Noticing blood in your stool or on toilet paper after a bowel movement can be concerning and often raises questions about your health. While this symptom can sometimes result from minor issues such as haemorrhoids or anal fissures, it may also signal a more serious underlying condition.
A thorough medical assessment is essential to identify the exact cause and determine whether treatment is needed. By understanding what blood in the stool might indicate, you can take the first step towards managing your symptoms and protecting your digestive health.
Understanding Blood in Stools
Blood in the stool, or rectal bleeding, refers to the presence of blood during a bowel movement. This can come from different parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as the oesophagus, stomach, large intestine (colon), rectum and anus. In some cases, the bleeding is visible, while in others, it may be so small that it can only be detected through a test like the faecal occult blood test (FOBT).
What Does Blood in Stool Look Like?
The appearance of blood in your stool can differ widely, depending on where the bleeding originates and how severe it is. Recognising these differences can offer important clues about the underlying cause. Here are some common types of blood you may notice in your stool and what each could mean:
Bright Red Blood
Fresh, bright red blood usually comes from the lower part of the GI tract, most often the rectum or anus. It may appear as streaks on toilet paper, drops in the toilet bowl or as a coating on the stool itself.Dark Red or Maroon-Coloured Blood
A darker or maroon hue suggests that the bleeding is occurring higher up in the digestive tract, such as in the small intestine or early sections of the colon. As the blood travels through the intestines, it becomes partially digested, giving it a deeper colour.Black or Tarry Stool (Melena)
When the stool appears black, sticky and tar-like, it typically points to bleeding in the upper GI tract—for instance, in the stomach or duodenum. The dark colour results from the digestion of blood as it mixes with stomach acids. This sign should be assessed by a doctor promptly.Blood Clots
Noticing blood clots in your stool can indicate more significant bleeding within the digestive system. This may be linked to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal tumours, or other serious issues that require medical evaluation.
What Are the Common Causes of Blood in Stools?
Blood in stools may occur from various conditions affecting different parts of the GI tract, such as:
Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids or piles are swollen blood vessels in the rectum or around the anus that often develop due to increased pressure from chronic constipation, prolonged sitting or pregnancy. These swollen vessels may cause bright red streaks of blood during bowel movements, especially when passing hard stools or straining.Anal Fissures
Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anal canal. These fissures commonly occur when passing hard stools that overstretch the delicate anal tissue. They can result in bright red blood in the stool, often accompanied by sharp pain during and after bowel movements.Gastroenteritis Bleeding
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach or intestines due to viral or bacterial infections. In some cases of severe bacterial gastroenteritis, inflammation of the intestinal lining can lead to traces of blood or mucus in the stool, often accompanied by diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or fever.Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) is characterised by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. This inflammation can lead to bloody stools, abdominal pain and weight loss.Colorectal Cancer
Blood in stool can be an early warning sign of colorectal cancer. This bleeding may be visible as bright red blood or may appear as darker, maroon-coloured stools, depending on the tumour’s location within the colon or rectum.Diverticulitis
Diverticular disease occurs when small pouches (diverticula) form along the colon wall. If these pouches bleed, it can result in bright red or maroon-coloured stools. When they become inflamed or infected (diverticulitis), symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever or bowel habit changes may occur.Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in the stomach lining or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). When these ulcers bleed, the digested blood can darken as it travels through the digestive tract, leading to black, tarry stools.Anal Fistula
An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel connecting the anal canal and the skin surrounding the anus that typically develops from poorly healed anal abscesses. This condition may cause rectal bleeding, pain or swelling near the anus.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While minor rectal bleeding may resolve on its own or with home treatment, it can also occasionally signal a more serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.
Consult a specialist if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding with large amounts of blood in stools or blood clots
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Black, tar-like stools suggesting upper gastrointestinal bleeding
- Blood in stools accompanied by mucus or pus
- Persistent changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks
- Unexplained weight loss or low haemoglobin levels (anaemia)
- Signs of significant blood loss, including dizziness, weakness, fainting or rapid heart rate
Blood in stool should never be dismissed or ignored, regardless of its severity or frequency. Remember, paying attention to your symptoms and seeking timely attention can protect your health and peace of mind.
If you have bloody stool or unusual changes in your bowel habits, book a consultation with our colorectal clinic in Singapore. Our specialist provides comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment to help you maintain good digestive health with confidence.
