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What Causes Blood In Stool?

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Posted on Tue, 3 Nov 2015
Twitter Wed, 4 Nov 2015 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 24 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on
Question : I have had blood in stool off and on for the past 4 to 6 months, lately it's becoming a lot more frequent. I'm 45 years old, male.
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Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Rectal bleeding

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You have notice blood inyour stool over the past 4-6 months. This could be simply due to rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids or rectal tear. If you noticed a lump or swelling in the rectal area then this is probably a hemorrhoid. If the blood is intermixed in the stool there could be bleeding higher up in the rectum or colon. In that case I do recommend that you see your medical provider and get a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy will find the cause of the bleeding. There is a low risk for colon cancer or diverticulitis as the cause of your bleeding and the colonoscopy is the best way to find out.

In summary
1. rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids
2. upper bleeding possible diverticulitis or colon cancer
3. get colonoscopy

I hope I answered your question. If you have any additional questions please contact us again.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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What Causes Blood In Stool?

Brief Answer: Rectal bleeding Detailed Answer: Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns You have notice blood inyour stool over the past 4-6 months. This could be simply due to rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids or rectal tear. If you noticed a lump or swelling in the rectal area then this is probably a hemorrhoid. If the blood is intermixed in the stool there could be bleeding higher up in the rectum or colon. In that case I do recommend that you see your medical provider and get a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy will find the cause of the bleeding. There is a low risk for colon cancer or diverticulitis as the cause of your bleeding and the colonoscopy is the best way to find out. In summary 1. rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids 2. upper bleeding possible diverticulitis or colon cancer 3. get colonoscopy I hope I answered your question. If you have any additional questions please contact us again.