Medicine·Gastroenterology
Rectal Bleeding
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Rectal bleeding is when you see blood in your stool (poop), on the toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. It comes from the lower part of your digestive system, specifically the rectum or anus. While it can be alarming, many causes are not serious.
Key facts
- Many cases of rectal bleeding are caused by harmless conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
- Seeing blood in your stool does not always mean you have a serious illness, but you should always check with a doctor.
- The color and amount of blood can give clues about the cause—bright red usually comes from the bottom end, darker blood from higher up.
Yes, rectal bleeding is fairly common. Many people experience it at some point in their lives, especially with constipation or straining.
It can affect people of all ages, but certain causes are more common in specific age groups. For example, hemorrhoids are common in adults, while inflammatory bowel disease often starts in younger adults, and the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age.