When Rectal Bleeding Requires Medical Attention

Blood may show up on toilet tissue or in the bowl after a bowel movement. When you’re not expecting it, you may feel shocked. For most people, it’s not a regular occurrence, and it’s easy to expect the worst.

While not all cases of rectal bleeding are serious, many require medical attention with greater urgency. Trust Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists to diagnose and treat your rectal bleeding condition. Dr. Lisa A. Perryman and her team provide compassionate and considerate care.

Causes of rectal bleeding

It’s always a good idea to seek medical diagnosis when you discover rectal bleeding. Regardless of its cause, rectal bleeding should be medically assessed by a specialist like Dr. Perryman.

Potential causes of rectal bleeding include:

Anal fissures: sometimes painful tears in the anal wall that can cause bleeding
Angiodysplasia: irregularities in blood vessels near your intestines
Cancer of the anus, colon, or rectum
Colon polyps
Constipation or hard stools: can result in anal fissures because of straining to pass hard stools
Diarrhea
Diverticulosis: a pouch that forms in the intestinal wall
Hemorrhoids: inflamed and swollen tissue inside your anus and rectum that may cause rectal bleeding
Inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Ischemic colitis: inflammation stemming from reduced blood flow
Radiation therapy

If you are aware that you have a condition that can cause rectal bleeding, talk to Dr. Perryman about how to respond if bleeding should occur.

When rectal bleeding needs medical attention

Any unexpected incident of rectal bleeding requires a medical assessment to rule out a serious condition and provide peace of mind. Sometimes, the symptoms of minor and serious conditions are similar, with no way of knowing how serious the cause of the bleeding is without examination.

Rectal bleeding needs evaluation by a specialist.

What to expect during an exam

Dr. Perryman reviews your symptoms and your and your family’s medical history for background information. A physical exam checks for obvious signs of the cause of bleeding and includes using a gloved finger or an instrument called an anoscope. This exam is typically free of pain.

When it comes to rectal bleeding, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Contact our office in Parker, Colorado. You can book your appointment online or call the office directly at 303-840-8822. Don’t ignore unexplained rectal bleeding. Schedule your appointment today.

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