Rectal Bleeding
Rectal bleeding is never normal. It's also rarely an emergency.
Most causes are common and treatable, but the only way to know what's going on is to find out. Don't wait it out.
Seeing blood when you wipe, in the toilet bowl, or on your stool can be alarming. Most of the time, the cause is something common like hemorrhoids or a small fissure. But because some causes are serious, every episode of rectal bleeding deserves a real evaluation. Identifying the source is what makes effective treatment possible.
Want a clear answer about what's causing your bleeding? Book a consultation.
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What the Color of the Blood Can Tell You
The color and pattern of the bleeding offers an important clue about where in the digestive tract it's coming from. This isn't a substitute for an exam, but it's useful context to bring to your appointment.
Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the bowl
The most common pattern. Usually points to bleeding low in the GI tract: hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or other anorectal issues.
Dark red or maroon blood mixed with stool
May indicate bleeding higher up in the colon. Worth investigating sooner rather than later.
Black, tarry stools (melena) Urgent
Suggests upper GI bleeding (stomach or small intestine). The blood has been partially digested. This usually warrants prompt medical attention.
Blood mixed with mucus
Can be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease, infection, or proctitis. Best evaluated promptly.
Common Causes of Rectal Bleeding
Several conditions can produce rectal bleeding. The most common are not dangerous, but identifying the actual cause is essential for choosing the right treatment.
Hemorrhoids
Swollen veins in the rectum or anus. By far the most common cause of bright red rectal bleeding, especially with bowel movements.
Anal fissures
Small tears in the anal lining, often from passing hard stool. Painful, with bright red blood typically on the toilet paper.
Colon polyps
Growths on the colon's inner wall. Usually painless and silent, which is why screening matters.
Diverticulosis
Small pouches in the colon wall that can occasionally bleed, sometimes significantly and without warning.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause bleeding alongside diarrhea, cramping, and mucus.
Proctitis
Inflammation of the rectal lining, sometimes from infection, radiation, or IBD.
Colorectal cancer
Less common, but always worth ruling out, especially with persistent or unexplained bleeding or with risk factors like age 45+ or family history.
When to Seek Immediate Care
!Don't wait if you experience any of these
- Heavy or continuous bleeding
- Black, tarry stools (suggests upper GI bleeding)
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath
- Severe abdominal pain along with the bleeding
- Cold, clammy skin or signs of shock
If any of these are present, go to an emergency room or call emergency services. These signs can indicate significant blood loss that needs urgent evaluation.
How Dr. Chung Diagnoses the Source
Pinpointing the cause starts with a conversation about your symptoms and a physical examination. From there, Dr. Chung may recommend one or more diagnostic tests.
Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy
A thin, flexible scope provides a detailed view of the colon and rectum to detect polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities. Often the most informative test for unexplained bleeding.
Stool tests
Identify hidden (occult) blood in the stool and help rule out infections or inflammatory conditions.
Imaging tests
CT scans or MRIs may be used when more complex gastrointestinal conditions are suspected.
Anoscopy
A quick in-office exam of the anal canal that often identifies hemorrhoids and fissures without needing a full scope.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends entirely on the cause. For minor conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures, conservative approaches such as dietary changes, hydration, fiber, and topical medications are often sufficient. In-office procedures like rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation, or laser treatment can address moderate cases without surgery.
More serious causes such as significant polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal cancer may require advanced interventions, including surgery. Dr. Chung will walk you through the most effective options based on your specific diagnosis.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Coming in for a rectal bleeding evaluation can feel uncomfortable. Here's how Dr. Chung approaches it.
✓A real conversation about your symptoms, when they started, and what you've noticed.
✓A brief, professional exam, often with an anoscopy on the spot.
✓A clear explanation of what was found, in plain language.
✓A treatment plan with options explained, not handed down.
Most patients leave the first appointment with a clear understanding of what's going on and what to do next.
Get clarity on what's causing your bleeding
Rectal bleeding deserves a proper evaluation. Book a consultation with Dr. Chung and get answers, not guesses.
Book a consultation
Call (714) 988-8690
