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Finding blood in your stool or on toilet paper can be alarming — and it should prompt a call to a physician. While hemorrhoids are the most common cause, rectal bleeding has many potential explanations, some of which are serious. The only way to know for sure is to be evaluated.

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Common Causes of Blood in Stool​​

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• Hemorrhoids — the most common cause; bright red blood, usually painless

• Anal fissures — small tears in the anal lining, often painful

• Diverticular bleeding — sudden, large-volume bleeding in adults over 50

• Colon polyps — may bleed silently or cause visible blood

• Colorectal cancer — blood mixed with stool, often darker

• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or UC) — bloody diarrhea

• Angiodysplasia — abnormal blood vessels in the colon

• Upper GI bleeding — from the stomach or small intestine; may appear black/tarry

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Red Flag Symptoms - Seek Care Promptly​​​

 

• Large volume of rectal bleeding

• Dark, tarry, or maroon-colored stool

• Bleeding accompanied by dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

• Bleeding with unexplained weight loss or change in bowel habits

• Any rectal bleeding in a person 45 or older without recent colonoscopy

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How is Rectal Bleeding Evaluated?

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Evaluation begins with a thorough history and physical exam. Most patients will require colonoscopy to directly visualize the colon lining and identify the bleeding source. Colonoscopy can also treat some causes of bleeding during the same procedure.​

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Book a GI Evaluation for Rectal Bleeding in NJ — Call (908) 851-2770 or Schedule Online