Rectal Bleeding During Period

Rectal Bleeding: Signs And Symptoms

The color of blood from rectal bleeding can range from bright red, to maroon, to black or tar-colored. Blood may be found on the stool or on the underwear. It can also be mixed with mucus or on the toilet paper.

Common symptoms of serious rectal bleeding are:

Abdominal Pain
Dizziness
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Constipation
Unintentional weight loss

Rectal Bleeding: Causes And Risk Factors

Rectal bleeding is usually caused by one of the following causes. Diverticulosis , Hemorrhoids Anal fissures are a common occurrence. Colitis According to the Cleveland Clinic,

The most common cause of rectal bleeding is diverticulosis. Diverticulosis is the presence in the colon of small bulges called diverticula. Diverticula, which are usually harmless, can occasionally protrude from the colon wall, causing bleeding or infection.

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles or swollen vessels, are large veins at the base of the large intestine. They appear outside the anus. The cause of hemorrhoids can be excessive straining such as when making a stool or sitting on the toilet for too long. In women, it may also be pregnancy or giving birth. People with persistent hemorrhoids tend to be constipated or overweight.

Hemorrhoids are itchy, painful and irritating, but they rarely cause serious problems and usually go away by themselves. In some cases, treatment is required.

Anal fissures are small tears that occur in the anus or anal canal, and can cause rectal bleeding. They are commonly caused by straining when eating hard stools.

Colitis is an inflammation of the tissue lining the colon. This inflammation may cause rectal bleeding. When blood flow is restricted to the colon, usually due to narrowed or block arteries, ischemic colitis can occur. Infectious colitis is caused by parasites, bacteria or viruses.

Other less common causes include intestinal polyps and proctitis.

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Intestinal polyps can be defined as masses of tissue protruding from the bowel walls, causing some minor bleeding. A proctitis is inflammation of the rectum’s lining. You may experience rectal discomfort and the constant feeling of needing to make bowel movements.

Colorectal Cancer can cause rectal bleeding. Rectal bleeding can be caused by anal cancer. This is less common than colon cancer.

Inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s or colitis ulcerative can also cause rectal bleeding. Other symptoms include abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.

How Is Rectal Bleeding Diagnosed?

You’ll be asked several questions by your doctor to identify the cause of rectal bleeding. You may be asked about when the bleeding started, what you ate before the symptoms began, whether you were constipated and if your bowel movements were difficult.

A medical examination and a review of your medical history will be performed by your doctor.

The following tests can help identify the cause of a rectal bleeding:

Colonoscopy The rectum is then inserted with a flexible, long tube that has a small camera at its tip. Mayo Clinic notes that this allows your doctor view the interior of the colon to look for abnormalities.
A healthcare provider will use a sigmoidoscope (a flexible tube equipped with a camera and light) to examine the lower portion of your colon. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this test can be used to diagnose cancer and bowel disorders.
The lab test is called a fecal occult test. It detects hidden blood in stools. According to Mayo Clinic, the test can be performed in several ways. Either the patient collects stool samples and returns them to a doctor or lab, or they use a tissue or flushable pad that changes color if blood is present.

Duration Of Rectal Bleeding

The duration of rectal bleeding will depend on the person and the condition that caused it.

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Hemorrhoids may cause a small amount of bleeding in the rectum. This can last from a few moments to several minutes. Sometimes, bleeding can occur between bowel movements. Mayo Clinic advises that you should consult your doctor if there is bleeding in the bowels or if hemorrhoids don’t disappear after a few days.

According to the National Health Service of Great Britain, anal fissures usually heal in a few weeks.

It is possible for a doctor to treat colorectal or polyps by treating the underlying cause.

Rectal Bleeding: Treatment Options And Medication

Identifying the cause of rectal bleeding is the first step to taking action if you experience this problem. You will need to determine the cause before you can decide on a treatment.

For instance, losing weight, eating more fiber-rich food, and using over-the-counter remedies are effective in managing the Hemorrhoids symptoms According to Mayo Clinic,.

The treatment of anal fissures is usually done with Treatment for constipation Use moistened wipes to soothe the area surrounding the anus. Mayo Clinic notes that anal fissures are rarely treated with medical care or surgery.

Rectal bleeding caused by more serious conditions, like bowel disease or even cancer, will require a more advanced treatment. For example, people with Crohn’s may be prescribed medication like corticosteroids Or immunotherapy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, those with cancer may need surgery to remove tumors.

Prevention Of Rectal Bleeding

Preventing the main causes of rectal bleeding will help you prevent it.

It’s essential to keep your stools as soft as possible so that they can easily pass. Drink plenty of water and consume a high-fiber diet to achieve this. As soon as you have the urge, go to the toilet. Avoid straining while passing stools. Limit your time on the toilet.

Avoid irritating the rectum by wiping it with a soft tissue, a dampened cloth or swab. Use only smooth toilet paper.

colonoscopy is the primary screening for people at increased risk of colorectal carcinoma. Screenings for colorectal can help detect polyps that are pre-cancerous in the colon and rectum. They can then be removed before cancer develops. Colorectal cancer can be detected early by screenings, which increases the chances of a successful treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 90% of all new cases of colorectal carcinoma occur in adults over 50. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force therefore recommends adults aged 45 to 75 years be screened for colon cancer. Your doctor will discuss with you how often to have a screening. The CDC recommends that adults aged 76-85 consult their doctor about whether or not they should be screened.

A healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of colorectal and other cancers. quitting smoking According to the American Cancer Society, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a limited intake of alcohol and red meat are all important.

Rectal Bleeding: Complications

People under 40 years of age rarely need medical attention for light rectal bleeding, or spotting caused by constipation or hemorrhoids. If your bleeding is heavy or continuous, this could cause shock. This is a potentially life-threatening condition where the body does not receive enough blood. This can lead to organ damage if not treated. Mayo Clinic recommends that you seek immediate medical attention if you experience rectal bleeding or any signs of shock.