What Causes Bleeding After Bowel Movement?

Posted on Wed, 17 Dec 2014

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 Answered on

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : in january I noticed light blood on the toilet paper. I actually did not think much of it since serious over cleaning had become a habit of mine and I figured there may have been a slight fissure. I began cleaning lighter and took it easy and eventually the blood was gone about what I think was two months later. I didn't recall ever seeing it again, at least not seriously until all the way in early October. The light blood returned and was now persistent. In November a proctologist examined the exterior and saw nothing. He told me to monitor it for now and gave me cream. Over the course of the next month the very light blood would continue showing up on and off. For the last two weeks it actually went away and I thought my worries were gone until today when it suddenly returned after what I feel was a pretty strong bowel movement. It should be noted that this all ONLY happens after bowel movements and there is also no blood in the actual stool at all that I can see. I am an otherwise pretty healthy 30 year old man. I have a touch of hypothyroidism if that means anything and I do not have any pain or stomach issues associated with this. What in the world could this really be at this point and do I really have to start thinking about a colonoscopy at 30 years old???

Thank you, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
rectal bleeding

Detailed Answer:
Thanks fro contacting HCM with your health care concern.
You have been having bright red blood after having a bowel movement. This usually is seen with something like an internal hemorrhoid or rectal fissures. Since the bleeding only occurs after BMs then I feel secure in saying that the cause is hemorrhoid or rectal tears. To help reduce the frequency of bleeding it is very important that you have easy to pass BMs. Straining or having hard large stools will continue to tear the rectum or cause hemorrhoids. I recommend taking fiber laxatives or stool softeners daily. When your BMs are soft and easy to pass your problems should resolve.

Also if you are taking any blood thinners or anti-inflammatories like aspirin they can make you bleed more and hence increase your chances of having rectal bleeding.

If your symptoms worsen or you have continued bleeding then a colonoscopy maybe indicated

In summary
1. most likely rectal tears or rectal hemorrhoids
2. high fiber diet
3. high fiber laxatives or stool softeners
4. stop any anti-inflammatories
5. If bleeding worsens you may need colonoscopy.

I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care questions and concerns

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T