What causes bleeding from the buttocks. How to identify hemorrhoids versus more serious conditions. When should you seek medical attention for rectal pain or bleeding. What treatments are available for common anal health issues.

Common Causes of Rectal Bleeding and Pain

Experiencing bleeding or pain from your buttocks can be alarming, but in many cases it’s caused by relatively benign conditions. Some of the most common reasons for rectal bleeding include:

• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Constipation and straining
• Diarrhea
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Anal sex

While these causes are generally not serious, it’s important to get any unexplained rectal bleeding evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out more concerning conditions.

Identifying Hemorrhoids: A Leading Cause of Anal Bleeding

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. They are one of the most common causes of rectal bleeding, affecting millions of people. But how can you tell if your symptoms are due to hemorrhoids?

Common Symptoms of Hemorrhoids:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
• Itching or irritation around the anus
• Pain or discomfort, especially during bowel movements
• Swelling around the anus
• A lump near the anus, which may be sensitive or painful

Hemorrhoids can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus). External hemorrhoids are often more painful and noticeable. If you suspect you have hemorrhoids, there are several home remedies and over-the-counter treatments available. However, persistent or severe cases should be evaluated by a doctor.

When Rectal Bleeding May Indicate Something More Serious

While hemorrhoids and minor tears are common culprits behind rectal bleeding, there are times when bleeding could signal a more serious condition. Some conditions that can cause rectal bleeding include:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Colorectal polyps or cancer
• Diverticular disease
• Anal or rectal cancer

Is rectal bleeding ever an emergency? In some cases, yes. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or dizziness along with rectal bleeding. These could be signs of a more serious condition requiring prompt treatment.

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Rectal Health

Sexual activity, particularly anal sex, can sometimes lead to rectal bleeding or discomfort. However, persistent symptoms may indicate a sexually transmitted infection (STI). One such infection that can cause rectal bleeding is lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV).

What is Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)?

LGV is a bacterial infection caused by a specific strain of chlamydia. It primarily affects the lymphatic system and can cause symptoms in the genital and anal areas. Some key facts about LGV include:

• It’s more common in men who have sex with men
• People living with HIV may be at higher risk
• Symptoms can include rectal pain, bleeding, and discharge
• It requires a specific test to diagnose, beyond standard STI screening
• Treatment typically involves a 3-week course of antibiotics

If you’re experiencing rectal symptoms and are sexually active, it’s important to get tested for STIs, including LGV if your healthcare provider suspects it based on your symptoms and history.

The Impact of Anal Sex on Rectal Health

Anal sex can sometimes lead to rectal bleeding or pain, especially if proper precautions aren’t taken. How can anal sex affect rectal health?

• Friction and micro-tears: The anus doesn’t self-lubricate like the vagina, making tears more likely
• Increased risk of STIs: The rectal lining is delicate and can be more susceptible to infections
• Potential for injury: Rough or unprepared anal sex can lead to muscle strain or more serious injuries

To minimize risks, it’s crucial to use plenty of lubrication, start slowly, and communicate openly with your partner. If you experience pain or bleeding after anal sex, give your body time to heal and consider seeing a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Rectal Symptoms

Experiencing rectal pain or bleeding can be uncomfortable and concerning. But when is it time to see a doctor? Here are some guidelines:

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Heavy rectal bleeding
• Severe abdominal or rectal pain
• Fever along with rectal symptoms
• Dizziness or fainting

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you have:

• Persistent rectal bleeding, even if it’s minor
• Changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few days
• Unexplained weight loss
• Rectal pain that doesn’t improve with home treatment

Remember, healthcare providers are accustomed to discussing these issues and are there to help. Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from seeking necessary care for your rectal health.

Treatment Options for Common Rectal Health Issues

Many rectal health problems can be effectively treated, often with simple measures. Here are some common treatments for various rectal issues:

Hemorrhoids:

• Over-the-counter creams and suppositories
• Sitz baths
• Increased fiber intake and hydration
• In severe cases, medical procedures like rubber band ligation or surgery

Anal Fissures:

• Topical pain relief creams
• Stool softeners
• Warm baths
• In chronic cases, topical nitroglycerin or botox injections

Sexually Transmitted Infections:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections like chlamydia or LGV
• Antiviral medications for herpes or HPV
• Follow-up testing to ensure the infection has cleared

Your healthcare provider can recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your specific condition and symptoms.

