What should you know about random rectal bleeding?

Bright red blood on paper or on the outside of stool can come from the lower bowel or anal area. Blood mixed through stool, darker blood, or black tarry stool may indicate bleeding higher in the digestive tract. Diverticular Disease, Gastroenteritis, Crohn's Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis can present with rectal bleeding alongside bowel symptoms.

Bowel Cancer, Rectal Cancer, and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour can also present with bleeding among other features. Rectal bleeding alone does not identify the cause, and a benign explanation should not be assumed without considering persistence, age, medicines, bowel habit changes, pain, and family history.

Arrange a GP assessment for any unexplained bleeding, especially if it recurs or is mixed with stool. Note the colour and amount, whether it followed constipation or diarrhoea, and any pain, mucus, fever, tiredness, dizziness, or change in bowel habit. Take a list of medicines, including blood thinners and anti-inflammatory painkillers.

A clinician may examine the abdomen and anal area and decide whether blood tests, stool tests, or a specialist bowel assessment are appropriate. If a polyp is found, Polyp Removal may be discussed as part of its management.

Seek emergency help for heavy or ongoing bleeding, black tarry stools, vomiting blood, fainting, severe dizziness, confusion, severe abdominal pain, or signs of shock. Get prompt medical advice if bleeding comes with fever, persistent diarrhoea, marked weakness, or a new and sustained bowel habit change.

Ask where the bleeding may be coming from, whether your medicines could contribute, which tests are suitable, how to prepare for them, and which symptoms require immediate help.