Rectal bleeding means blood is coming from the lower digestive tract. You may notice bright red blood on the toilet paper, blood mixed in your stool, or dark, tarry-looking bowel movements. Even small amounts of bleeding should be evaluated to determine the right treatment.
Symptoms can range from mild spotting to heavier bleeding. Look out for:
Rectal bleeding can stem from a variety of conditions, some minor and others more serious. Common causes include:
Dealing with rectal bleeding can feel overwhelming. At GastroDoxs in Katy, our board-certified gastroenterologists use the latest diagnostics-endoscopy, lab work and imaging-to uncover the root cause and create a personalized treatment plan just for you. From minimally invasive hemorrhoid banding to IBD management and expert care during pregnancy or menstruation, our compassionate team supports you every step of the way. Don't wait for symptoms to worsen-book your appointment today and get back to living comfortably.
We've successfully treated more than 9.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
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.
Pregnancy increases pressure on pelvic veins and boosts blood flow, which can lead to swollen hemorrhoids or other vascular changes in the rectal area, resulting in bleeding.
Yes. For mild cases, sitz baths, a high-fiber diet with plenty of water, and over-the-counter creams or suppositories can help soothe irritation and promote healing.
You should seek medical care if bleeding is heavy, persists for more than a few days, or is accompanied by severe pain, fever, dizziness, or changes in bowel habits.
Common codes include K62.5 for bleeding hemorrhoids and K92.1 for unspecified rectal bleeding. Your physician will select the appropriate code after evaluation.
Absolutely. A diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and adequate fluid intake softens stools, reduces straining, and helps prevent or heal bleeding.
Sometimes. Hormonal changes and increased pelvic pressure during menstruation can aggravate hemorrhoids or fissures, leading to rectal bleeding.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include rubber-band ligation for hemorrhoids, topical medications for fissures, antibiotics for infections, or minimally invasive removal of polyps.
Initial care involves warm sitz baths, stool softeners, and topical ointments. If the fissure doesn't heal, a minor surgical procedure may be recommended.
Yes. A colonoscopy is often the best way to locate the bleeding source, assess the colon lining, and guide appropriate treatment without significant added risk.
Call GastroDoxs in Katy or visit our website to book an appointment with our board-certified gastroenterologists. We specialize in diagnosing and treating all forms of rectal bleeding.
