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What Causes Rectal Bleeding?

In most cases, rectal bleeding is not a sign of something serious -- but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the symptoms. While the most common cause of rectal bleeding is hemorrhoids.

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What Causes Rectal Bleeding?

A Friendly Guide from Gastrodoxs.com

Seeing blood during or after a bowel movement can be scary. You might wonder:

I'm Dr. Bharat Pothuri, a gastroenterologist in Houston. I’ve seen many patients worry over even a drop of blood. In this guide, I’ll help you understand why bleeding happens, when to see a doctor, and how Gastrodoxs.com can help.

Section 1: What Is Rectal Bleeding?

Rectal bleeding means blood is coming from the anus or lower digestive tract.

You may see:

It may appear on the stool, drip into the toilet, or show up on toilet paper.

“Rectal bleeding can be scary, but many causes are treatable,” says Dr. Pothuri. “The key is knowing when to seek help.”

Section 2: Why Am I Bleeding After a Bowel Movement?

Many people ask this. Common reasons include:

Even a small tear can cause bright red blood during or after a bowel movement.

Section 3: Is Blood in Stool Always Serious?

Not always—but sometimes it is.

Mild Causes:

Serious Causes:

If the bleeding keeps coming back or you notice other symptoms (like pain or weight loss), it’s time to see a doctor.

Section 4: Most Common Causes of Rectal Bleeding

Here are the most common causes of rectal bleeding:

  1. Hemorrhoids
    • Swollen veins that itch, burn, or bleed
    • Bright red blood on tissue or in the toilet
  2. Anal Fissures
    • Small tears in the skin
    • Sharp pain during or after bowel movements
  3. Diverticular Disease
    • Small pouches in the colon wall
    • Can bleed or get infected
  4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
    • Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
    • Ongoing inflammation causes bleeding and mucus
  5. Colon Polyps or Cancer
    • Polyps can turn into cancer over time
    • Bleeding may be hidden (occult) or visible
    • Early screening is vital
  6. Infections
    • Bacteria or viruses that irritate the colon
    • May cause blood, diarrhea, and cramps
  7. Proctitis
    • Inflammation of the rectum lining
    • Caused by infections, IBD, or radiation

Section 5: Table – Compare Common Causes

Cause Symptoms Urgency
Hemorrhoids Itching, pain, bright blood Low–Moderate
Anal Fissure Sharp pain, red blood Low–Moderate
Diverticular Disease Cramping, fever, dark blood Moderate–High
IBD (Crohn’s or UC) Diarrhea, fatigue, bleeding High
Polyps or Colon Cancer Occult bleeding, weight loss Very High
Infections Diarrhea, fever, cramps Moderate
Proctitis Mucus, urgency, bleeding Moderate–High

Section 6: Risk Factors and When to Get Help

Risk Factors:

Call Your GI Doctor If:

“Unexplained rectal bleeding should always be checked,” says Dr. Pothuri.

Section 7: How We Diagnose Rectal Bleeding

At Gastrodoxs in Houston, we use several tests:

1. Anoscopy

2. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

3. Colonoscopy

4. Imaging

5. Lab Tests

Section 8: How We Treat Rectal Bleeding

Treatment depends on the cause. Here’s what we usually recommend:

Section 9: Prevention Tips

You can lower your risk of rectal bleeding with these steps:

Section 10: Care at Gastrodoxs.com

At Gastrodoxs.com, we specialize in digestive health for patients across Houston. Dr. Bharat Pothuri and our team provide expert care, testing, and treatment for rectal bleeding and related conditions.

Need help? Schedule a visit with our Houston colon health specialists today.

External Resources

Final Thoughts

Rectal bleeding is common—and often treatable.

We hope this guide helped answer:

If you live in Houston, don’t wait. Get care early at Gastrodoxs.com.

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes rectal bleeding most often?

Hemorrhoids, fissures, diverticular disease, infections, polyps, or IBD.

2. Is blood in stool always serious?

Not always. Mild causes are common, but ongoing or heavy bleeding should be checked.

3. What does rectal bleeding mean medically?

It usually means irritation, inflammation, or injury in the lower digestive tract.

4. Why am I bleeding after a bowel movement?

Often due to straining, hemorrhoids, or small tears in the anal lining.

5. Can diet help prevent rectal bleeding?

Yes—fiber, water, and regular meals help keep bowel movements soft and regular.

6. When should I see a doctor in Houston?

If bleeding lasts more than 24 hours or comes with pain, dizziness, or black stool.

7. Will I need a colonoscopy?

Many adults do, especially if over 50 or with risk factors.

8. Does an anoscopy hurt?

It may feel like pressure but is quick and well-tolerated.

9. Can kids get rectal bleeding?

Yes. Common causes include anal fissures, polyps, and infections. See a pediatric GI doctor.

10. Where can I find help in Houston?

Visit Gastrodoxs.com to schedule with our local gastroenterology experts.

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