Preventing Rectal Health Issues: Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Bottom

While some rectal health issues can’t always be prevented, there are steps you can take to promote overall anal health and reduce your risk of problems:

• Practice good hygiene, but avoid harsh soaps or excessive cleaning
• Eat a high-fiber diet and stay hydrated to prevent constipation
• Exercise regularly to promote healthy bowel function
• Use protection during anal sex and get regular STI screenings if sexually active
• Avoid straining during bowel movements
• See a healthcare provider promptly if you notice any concerning symptoms

By taking care of your rectal health and addressing issues promptly, you can maintain comfort and prevent more serious problems from developing.

Rectal health is an important aspect of overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked or not discussed due to embarrassment. By understanding common causes of rectal bleeding and pain, knowing when to seek medical attention, and taking steps to maintain anal health, you can ensure that your bottom stays healthy and comfortable. Remember, healthcare providers are there to help, so don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have about your rectal health.

Q&A: What causes bleeding & pain from your butt?

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Sexual health

Pierre-Cédric Crouch, PhD, ANP-BC answers our burning questions about butt pain. Here’s what to do if you notice pain, swelling or blood.

By Douchie

July 19, 2018   3 Minute Read

Maybe you’ve had this happen before: You wipe your butt and notice red streaks on the toilet paper. Or you wipe up after bottoming and you see blood on the towel. What’s going on?

Bleeding and pain can be symptoms of something minor like hemorrhoids to something more serious like lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). To learn more about what to do if you experience bleeding from your butt, I asked San Francisco AIDS Foundation director of nursing Pierre-Cédric Crouch, PhD, ANP-BC, ACRN some “burning” questions I had.

Q: Thanks for answering my questions, Pierre! What are some reasons a person might bleed from their butt?

Pierre: You can bleed for a lot of different reasons. It could be something as simple as hemorrhoids or an anal fissure (get the details on anal fissures). But other things can make you bleed too: genital warts, ulcers, herpes, even having a painful bowel movement. You can also get bloody discharge from lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV).

Q: I’ve never heard of LGV before. Tell me more!

Pierre: LGV is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that is caused by a type of chlamydia bacteria. It’s more common in men than women, and people who are living with HIV seem to be more likely to get it. When you get tested for chlamydia, your test would be positive if you have LGV but your provider would have to order a special test to see if it’s LGV. You don’t need to test specifically for LGV if you aren’t having any symptoms.

Because the infection affects the lymphatic system, it can cause swelling and redness in the groin area and drainage through the skin from the lymph nodes in the groin. It can also affect the lymph nodes around your butt if you have anal sex, and you might experience bloody discharge from your butt.

Q: Yikes! Sounds awful. Can LGV be treated?

Pierre: Absolutely. We treat LGV with antibiotics. If you have symptoms, the treatment lasts for three weeks (which is longer than we treat other types of chlamydia).

Q: You mentioned hemorrhoids potentially causing bleeding. Besides looking unpleasant, are hemorrhoids a health concern?

Pierre: Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that happen inside the rectum or on the anus. Straining when you poop can cause them, as can anal sex. Sometimes they are not serious and go away on their own. But sometimes they don’t go away—in those cases, you can get them treated.

I know some healthcare providers take the position that if your butt functions, it’s fine. They think ‘who cares what your butt looks like if you’re able to use it?’ But that view doesn’t support the health and happiness of people who bottom. Having a pretty butt is important!

Q: I love hearing about pretty butts! But for now, let’s move on to other possible causes of pain and bleeding. What about anal sex? Can people experience pain and bleeding from anal sex?

Pierre: Yes—anal sex can be another cause of pain and bleeding. No matter what you do if you bottom, if your partner is really rough, it’s going to hurt. Or if you haven’t bottomed in a long time, and you don’t take enough time to loosen yourself up, you can tear or strain a muscle. And that can cause bleeding.

Q: When should people seek help for pain or bleeding?

Pierre: If you have painful rectal bleeding, talk to your healthcare provider! I think people may delay seeking care because they are embarrassed or don’t want to talk about their butt. You have to remember that healthcare providers are used to hearing about this kind of stuff. Nothing is going to shock us. We’re here to help you feel and be healthy.

