Rectal bleeding can be embarrassing to talk about, but it’s a common issue many people experience at some point. While it’s often not serious, knowing when to seek professional medical help is crucial to prevent complications.
At his practice in Los Angeles and Glendale, California, board-certified colon and rectal surgeon Robert G. Yavrouian, MD, has years of experience diagnosing and treating various causes of rectal bleeding, including hemorrhoids and colon cancer. Read on to discover why rectal bleeding occurs and when to seek treatment.
Rectal bleeding refers to any blood in your stool or toilet bowl after having a bowel movement. You might also notice blood on your toilet paper after you wipe. It’s normal to be concerned, but the good news is that rectal bleeding is typically harmless. Even so, identifying the cause is important, as early treatment can prevent complications.
Rectal bleeding occurs for various reasons, including:
Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins inside your rectum or anus. They’re the most common cause of rectal bleeding and aren’t serious. Anyone can experience hemorrhoids, but they often affect men 50 and older and pregnant women.
Anal fissures are tears or gashes that form in the anal canal. Common causes include straining while having a bowel movement, eating a low-fiber diet, and trauma from anal sex.
IBD is a chronic disease that causes persistent inflammation in your digestive tract. People with IBD often experience chronic abdominal pain and diarrhea, which over time, can cause bleeding.
Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula — small pockets that form inside the large intestine due to aging — become inflamed. This inflammation can make the surrounding blood vessels more fragile, causing rectal bleeding.
Colon cancer causes the cells inside the large intestine to multiply uncontrollably, forming cancerous polyps. These polyps commonly bleed, but early detection and treatment can prevent severe outcomes.
Don’t wait to contact our office if you experience any rectal bleeding. This is especially true if:
While most causes of rectal bleeding are benign (noncancerous), identifying the cause is essential. Medical conditions like diverticulitis and IBD often worsen over time. Treatment can prevent them from progressing and preserve your digestive health.
Rectal bleeding can be concerning, but we have the knowledge and expertise to identify the cause and treat it. Contact Robert G. Yavrouian, MD, by calling the nearest office or booking an appointment online today.
