5 reasons you might see blood in your poop

Noticing blood in your stool can be alarming, but understanding the possible causes can help you respond appropriately.

In many situations, this condition is manageable either through home remedies or medical treatment. While the presence of blood is often linked to minor issues, it can sometimes signal a more serious underlying condition.

Being aware of the potential reasons and knowing the right steps to take is essential in handling the situation effectively.

Common Reasons You Might See Blood in Your Stool

Here are some typical causes of blood in stool and what you should know about each:

Hemorrhoids. Also known as piles, hemorrhoids are the most common cause of bloody stool. These are swollen veins inside your bottom, which sometimes cause the skin in that area to break and bleed. It’s caused by activities such as straining to poop (constipation) or heavy lifting. An itching bottom or pain can be a sign of hemorrhoids.

Anal fissure. This is a small cut or tear in the tissue lining the anus similar to the cracks that occur in chapped lips or a paper cut. Fissures are often caused by passing a large, hard stool and can be painful.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If you have bloody diarrhea and pain that goes on for weeks, along with weight loss, IBD might be the reason. This long-term condition inflames parts of your digestive tract. Experts aren’t sure exactly why that happens. There are two main kinds of IBD: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Ischemic colitis. This is when blood flow to your colon slows down or stops. The lack of oxygen causes damage to your intestine. The blockage can happen slowly over time, such as when cholesterol builds up in your arteries. Or it can happen all of a sudden from a blood clot or from a serious drop in your blood pressure. It can lead to bloody diarrhea and is usually accompanied by abdominal pain. The pain usually worsens when you eat.

Diverticular disease. Diverticula are small pouches that project from the colon wall. Usually, diverticula don’t cause problems, but sometimes they can bleed or become infected.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and herpes can cause inflammation and bleeding from your rear end. Bleeding can also be a result of damage from anal sex…CONTINUE MORE READING>>>