Douchie brings butt health & happiness out of the closet so you can care for your butt in the way it deserves. Get info about everything from douching to fissures with this series on all things anal. Visit sfaf.org/butthealth.

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Bleeding From the Rectum | Causes & Treatments for Anal Bleeding

New onset crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammation of the bowel. It is caused by a faulty immune system response which makes the body attack the lining of the intestines.

The disease usually appears before age thirty and can affect anyone. Those with a family history may be most susceptible. Smoking is a known risk factor.

Aggravating factors include stress, poor diet, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

Early symptoms usually develop gradually, but can appear suddenly. These include fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, mouth sores, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in stool.

Untreated Crohn’s disease can cause ulcers throughout the digestive tract as well as bowel obstruction, malnutrition, and deteriorating general health.

Diagnosis is made through blood test and stool sample test. Colonoscopy, CT scan, MRI, endoscopy, and/or enteroscopy may also be used.

Crohn’s disease cannot be cured, but can be managed through reducing the inflammation. Antibiotics, corticosteroids, and immune system suppressors may be tried. Excellent nutrition, vitamin supplements, smoking cessation, and reduction in stress can be helpful.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: fatigue, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, constipation, abdominal cramps (stomach cramps)

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding

The digestive, or gastrointestinal (GI), tract includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding refers to internal bleeding from the large intestine, rectum, or anus, usually caused by hemorrhoids, ischemic bowel disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Call 911 immediately for an ambulance now if the bleeding is severe. Otherwise, you should seek immediate medical care at an urgent care clinic or ER. A medical team will evaluate this critical condition and determine if surgical intervention is needed to stop the bleeding.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: rectal bleeding, severe rectal bleeding, moderate rectal bleeding

Urgency: Emergency medical service

Intestinal inflammation (diverticulitis)

When the passage of food through the colon becomes sluggish, the food can stagnate, increase in bulk, create pressure, and cause diverticula – or pouches – to form in the walls of the large intestine. If these pouches become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis.

Risk factors are a low-fiber diet, smoking, obesity, chronic constipation, and lack of “good” bacteria in the gut.

Patients over 50, with a previous history of inflammatory disease of the colon, are most susceptible.

Symptoms include persistent abdominal pain; fever; nausea and vomiting; and constipation sometimes alternating with diarrhea.

Left untreated, diverticulitis can lead to intestinal blockage and scarring. Rupture of an inflamed pouch can result, leading to peritonitis. These are medical emergencies. If suspected, take the patient to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.

Diagnosis is made by ruling out other conditions through physical examination; blood, urine, and stool tests; and CT scan.

Less serious cases are treated with a high-fiber diet, fluids, probiotics, antibiotics, and lifestyle management. Others may require intravenous antibiotics and/or surgery.

Rarity: Uncommon

Top Symptoms: abdominal pain (stomach ache), nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation

Symptoms that never occur with intestinal inflammation (diverticulitis): pain below the ribs, pain in the upper right abdomen

Urgency: Hospital emergency room

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, or “piles,” are swollen veins in the anus or rectum. They may be located inside the rectum (internal) or outside the body at the anus (external.)

The condition is caused by straining during bowel movements and/or from increased pressure during pregnancy and childbirth.

Hemorrhoids are a common occurrence, especially in older people. Pregnant women are susceptible, as is anyone who has chronic constipation or is obese.

Symptoms include discomfort, pain, pressure, and itching. There may be small amounts of bleeding during bowel movements, though some hemorrhoids cause no symptoms at all.

Severe pain can indicate a thrombosed hemorrhoid, meaning a clot has formed within it. This is not serious but the pain can be debilitating and requires treatment right away. Also, rectal bleeding can also be a sign of more serious diseases such as diverticulitis or cancer and should always be diagnosed by a medical provider.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination and sometimes through colonoscopy.

Treatment begins with good hygiene, cold compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Surgery may be done for some cases.

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is the common condition of having small pouches form, and push outward, along the inside of the colon.

Causes are believed to be family history, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and some medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Most susceptible are women over the age of 60, though anyone can be affected.

