Black Stool?

Question

I've had black stool for a few days now. It doesn't smell any worse than usual, but it is rather sticky and sinks. I haven't had any pain around the midsection for the last several days, but earlier today (give or take an hour), I started having some.

Is this just because of diet or could I be bleeding internally?

~~Naomi

Thanks for the wonderful answers, and so quickly, too!! To clarify a few points: I haven't changed my diet at all (unless you count two "grillers" veggie patties today- dumb idea, I know), and I don't take any medicine, unless you count the Nuva Ring.

Thanks again!

~~Nao

Answer 1

Bleeding in the upper part of the gut may cause passing of black,tarry and sticky stool.It may also have peculiar smell.Pain may or may not be present.
Since you have some pain now with passing of black stool without any chages in diet, there may be bleeding somewhere.
You shouldc heck with your family doctor.

Answer 2

If your taking iron supplements that will cause you to have dark green or black stool. Now on the other hand if you aren't black stool means blood. Normally if it is black that means something in your upper tract has been bleeding which is why it is black which means old blood. If it was red then it would lower digestive tract. That is only in some cases though, it could be something else. I would suggest making an appointment asap or calling your emergency room to see what they suggest.

Answer 3

yes..it could be. either that or your taking some meds that can affect the color. but usually if its sticky and smells a lil then its dead blood. internal bleeding in your gi area (i.e. stomach and small intestines) is usually dark red in color. bright red is usually in the large intestine or the colon because its fresh blood. i would go to the doc deffinately. better safe the sorry! they'll just give u an occult stool test to see if its blood. you can usually find those things at the store too. well hope everything is ok! :)

Answer 4

black stool can be due to diet, like eating licorice or sometimes iron pills if you are taking any or in the worst case GI bleeding which you can do a simple home test (the ones for colon cancer or blood in the stool), but make sure you rule out the last option or work on it soon.

Answer 5

It's blood. Black or dark stool is usually caused by some sort of acidic condition in the stomach. You should call your doctor. I have gastritis which causes black stools. It could also be an ulcer. Please go to your doctor. They might have to give you an endoscopy which is where they place a lighted tube down your throat to see if anything's wrong. It's a really easy procedure and they knock you out for it. Good luck!

Answer 6

Usually that is a sign of a high intake of Iron - are you on any vitamin supplements? If not have a think about what you have eaten in the past few days and if it continues with no obvious answer then get it checked out medically.

Answer 7

it could be either, i would definitely contact a doctor about that one. If you have not changed your diet recently, then i would have to say i think it might be bleeding since it is sticky and black. I am no authority, however, so contacting a doctor would be the best idea.

Answer 8

I think you need to see a doctor...unless you have been taking iron supplements. These can cause constipation and black stools.

Answer 9

Could be old blood or med/diet related. Iron and some other things will cause the color change.

Answer 10

You could be bleeding internally. I suggest you get yourself to an urgent care or emergency room and tell them what is going on, in case it is that serious!