bleeding

Bloody Stools

Also called: Hematochezia

Bloody stools refer to the presence of blood in your bowel movements. The blood can be bright red, maroon, or even black and tarry, depending on the location and cause of the bleeding.

Frequently asked questions

Is bloody stool always a sign of a serious problem?
Not always, but it's important to get it checked out by a doctor to determine the cause. Some causes, like hemorrhoids, are relatively minor, while others, like colon cancer, are more serious.

What can I expect during a colonoscopy?
Before a colonoscopy, you'll need to clean out your colon with a special preparation. During the procedure, you'll be sedated, and the doctor will insert a flexible tube with a camera into your colon to look for any abnormalities. The procedure usually takes about 30-60 minutes.

Can stress cause bloody stools?
While stress itself doesn't directly cause bloody stools, it can worsen conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which can lead to bleeding.

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