Rectal bleeding occurs when blood comes from the lower part of your digestive tract. You may see bright red blood in or on your stool, pink streaks on toilet paper, or dark, tar-like stools. Causes range from minor issues like hemorrhoids to more serious conditions.
Signs of rectal bleeding can include:
Several conditions can lead to bleeding from the rectum:
At GastroDoxs in Cypress, our dedicated team combines patient-centered care with the latest in digestive health solutions. Whether you're dealing with rectal bleeding or other GI concerns, our experienced gastroenterologists provide clear explanations, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate support every step of the way. Don't wait-take control of your health and book your appointment today.
We've successfully treated more than 9.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
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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.
Bright red blood usually indicates bleeding in the lower digestive tract-often from hemorrhoids or small anal fissures. The fresh color shows the blood hasn't been in the intestines long.
Yes. Straining to pass hard stools can lead to swollen veins (hemorrhoids) or tears in the anal lining (fissures), both of which can bleed.
Not always. Minor causes like hemorrhoids and fissures are common and treatable. However, rectal bleeding can also be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer, so evaluation is important.
Schedule a visit if bleeding is frequent, heavy, or accompanied by pain, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or changes in bowel habits. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.
Your doctor may start with a physical exam and then use tools like an anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy to locate the bleeding source and determine the underlying cause.
