeding.

We also recommend that you book an appointment if you have other issues that can occur with rectal bleeding, such as:

Rectal pain
Anal pain
Lower abdominal pain
Black, tarry stools

Our providers use the latest diagnostic technologies, including minimally invasive endoscopy, to evaluate your gastrointestinal health and ensure bleeding is not caused by something serious. Colon cancer screenings are also available to identify cancer before it spreads.

We discuss your treatment options based on your test results and overall health. Our goal is to prevent more serious complications in your gastrointestinal tract, so you can stay healthy and active.

Call the Gastro Center of Maryland office near you today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for rectal bleeding or book an appointment online.