Seeing blood in your stools (poo), in the toilet bowl or when wiping can understandably feel worrying. While rectal bleeding is often linked to common and treatable conditions such as piles (haemorrhoids), it’s important to understand what may be causing your symptoms and when medical advice may be needed.
When to seek medical advice
Seek urgent medical advice if you experience
Relevant diagnostic tests
Rectal bleeding can appear in several different ways. The colour, amount and timing of the bleeding can sometimes provide clues about where it is coming from.
You may notice:
Accompanying symptoms
Depending on the cause, rectal bleeding may occur alongside:
The presence of blood doesn’t always indicate a serious condition, but it should never be ignored, particularly if symptoms are persistent or worsening.
There are several possible causes of rectal bleeding, ranging from common and easily treated conditions to more serious digestive health concerns. Understanding common rectal bleeding causes can help you decide when it’s worth seeking medical advice and whether further investigation may be needed.
Piles (haemorrhoids)
Piles are swollen blood vessels in or around the back passage. They are one of the most common causes of bright red blood when wiping and may also cause itching, discomfort or a feeling of fullness around the back passage.
Anal fissures
An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the back passage. These tears can cause pain during bowel movements and may result in small amounts of bright red bleeding.
Constipation
Passing hard stools can irritate the lining of the back passage, increasing the risk of bleeding from piles or fissures.
Common digestive conditions
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
IBD is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in the digestive system. Rectal bleeding may occur alongside diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fatigue.
Diverticular disease
This disease is a condition affecting the lining of the large bowel. In some cases, it can cause bleeding from the bowel.
Gastrointestinal infections
Some infections can cause inflammation of the bowel, leading to diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and occasional bleeding.
Less common or serious causes
Although less common, rectal bleeding may sometimes be associated with:
Many causes of rectal bleeding are treatable, but ongoing symptoms should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Occasional spotting of blood may be linked to common conditions such as piles or a small tear in the lining of the back passage. Even so, it’s worth understanding what is causing the bleeding and whether treatment may be needed.
It’s important to seek medical advice if you experience:
Red flag symptoms
Urgent medical advice may be needed if rectal bleeding occurs alongside:
If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, it’s important to seek urgent medical advice through NHS 111, your GP or emergency services as appropriate.
Many people feel anxious about discussing rectal bleeding. Understanding what to expect can help make the process feel less daunting.
Initial consultation
A gastroenterologist will ask you about:
These questions help build a clearer picture of what may be causing your symptoms.
Diagnostic tests & procedures
Blood tests
These tests may be used to identify signs of inflammation, anaemia or other underlying conditions.
Stool tests
These can help detect infection, inflammation and other bowel conditions.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
This procedure uses a small camera to examine the lower part of the large bowel and rectum.
Colonoscopy
This procedure uses a small camera to examine the large bowel and can help identify inflammation, polyps and other bowel conditions.
Gastroscopy
This procedure uses a small camera to examine the upper digestive tract and may occasionally be recommended if the source of the bleeding is suspected to be higher in the digestive system.
Imaging scans
Ultrasound, CT or MRI scans may be recommended if further investigation is needed.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the bleeding.
Self-care & home remedies
Depending on the cause, symptoms may improve with:
Treatment may include:
Specialist interventions
Some patients may benefit from specialist procedures or surgery, particularly if bleeding is linked to larger polyps, certain bowel conditions or other underlying causes.
The good news is that many causes of rectal bleeding can be effectively treated once the cause has been identified.
Living with rectal bleeding can understandably cause concern and uncertainty.
At Clarity, our digestive health specialists provide:
From your first appointment through to diagnosis and treatment, our skilled team at Clarity is committed to helping you get the answers, support and treatment you need.
As the first step in your private digestive health journey, Clarity Consult is an entirely FREE consultation.
This is designed to be a clear, consultant-led private pathway for patients experiencing digestive symptoms, with fast access, transparent costs and flexible appointments.
This content has been developed using guidance from: