Fresh rectal bleeding causes explained

A small tear or haemorrhoid may cause blood on toilet paper or the outside of a stool, often after straining. Infections such as Gastroenteritis can cause diarrhoea, cramps, and blood. Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are inflammatory conditions that may present with blood, urgency, and ongoing loose stools. Diverticular Disease can cause sudden bleeding without much pain. Polyps and bowel or rectal cancers may bleed subtly or repeatedly, sometimes with a change in bowel habit.

Write down when the bleeding began, its colour and amount, and whether it is separate from stool or mixed into it. Include constipation, pain, diarrhoea, mucus, tiredness, appetite change, and medicines such as anticoagulants in your history. A clinician may examine the anus and abdomen and decide whether blood tests, stool tests, or a bowel examination are appropriate. If a polyp is identified, Polyp Removal may be considered.

Get urgent medical help for a large amount of blood, ongoing flow, clots, faintness, confusion, severe pain, or signs of dehydration. Black stools, fever with significant illness, or bleeding while taking a blood thinner also require prompt advice. Do not wait for a routine appointment if you feel unsafe or rapidly worse.

Which cause best fits my bleeding pattern? What examination or test is needed? Could my bowel medicines be involved? How should I respond if the bleeding returns?