Blood in stool after sex: what should you know?

Bright-red blood on paper or on the outside of stool may arise from a small tear, a haemorrhoid, or friction around the anus, especially after anal sex. Blood mixed through stool, maroon stool, or black, tarry stool can point to bleeding farther inside the digestive tract. Constipation, straining, diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, polyps, and bowel tumours are among the conditions a clinician may consider. A symptom does not identify its cause by itself.

Pause anal penetration until bleeding and soreness have settled. Keep the area clean with water, avoid vigorous wiping, and prevent hard stools with fluids and fibre if these are suitable for you. Record when bleeding occurred, its colour, whether it was on paper or mixed with stool, and any pain, mucus, diarrhoea, fever, dizziness, or weight change. Arrange a medical review for repeated bleeding, blood mixed with stool, or a change in bowel habit.

Seek urgent medical help for a large amount of blood, ongoing bleeding, black or tarry stool, faintness, marked weakness, severe abdominal or rectal pain, fever with illness, or vomiting blood. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint. Tell the clinician about anal sex, injury, medicines that affect clotting, and any previous bowel conditions.

Could the bleeding be from a tear or haemorrhoid? Does the colour or pattern suggest a different source? Do I need an examination or bowel tests? Which symptoms should prompt immediate care?