Presenting Blood in the anus, which is usually observed in the toilet paper when cleaning the area, after defecating, or in the internal part of the toilet, is a condition that can be motivated by making a great effort during bowel movements, but also by conditions or more severe health problems, from conditions that affect only the anorectal area to diseases that damage the intestines or stomach. In the face of frequent and intense rectal bleeding, one should go to a doctor quickly and undergo the appropriate check-ups and tests. The treatment to be followed will be established in each case based on the factor causing the problem and the symptoms presented by the patient. At FastlyHeal, we show all the possible causes of Blood in the anus, focusing on more common ones.
Table of Contents
Blood in the anus when cleaning from hemorrhoids
One of the most common causes of finding Blood in the anus when defecating is the presence of hemorrhoids, which are popularly known as piles. These are dilations of the veins in the anal area that can appear for various reasons, from constipation, being in an inappropriate position for a long time, being overweight, pregnant, or suffering from specific pathologies such as liver cirrhosis.
When they appear, they are characterized by lumps that can give rise to pain and anal itching, secretions in the case of internal hemorrhoids, and bleeding from the anus when defecating due to the effort made and the pressure exerted by the stool on them. It will be necessary to consult the doctor in heavy bleeding and severe pain, as corticosteroid drugs, analgesics or laxatives may be required to cure them. Likewise, when the causative factor is constipation, it is vital to increase fiber intake in the diet, drink plenty of water, exercise, and use stool softeners.
Only in those cases in which medical treatments do not work well does the doctor consider the option of surgery to remove the hemorrhoids.
Light red Blood from the anus from the anal fissure
The anal fissure refers to a wound or tears in the mucosal tissue of the anal canal, which occurs in most cases due to the high pressure and the damage caused by the disposal of large, hard stools when suffering from constipation. However, it can also be a consequence of prolonged diarrhea, hemorrhoids, the tremendous effort the woman has made during childbirth, or diseases such as ulcerative colitis, intestinal tuberculosis, and Crohn’s disease.
The most common symptoms of anal fissures are light red, light bloody stools, which can be seen when cleaning the anus after defecation, sharp and cutting pain, itching stinging in the anus, and a feeling of heaviness in the rectal area. Although they may disappear spontaneously, if severe pain is felt, you should see a doctor start the appropriate treatment, including anesthetic ointments, mild laxatives, stool softeners or botulinum toxin injections, or surgery for those cases. In which the initial alternatives are insufficient.
Bright red Blood from the anus from the perianal fistula
In addition to the above, another cause of bleeding from the anus can be a perianal fistula, an abnormal duct or abscess that occurs in the rectal area and fills with pus and fluid, causing significant discomfort to the affected person. Depending on its location, the symptoms can be more or less severe since it is possible to experience mild itching or sting to sharp and intense pain during defecation and several hours after it. In addition, the stools may be accompanied by bright red Blood that can also be seen on the toilet paper when cleaning.
The only treatment available to permanently eliminate the perianal fistula is surgery. It is an effective way to drain the liquid from its interior and eliminate all the discomfort it causes. Therefore, it is essential to see a doctor urgently to prevent the condition from worsening. After the intervention, it will be necessary to take care of the diet to not give way to conditions such as constipation that can negatively affect the healing of the wound or scar.
Bleeding from the anus from rectal prolapse
Although it is not a very common condition, rectal prolapse can also, in some cases, answer the question of why there is Blood coming out of the anus. This occurs when the rectum falls from its normal position and descends, protruding through the anal opening, which can be seen as a kind of reddish mass (internal lining of the rectum) that protrudes after bowel movements.
The vast majority of cases of rectal prolapse are found among children under six years of age, the elderly, and women who have had to have an episiotomy during childbirth, which is a surgical cut in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening. In addition to the bleeding, incontinence of stool and gas is expected. For your treatment, the doctor will assess the severity of the prolapse and may opt for a repair of the anal sphincters and pelvic floor, an excision, or an internal repair by laparoscopy.
Abdominal pain and bleeding from the anus from intestinal or stomach conditions
Apart from the anorectal conditions mentioned above, certain intestinal conditions or diseases can also cause Blood coming out of the anus and a change in the standard color of the stool, presenting these with a reddish-brown color or bright red blood. Next, we detail which are the most frequent:
- Crohn’s disease.
- Ulcerative colitis
- Diverticulosis o diverticulitis.
- Polyps in the intestine.
- Parasites or bacteria cause intestinal infections.
- Colon cancer or small bowel cancer.
- Intestinal ischemia (interruption of blood circulation in a part of the intestines).
All these conditions must be medically treated as quickly as possible to prevent symptoms from worsening and the affected person’s health in danger.
Finally, observing Blood when cleaning the anus after the stool or evacuation of dark stools and even with a black coloration can indicate the suffering of a condition or disease in the stomach, such as those specified below:
- Gastric or duodenal ulcer.
- Gastritis.
- Presence of varicose veins in the stomach or esophagitis.
- Hiatal hernia.
When to see the doctor for bleeding from the anus?
It is essential to see a doctor in case of heavy, continuous, and frequent bleeding from the anus. It is necessary to identify the exact cause of the bleeding and initiate appropriate treatment based on the originating factor. In addition, rectal bleeding accompanied by other symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, fever, malaise, paleness, cold sweats, or dizziness should also cause urgency.
On the other hand, it must also be taken into account that there are cases in which anal bleeding is very slight and punctual, such as, for example, after a bowel movement in which a lot of force has been applied; This particular situation is not alarming, and there is no reason to be concerned unless it is something that happens frequently.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Blood in the anus: causes, we recommend that you enter our Digestive System category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.