What does it mean if I see blood in my stool?

ACS Answer

Blood in the stool can be caused by irritation of the bowel during a bowel movement. It can also be caused by straining extremely hard, by an ulcer or a tumor in the bowel, by hemorrhoids (blood vessels that extend beyond the anal opening), a pressure sore or ulcer in the anal area, or a low blood platelet count. 

What to look for

• Blood on toilet paper    
• Blood on underwear, sheets, or underpads    
• Streaks of blood in stool    
• Bright red blood from rectum    
• Dark red or black bowel movements. (Remember, eating beets can cause red stools, and iron tablets can cause black stools. This is normal.)

What to do

• Wash the area very carefully with warm, soapy water, rinse well, and pat dry.    
• Check the amount of blood being passed.    
• Sitting in warm water (a sitz bath) may be helpful for hemorrhoids.

Do not

• Strain to move bowels -- if you are straining, see section on constipation    
• Scrub anal area    
• Try to "push anything back in" if it extends beyond the anal opening (such as hemorrhoids)    
• Have enemas, or use rectal suppositories and laxatives    
• Use a rectal thermometer

Call the doctor

• If you notice blood on toilet paper 2 or more times    
• If you notice blood streaks in your stool    
• If you notice bright red blood coming from your rectum    
• If you notice dark red or black stools

Related Resources

Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.

Recommended Consultation

You should consider discussing this topic with your doctor or health care team.

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