Diverticulosis often has few or no symptoms, but there may be changes in bowel movement patterns; abdominal pain; bloating; constipation; diarrhea; or rectal bleeding.

These symptoms should be seen by a medical provider, since diverticulosis can lead to diverticulitis – an inflammation of the pouches that can have serious complications. Also, the symptoms of are similar to those of inflammatory bowel disease and so a definite diagnosis should be made.

Diagnosis is made through patient history; physical examination, which may include a rectal exam; blood tests; and CT scan. In some cases, a colonoscopy will be done.

Treatment involves a high-fiber diet; medicines to ease bloating and other symptoms; and sometimes antibiotics.

Colonic neoplasm

Colonic neoplasm means “new tissue” growing in the colon, or large intestine. This neoplasm may be either benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancer.)

The exact cause of any cancer remains unknown. Risk factors seem to be:

• Being over fifty years of age.
• Family history of the disease.
• A high-fat, low-fiber diet, typical in the modern world
• Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon such as Crohn’s disease.
• Smoking and alcohol use.
• Diabetes, obesity, and inactivity.

The earliest symptoms are usually polyps, small growths within the colon which can be detected on colonoscopy and removed before they can become cancerous. Later symptoms may be unexplained fatigue; change in bowel habits; persistent abdominal discomfort such as gas or cramps; blood in stool; or rectal bleeding.

Diagnosis is made through colonoscopy and sometimes blood testing.

Treatment is done through surgery, which may be minor or extensive; and through chemotherapy with radiation therapy, usually done before and after surgery. Supportive care to keep the patient comfortable is also an important part of treatment.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: fatigue, stomach bloating, stool changes, diarrhea, constipation

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Chronic constipation

Constipation is a very common condition affecting the large intestine. It is characterized by difficulty passing stool, or passing stool less often. Commonly it is linked to not eating enough dietary fiber, not drinking enough fluids, or not getting enough exercise. Some medications can cause constipation as well.

Given how long your symptoms have lasted, you should go see your doctor to consider treatment for constipation. Typically, dietary changes like drinking more water and eating more fiber is good enough; however, over-the-counter and/or prescription medications to bulk up the stool or increase the movement of the bowels can also help when dietary changes aren’t working.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: stomach bloating, constipation, abdominal cramps (stomach cramps), pain when passing stools, rectal bleeding

Symptoms that always occur with chronic constipation: constipation

Symptoms that never occur with chronic constipation: unintentional weight loss

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Anal fissure

An anal fissure is a break, or tear, in the mucous membrane lining of the anus. The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive tract where stool leaves the body.

A fissure is caused primarily by constipation, which leads to straining to pass large hard stools; trauma caused by insertion of objects or by anal sex; and illnesses such as any type of inflammatory bowel disease or sexually transmitted disease.

Symptoms include pain and bleeding during and after a bowel movement; discomfort and difficulty with urination; and a visible tear, resembling a crack, in the anal tissue that may have a foul-smelling discharge.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination.

Treatment primarily involves relieving constipation, and the straining it causes, by adding fiber and more fluids to the diet; and easing anal irritation by soaking in a warm bath and gently cleansing the tissues of the anus. In some cases, medicated creams or suppositories may be prescribed.

Chronic or recurrent hemorrhoids

Chronic, or recurrent, hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that never really resolve and may be symptomatic more or less constantly.

Hemorrhoids are caused by anything that puts pressure on the anus from the inside, such as straining during bowel movements; constipation; pregnancy; or anal intercourse.

Most susceptible are pregnant women and older people, though anyone can be affected.

Symptoms include a small amount of bleeding during or after a bowel movement, as well as discomfort, itching, or swelling around the anus.

A medical provider can suggest treatment to ease the symptoms of chronic hemorrhoids, as well as make certain of the diagnosis since other, more serious conditions can have symptoms similar to hemorrhoids.

Diagnosis is made through patient history and physical examination.

