Being surprised that your stools appear bloody is usually a cause for alarm. If it occurs when the woman is menstruating, it may be thought that it is not anal bleeding but blood from her period. However, after successive bleeding, it can finally be confirmed that it is not menstrual blood.
In these cases, the woman can consider multiple causes, thinking of severe conditions. However, states do not resist great severity if they are treated correctly.
For all those women who wonder why when I have my period, I bleed from the anus. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we will explain what this condition is.
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Blood from the anus during menstruation
In medical terms, we speak of hematochezia when rectal bleeding occurs, that is, when blood comes out of the anus. It should be noted that, although the blood comes out through the anus, this bleeding can occur anywhere in the digestive system as well as in some areas near the anus, so the causes that motivate it can be many and very different.
The way it comes out may also be different, giving us some clues about its origin. It is usually red blood, similar to how it comes out when we prick ourselves in somebody’s area. At other times it can mix with the stool and take on a darker tone; finally, it can also come out in the form of clots.
Be that as it may, observing that blood comes out of the anus is a fact that tends to worry even more when this bleeding is limited to the period of menstruation or in the days around it. That is why we will explain some of its causes below.
Endometriosis and bleeding from the anus
Endometriosis is a disease in the female reproductive system that causes the endometrium to grow outside a women’s uterus. This tissue, which should be expelled through the vagina during menstruation, may adhere to the bladder, ovaries, intestines, or rectum.
When a woman has endometriosis, she notices a constant increase in pain that she suffers during menstruation. These symptoms affect not only the reproductive health of the woman but are also noticeable in the general state of health of the person. Some of the most common symptoms of endometriosis are:
- Bowel problems: This disease can cause excruciating bowel movements and other symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. Abdominal swelling and blood in the stool can also be seen during menstruation. Something that we will explain later.
- Alterations in menstruation: bleeding can be abundant, irregular, frequent, or prolonged.
- Tiredness: exhaustion and chronic fatigue are usually one of the most common symptoms.
Blood in the stool from menstruation and endometriosis
Although it does not always occur, it is one of the less common symptoms of this condition. Acute endometriosis can cause blood to leak out of the anus during menstruation.
The uterine lining implants outside the uterus, so the endometrium can spread through the peritoneum, vagina, and anus. This is what causes that during menstruation. When it comes off, blood appears from the anus.
This is not the only possible reason, although it is usually the most likely when the bleeding only occurs during menstruation. That is why it is imperative to go to the doctor when you observe it so that they can make an accurate diagnosis and start treatment for endometriosis if necessary.
Blood in the stool during the period: hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, popularly known by the name piles, are a condition caused by the dilation and inflammation of some veins and arteries located inside the anus. The dilation of these arteries and veins, resulting from an accumulation of blood, can even cause them to leave the inside of the anus to the outside, causing many problems and annoyances that must be treated in severe cases.
One of the biggest problems that hemorrhoids can cause is anal bleeding, the leakage of blood through the anus. Something can occur on rare occasions or with many recurrences, although it mainly occurs during defecation. However, any pressure on these tissues can end up causing bleeding, and not only the stools drive it. Straining lifting weight or conditions during pregnancy could be some causes. Even hormonal changes during menstruation can cause this anal bleeding on the days of the rule.
For more information, in the following FastlyHealarticle, we talk about bleeding hemorrhoids.
Blood from the anus during menstruation: other causes
Polyps in the colon
Medically speaking, colon polyps occur when there is a neoplasm in the wall of the intestines or rectum, which, translated into flatter words, means that the cells of the intestinal tissue begin to multiply in a much more accelerated way than they usually do. Doing so causes a growth that gives the sensation of being a kind of pea stuck to the intestine and usually has a diameter of between 2 millimeters and 5 centimeters.
Although the vast majority of the time, polyps are benign growths, it is also possible that some may end up leading to colon cancer, the largest being the most favorable.
If we consider that one of the main symptoms of polyps is bleeding from the anus, you must visit a doctor if you notice blood in your stool since a serious problem could be avoided, which is not unlikely. Impossible.
Constipation
Constipation is a major digestive problem occurring among women. The fact is that this condition can end up resulting in rectal bleeding. Suppose we consider that among the symptoms of menstruation, we find constipation. In that case, we must not rule out that bleeding from the anus during the rule is due to a picture of constipation that causes an injury to the anal mucosa.
Diverticula
In the large intestine, we have a series of sacs called diverticula that, when inflamed by increased pressure in the colon, can cause bleeding. In the following article, we will talk about diverticulitis, the pathology for which its inflammation is known.
When to see a doctor for bleeding from the anus
Even if bleeding from the anus only occurs once, that reasons enough for you to go to the doctor and find the cause. A quick diagnosis can help you start treatment quickly and address any chance of getting worse.
Whatever it is, there are different treatments for the various conditions that can cause blood in the anus, so a visit to the doctor will not only put aside the alarms and nervousness but can also help to solve this problem.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to When I have my period, I bleed from the anus: why is it? We recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
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.