Why is there blood in my stool? What does it mean?
If you find blood in your stool, or if your stool looks red, it is important not to ignore it, as it may be a sign of a serious condition. If you can’t find a dietary reason for the color change (see below), talk with your doctor as soon as you can.
Take note of:
- How much blood there is. Try and estimate the quantity, for example, one teaspoonful or is it more a constant drip. Do you have to wear protection in your underwear (such as incontinence pads) to stop it getting on your clothes?
- What color is it? This can help identify the cause. For example, bright red or maroon blood is usually a sign of hemorrhoids or an anal fissure (a small tear in your anus). Dark, tarry, blood may indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract.
- When do you notice it? Is it just on the toilet paper when you wipe after a bowel motion, is it mixed in with the stool, or is it just sitting on top?
- Do you have any other symptoms, such as bleeding or bruising elsewhere, constipation, fatigue, pain, or weight loss?
Red Stool Causes
Conditions that can make the stools look red or bloody include:
- Anal fissures
- Bleeding in the lower part of the digestive system
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Diverticulosis
- Hemorrhoids
- Ulcerative colitis.
Related questions
- What is Trimebutine used for?
- If I am Lactose Intolerant or Lactose Allergic, are there Medications I should Avoid?
- Fish Oil and your Health
Black Stool Causes
Conditions that cause the stools to look black (which may signal old blood or bleeding higher up in the digestive system) include:
- Bleeding within the GI tract (eg, from stomach ulcers)
- Bowel ischemia (a reduction of blood flow to the intestines)
- Cancer
- Varices
- Vascular malformations (misshapen veins in the intestines).
Dietary Reasons For Red Stools
Some foods or medicines may also make your stools look red. Examples include:
- Beets
- Cranberries
- Tomato juice/soup
- Red drink mixes
- Red gelatin
- Red food coloring
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Worming medications.
Some foods or medicines may also make your stools look black. Examples include:
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol)
- Blueberries
- Dark chocolate
- Iron supplements
- Licorice.
Read next
Can hemorrhoids cause urinary problems?
It is possible that hemorrhoids may result in urinary problems, such as urinary incontinence (trouble keeping in urine) as there is a close relationship between the muscles and nerves that control bladder function and those that control bowel movements. Continue reading
Which drugs cause opioid-induced constipation?
Any drug that is classified as an "opioid" can cause constipation. Examples of commonly prescribed opioids that may cause this side effect include morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, methadone, hydrocodone, codeine and oxycodone.
Continue reading
What causes lumps near or inside the anus?
Lumps near or inside the anus can have several potential causes. These lumps may vary in size, location, and whether they cause pain. Common causes include hemorrhoids, anal skin tags, and infections. Continue reading
See also:
Related medical questions
- What OTC drugs relieve tripledemic symptoms in kids?
- Norovirus: What to know
- Should I be Concerned about a Mpox Outbreak?
- Can you put hydrocortisone cream on hemorrhoids?
- My stool has changed color. What does it mean?
- How do you to treat hemorrhoids at home?
- What foods should I avoid when taking omeprazole?
- Can you take an antacid with omeprazole?
- Nexium vs Prilosec: What's the difference between them?
- Does omeprazole cause cancer?
- What is Quercetin and what are its health benefits?
- Over the Counter Medication for Pets
- How Can I Treat Muscle Strain or Pain?
- The Do's and Don'ts of Treating Heartburn
- What are the benefits and risks of daily aspirin?
- Can you use Topical Medications to Treat Arthritis Pain?
- How do I use NSAIDs Safely?
- How long does it take for Keytruda to work?
- What is Herceptin? Is Herceptin a chemo drug? How does it work?
- Pembrolizumab vs. nivolumab: How do they compare?
- How long does Herceptin stay in your body?
- What happens after Herceptin treatment?
- What are the biosimilars of Herceptin?
- Opdivo vs Opdivo Qvantig: What is the Difference?
- How effective is Herceptin for Breast & Gastric Cancer?
- What is the difference between Herceptin and Herceptin Hylecta?
- What is the difference between Ogivri and Herceptin?
- How is Herceptin Injection and Herceptin Hylecta administered?
Related support groups
- Gastrointestinal Disorders (19 questions, 80 members)
- Hemorrhoids (26 questions, 98 members)
- Gastric Ulcer (23 questions, 48 members)
- Gastric Cancer (12 questions, 12 members)
- Anal Fissure and Fistula (10 questions, 44 members)