Why do bowel polyps cause blood in stool?

A polyp is a growth from the lining of the bowel. Some polyps do not cause symptoms, while others can have a delicate surface or blood vessels that bleed. The blood may be seen as red streaks, mixed with stool, or only found during testing. Blood in Stool is a common presentation of Bowel Polyps, but it has many possible causes, including haemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammation, and bowel cancer. The amount or colour of blood does not reliably show what is causing it.

Contact a clinician about new or repeated bleeding from the back passage. They may ask about stool colour, pain, changes in bowel habit, medicines, and family history, then decide whether examination or tests are needed. If a polyp is found, the clinician can explain its type and whether removal or follow-up is appropriate. Do not delay an appointment because the bleeding stopped; intermittent bleeding can still need investigation.

Seek urgent care if there is heavy bleeding, black tar-like stool, fainting, severe dizziness, severe abdominal pain, or signs of marked weakness. Arrange prompt review if bleeding is accompanied by a sustained bowel-habit change, abdominal swelling, fatigue, or unintended weight change. Care is guided by the bleeding and accompanying symptoms, not by a guess about the source.

Ask what tests may locate the bleeding, whether any medicines could affect bleeding, and what a result showing polyps would mean. Mention previous bowel procedures, screening tests, and close relatives with polyps or bowel cancer.