Rectal Bleeding: 5 Common Causes, and When to See a Doctor

Rectal bleeding can be an alarming symptom that often leads to anxiety. While rectal bleeding isn’t uncommon, understanding the potential causes — some are more serious than others —  and knowing when to seek medical attention can help you address the root cause.

Below, our board-certified gastroenterology team at Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates, LLC, shares the common (and not-so-common) causes of rectal bleeding and how our team can help you get relief.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of rectal bleeding, appearing as swollen blood vessels in your rectum or anus. Adults of all ages can develop them, but even kids struggle.

They’re often caused by straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, lifting heavy items regularly, or prolonged sitting. Pregnant and postpartum women are also prone to developing hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids can cause:

• Blood on your toilet paper
• Blood in the toilet bowl
• Discomfort when sitting
• Itchiness

While you can often manage hemorrhoids with over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle changes, persistent or severe bleeding should prompt a visit to our Trinity, Florida, office.

Anal fissures

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus, usually caused by passing large or rigid stools, which can lead to pain and bright red bleeding during or after bowel movements. 

While most anal fissures heal on their own with increased fiber intake and hydration, chronic or recurrent fissures may require medical treatment.

Diverticular disease

When diverticula — small pouches that can form in the colon wall, typically in older adults — become inflamed, it’s called diverticulitis. 

Diverticulitis can cause a distended belly, severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and nausea and vomiting. 

Colorectal polyps

Polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, and as many as 40% of adults have them. While most polyps are benign, they can have an 8% chance of becoming cancerous over ten years. 

Polyps can cause rectal bleeding, though it is usually not visible to the naked eye. Regular screening, such as colonoscopy, can help detect polyps during their earliest stages.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Less common causes of rectal bleeding

Less common conditions, such as angiodysplasia, a vascular malformation in your colon, can cause intermittent bleeding.

Angiodysplasia is relatively uncommon, though it becomes more prevalent with age. It’s estimated to affect around 1-2% of the general population, with a higher occurrence in older adults, particularly those over 60. It accounts for about 0.6-6.2% of cases of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Do not brush off your symptoms

While occasional minor rectal bleeding might not be a cause for immediate concern — think: a small hemorrhoid that resolves on its own — you shouldn't brush off rectal bleeding. Many conditions can contribute to rectal bleeding, so it’s wise to learn the root causes to get the necessary treatment.

You should seek medical care if:

• Bleeding doesn’t stop or recurs frequently 
• You have intense pain accompanying the bleeding 
• You have dark or tarry stools
• You have significant bleeding
• You have other concerning symptoms, such as weight loss, fatigue, or changes in stool habits

We know it’s not always easy to talk about rectal bleeding, but speaking up is your first step in getting the answers and care you need. Trust our gastroenterology specialists to give you compassionate and expert care.

Our first step is to review your symptoms, order necessary diagnostic steps, and then shape your treatment plan. Whether you need banding for stubborn hemorrhoids, lifestyle guidance for chronic constipation, or more comprehensive IBS care, we’ve got you covered.

To schedule an appointment here in Trinity, Florida, give us a call or click here to get started.