Blood in Bowel movement?

Question

What does it mean if you have blood in your bowel movement, but then it goes away for a while, then comes back?

It's bright red blood

Answer 1

This could be due to be hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, Crohn's Disease, peptic ulcer disease, and diverticulitis. Generally, the closer the bleeding site is to the anus, the blood will be a brighter red. Thus, bleeding from the anus, rectum, and the sigmoid colon tend to be bright red, whereas bleeding from the transverse colon and the right colon (transverse and right colon are several feet away from the anus) tend to be dark red or maroon colored. Stomach ulcers caused by ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin are common causes of upper GI bleeding. It's possible that it could be due to hemorrhoids or constipation. If constipation is an issue, you need to add more fiber to your diet, drink enough liquids, and possibly laxatives. If it is not due to constipation, then you will need to see your doctor for an exam and testing to determine what the exact cause may be.

Answer 2

The odds are hugely in favor of the cause of bleeding with bowel movements being hemorrhoids, especially if you strained to eliminate. (How polite is that?) Usually there's no underlying illness, and doctors can't do much except invasive procedures--hardly warranted for this level of bleeding. It only takes about a tablespoon of blood to tint the toilet's water red. Your body can spare that much easily. It’s nothing to freak out about. (Remember, you give 16 ounces when you donate blood.) If the bleeding continues despite wise eating, gets worse with much more blood, or if you start having abdominal or anorectal pain, then see a doctor sooner than your appointment.

Answer 3

Is it dark red or bright red?
Dark red usually means it's from the upper GI tract (can be serious!)
Bright red usually means it's from the lower GI tract, which can originate from irritated internal or external hemorrhoids, a common problem. Or somewhere else from lower GI.

Type in your search area "Stool Testing for Blood" & go to WebMD, good info here.

Answer 4

fresh blood, blood that is red, is usually an indication of internal hemmorhoids. Old blood, that which turns your stool black and tarry, is an indication of bleeding higher in the gastric tract and requires immediate medical attention. Suggest that you may be causing the bleeding of your internal hemmorhoids by not drinking enough water, so your stools are harder and more irritating than they should be. You would benefit from taking docusate (available otc) and drinking at least two liters of water a day.

Answer 5

Go to the doctor, that's not normal.