Treatment most often involves simple lifestyle changes such as drinking more water; adding fiber-rich foods to the diet; using fiber supplements and stool softeners; not delaying, or straining, to pass a bowel movement; and using topical medications. Surgical procedures to remove the hemorrhoid can be used in some cases.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: rectal bleeding, rectal pain, pain when passing stools, anal itching, painless rectal bleeding

Symptoms that never occur with chronic or recurrent hemorrhoids: unintentional weight loss

Urgency: Self-treatment

To diagnose this condition, your doctor would likely ask the following questions:

• Have you had any changes in your weight?
• Do you have a history of constipation?
• Is your bleeding painful or painless?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with cancer?

Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions.

Epithelial coccygeal tract (coccyx cyst, coccyx fistula): symptoms, diagnosis, treatment of epithelial coccygeal tract (coccyx cyst, coccyx fistula)

The epithelial coccygeal passage is a congenital defect in the form of a narrow channel in the soft tissues under the skin of the sacrococcygeal region. The move is located in the fold between the buttocks, and comes to the surface of the skin with one or more small holes (primary holes). Inside the passage are sweat and sebaceous glands, hair follicles, connective tissue fibers. The products of their vital activity come out through the primary openings in the form of secretions, and infection can penetrate into the tissues through the same openings.

In the absence of inflammation, the epithelial coccygeal passage does not give practically any symptoms. An exception may be slight discharge from the course, moisturizing the skin between the buttocks, itching.

Inflammation of the epithelial coccygeal tract

When the openings of the epithelial coccygeal passage are blocked or mechanically traumatized, inflammation occurs, in which fatty tissue is involved. An abscess is formed – an abscess, which often breaks through the skin on its own. Despite the fact that after the breakthrough, the symptoms smooth out and the state of health improves, independent breakthroughs are dangerous by the formation of a fistula – a narrow channel through which pus from the inflammation zone will come out (the outer opening of the purulent fistula is formed in the zone of the abscess breakthrough). A fistula with an inflamed epithelial coccygeal passage is not associated with the rectum!

Causes of development

There are the following versions, according to which the development of pathology occurs.

• In the first case, we are talking about disorders that occur even at the stage of human embryonic development. The failure manifests itself in the appearance of thin channels that resemble enlarged pores. The canals are lined from the inside with epithelial tissue and hair; sweat and sebaceous glands emerge on their surface.
• Another reason for the development of an epithelial coccygeal tract, or pilonidal cyst, is the hormonal characteristics of the human body, which can simultaneously manifest as excessive hair growth.
• A correlation between the presence of the disease and the physiological characteristics of the patient’s body was also noticed. In particular, we are talking about strongly pronounced buttocks and an overly deep crease between them.

Symptoms of an inflamed epithelial coccygeal passage:

• Pain of different nature and intensity in the buttocks, coccyx
• Tumor-like mass above the anus
• Redness, induration and swelling of the tissues between the buttocks
• Purulent discharge in the area of ​​inflammation

With incorrect or untimely treatment, the focus of inflammation in the epithelial coccygeal passage persists, and the disease becomes chronic. During the period of remission, there are practically no symptoms, sometimes pain or discomfort in the coccyx area may be felt, slight discharge from the openings of the passage appears. At the same time, the focus of inflammation inside the tissues remains, and the disease can worsen at any time. For a chronic inflammatory process in the epithelial coccygeal course, the appearance of infiltrates, purulent fistulas, recurrent abscesses is characteristic.

Treatment

Treatment of the epithelial coccygeal passage is surgical. Conservative treatment does not remove the main source of inflammation. If surgical treatment is not carried out in time, the entire area near the sacrum and coccyx is involved in the inflammatory process, purulent fistulas can open not only in the sacrum, but also on the skin of the perineum. In such cases, surgery will still be required, but its volume can become much larger.

It is important to understand that opening an abscess alone can slightly reduce symptoms, and the patient will feel relief. However, it is impossible to talk about the cure of pathology in this case. In most cases, a pilonidal cyst develops into chronic inflammation. Only a radical operation allows you to completely eliminate the disease and consists in the complete removal of the epithelial passage and all its branches. The duration of the operation, depending on its volume, is 20-30 minutes. Adequate anesthetic support helps to avoid discomfort during the intervention. The period of disability after surgical treatment is minimized.

Proctologist’s consultation

Pathology in the form of an epithelial coccygeal passage occurs only in men. The frequency of diagnosing this disease is quite high – 1 case per 300-400 born boys. At a younger age, a pilonidal cyst may not cause inconvenience and does not manifest itself in any way. However, with the onset of puberty and older, it is difficult to ignore the disease.

