Rectal Bleeding: Causes, When to Worry, and What You Can Do

When you see rectal bleeding, blood coming from the anus during or after a bowel movement. Also known as hematochezia, it’s a symptom, not a disease — and it’s more common than most people admit. It can be bright red, dark maroon, or even mixed with stool. Many assume it’s always cancer, but that’s not true. Most cases come from simple, treatable issues like hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the rectum or anus that bleed during straining, or anal fissures, tiny tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by hard stools. These are painful but rarely dangerous.

Still, you shouldn’t ignore it. Rectal bleeding can also signal more serious problems like colon cancer, a tumor in the large intestine that may bleed slowly over time, inflammatory bowel disease, or infections. Age matters — if you’re over 50 and haven’t had a colonoscopy, bleeding is a red flag. So is weight loss, fatigue, or a change in bowel habits. Even if it stops after one episode, it’s worth checking out. Doctors don’t judge — they’ve seen it all. What they care about is catching something serious early.

What you’ll find here are real stories and facts from people who’ve dealt with this, from the guy who thought it was just hemorrhoids and was right, to the woman who ignored it for months and ended up needing surgery. We cover what tests actually happen during a visit, how to tell if it’s something you can manage at home, and when to push for a referral. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you walk into a doctor’s office — or decide to wait a little longer.