At the appointment, the proctologist diagnoses an uncomplicated epithelial-coccygeal course during a visual examination, the symptom confirming the pathology is the holes in the fold between the buttocks. If, along with this, local inflammation is detected and fistulous passages are noticeable, the proctologist can diagnose a complicated pilonidal cyst. Also during the consultation, the proctologist conducts a digital examination aimed at excluding other pathologies. In particular, it is necessary to make sure that there are no changes in the region of the morganian crypts – anatomical depressions in the terminal segment of the rectum, as well as in the region of the coccygeal and sacral vertebrae.

Blood from the anus: bleeding from the anus during defecation

The appearance of blood from the anus during or after a bowel movement can alarm people, regardless of how and when it is found – on toilet paper or after a coprogram (fecal analysis). Expert proctologists unquestioningly agree in one opinion – this symptom informs about the pathology in the anal canal and / or above the located sections of the colon.

Depending on the severity of the patient’s pathology, the appearance of blood in the anus may be accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, vomiting, manifestations of general weakness or nausea, an upset digestive system, anemia, and weight loss.

Causes of blood in the stool

Rectal bleeding indicates bleeding in the rectum or colon. The color of blood can be either scarlet or red. Doctors also pay attention to the color of the stool itself, as blood can stain it black.

Let’s highlight the main factors for the appearance of blood from the anus:

Anal fissures

An anal fissure is a mechanical damage to the anoderm (skin of the anal canal) in the form of small cuts or tears, accompanied by painful stabbing sensations and discomfort after defecation.

Polyps or cancer

Benign growths on the wall of the anal canal, called polyps, which, as they grow, can cause bleeding and degenerate into rectal cancer.

Colitis

Inflammatory processes in the colon, affecting its mucous membrane.

diverticular disease

Diverticula are herniated protrusions on the wall of the large intestine in the form of small sacs. When an infection occurs under the influence of viruses or bacteria, they can become inflamed and bleed, and also cause quite a strong pain syndrome.

Angiodysplasia of the intestine

The condition of fragility of the venous vessels, leading to bleeding.

peptic ulcer

Inflammatory processes on the wall of the stomach, small intestine or duodenum, which are caused by the pathogenic activity of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Inflammation can also occur on the basis of long-term drug therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Diagnosis by a proctologist when blood appears from the anus

If a person has a roof in the anus, it is necessary to sign up for a consultation with a proctologist with an examination. Visual inspection of the anal canal is carried out in the form of special instrumental techniques, including:

1. Anoscopy

Painless research technique, which is assigned to the majority of patients applying for an appointment. Allows you to identify many proctological diseases at an early stage, as well as their exact localization in the rectum and anal canal. For example: anal fissures, condylomas and papillomas of the anal canal, benign or malignant neoplasms, inflammatory processes of the rectum, fistulas, hypertrophied papillae of the rectal walls, polyps, etc.

Before the anoscopy procedure, the patient must prepare, namely, make a cleansing enema of 1.5-2 liters, or special microclysters. If desired, you can use laxatives, which should be taken on the eve of the appointment (in the evening when the doctor visits in the morning).

The doctor examines the anal canal using a special device – an anoscope – a tube with a light guide at the end. Next, biological material (mucus) is taken from the surface of the anal canal, followed by sending it to the laboratory for histological analysis. The duration of the procedure is on average about 10-15 minutes.

2. Videorectoromanoscopy

A more effective procedure for endoscopic examination of the anal canal to a depth of 8 to 20 centimeters, from the rectum to the sigmoid colon. Thanks to this technique, the attending proctologist can accurately assess the condition of the intestine, as well as identify scars, polyps, inflamed hemorrhoids and other neoplasms. Subject to removal.

For the study, a video rectoscope is used – an endoscopic device with the ability to record a video examination in real time. The patient also has the opportunity to see a picture of the state of the anal canal on the monitor.

The procedure has several contraindications for carrying out, including: acute anal fissure, acute purulent inflammatory processes in the study area. If the patient wishes, local anesthesia is used for greater comfort during the examination. The duration of the procedure is no more than 15-20 minutes. As soon as possible, the patient receives the results of the study, as well as a recording of the procedure from a video rectoromanoscope.

3. Digital examination of the rectum

A mandatory research method, as a result of which the attending physician decides on the subsequent procedures – sigmoidoscopy and anoscopy.

Thanks to a digital rectal examination, the proctologist receives information about the current state of the muscular system of the anal canal, detects bleeding, and other pathological conditions:

1. anal fissures

2. Enlargement of hemorrhoids,

3. Cicatricial pathologies of the walls of the rectum,

4. Neoplasms of various etiologies

5. Foreign bodies.

In addition, a digital examination helps to study the state of the internal organs of the reproductive system of women and the prostate gland (prostate) in men.

The biggest advantage of this technique is the ability to assess the condition of the upper semicircle of the rectal wall, ascending above the anus, and which is not available for any of the above types of proctological examination.

The procedure is not performed if a narrowing of the anus is diagnosed, or with a pronounced pain syndrome.

During a digital examination, the proctologist inserts the index finger of the right hand into the lumen of the anal canal, gently probing its walls, from the sphincter. Depending on the collected history, the specialist assesses the condition of the mucous membrane of the walls, pain on palpation, tone, elasticity and degree of extensibility of the rectum.

What diseases does blood from the anus indicate?

Here is a list of the most likely pathologies, a symptom of which may be blood during a bowel movement:

1. Hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are a pathological enlargement of the veins located in the anal canal. The process is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, the presence of a foreign body in the anal canal, pain and bleeding while going to the toilet.

2. Anal fissure

The second most common pathological condition of the walls of the anal canal, giving the patient such inconvenience as acute pain, bleeding and frequent. The causes of anal fissure can be anal sex, frequent constipation, lifting heavy loads, diarrhea, various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as strong attempts during childbirth.

Fissures of the rectum are acute and chronic. In 80% of cases, with conservative treatment, an acute fissure heals. But with a negative result of therapy after 6 weeks, it passes into the chronic stage, as a result of which scar tissue appears on the edges of the crack.

3. Genital warts in the anal canal

Benign, small-sized formations that occur due to the penetration and reproduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the body and a decrease in immunity. May cause bleeding or blood in the stool.

4. Ulcerative colitis

Chronic pathology of the large intestine, causing damage to the mucous membrane and causing diarrhea with blood impurities.

5. Diverticulitis

A disease that occurs due to the weakening of the smooth muscles of the intestinal wall and the formation of cavities in it. Over time, feces can accumulate in these cavities, causing bleeding and frequent inflammation.

In addition to these diseases, blood in the anus may indicate pathologies such as Crohn’s disease or colon cancer. In order to detect any proctological disease as early as possible and further effective treatment, Med City proctologists advise to undergo preventive examinations at least once a year. This will save you from a longer and more painful treatment of diseases in the later stages.

Who to contact if there is blood in the stool

Feces with blood impurities is an occasion for an urgent visit to the proctologist. If a patient complains about the presence of rectal bleeding to a family doctor, the latter also refers him to a gastroenterologist. If you experience additional symptoms in the form of vomiting with blood impurities, feeling severe pain in the abdomen, fever, you should immediately call an ambulance.

What methods of treatment of proctological diseases are used to stop the symptom of blood in the anus?

The clinic “Med City” uses the most effective for our time in the capital of the methods of treatment of diseases of the anal canal.

Alloying with latex rings

Method for painless removal of inflamed hemorrhoids at stages 1, 2 or 3. The procedure does not require a stay in the hospital of a medical institution, and lasts about 2 minutes.

Radiowave surgery for proctological diseases

A widely used technique for excision of external hemorrhoids of different stages, condylomas and papillomas, anal fissures. The radio wave method is absolutely harmless to the patient, since there is no tissue traumatization. 90% effective against the above pathologies.

Removal of hemorrhoids with a laser

A bloodless method for the quick and safe removal of external and internal hemorrhoids with an Italian-made DEKA laser. There are several types of laser treatment:

– laser hemorrhoidoplasty – using an infrared beam, the doctor acts on the node, necrotizing it (due to the cessation of blood supply in the area of ​​application of the technique). This does not damage the anatomical structure of adjacent tissues.