Should I Get a Colonoscopy if I Have Blood in My Stool?

Noticing blood in your stool can be a distressing experience, but it is important to understand that it may be a symptom of an undiagnosed medical condition. There are various causes of blood in stool, ranging from minor issues such as anal fissures, hemorrhoids, or constipation, to more severe conditions such as colon or rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticulitis.

It is crucial to pay attention to the frequency and characteristics of the bleeding. If you notice blood in your stool once, it may not be a cause for immediate alarm. However, if the bleeding persists, is recurrent, or is accompanied by symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or weight loss, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Your doctor will most likely want to know your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits, and may perform a physical examination, blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopy, or other imaging tests to determine the reason behind it and the severity of the bleeding. Depending on the diagnosis, you may need medication, surgery, or other treatment options to treat the underlying condition and prevent complications.

Keep in mind that early detection and treatment of blood in the stool can improve your chances of having a successful recovery and reduce the risk of developing complications or long-term health problems. Therefore, if you notice blood in your stool, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention and follow your doctor’s advice.

Blood in the stool without pain can occur due to various reasons. Some of the common causes include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Diverticulitis is a condition in which small pouches in the colon become inflamed and bleed.

In some cases, blood in the stool without pain could be a symptom of more serious conditions, like colon or rectal cancer. These conditions may not cause pain or discomfort in the early stages, making it important to get regular checkups as recommended by your doctor.

It can be challenging to differentiate between blood in the stool and hemorrhoids, as both can cause blood when you wipe or in the toilet bowl. However, there are some key differences that can help you identify which one you may be experiencing.

Hemorrhoids are veins that are swollen and are found in the rectum or anus that can cause pain, bloody stool or on the toilet paper, itching, and discomfort, particularly during bowel movements. They can also cause bleeding, but the blood is usually bright red and appears on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. The bleeding is typically intermittent, meaning it occurs in small amounts and stops on its own. Additionally, hemorrhoids can often be felt as small lumps or bumps around the anus.

Blood in the stool, on the other hand, is a symptom that can be caused by a range of conditions, including hemorrhoids. However, if the bleeding is caused by something more serious, such as colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, the blood may be darker in color and mixed in with the stool.

If you are experiencing bleeding and are unsure whether it is caused by hemorrhoids or something more serious, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

If you are experiencing blood in your stool, your doctor may recommend getting a colonoscopy to determine the underlying cause of the bleeding. A colonoscopy is a test that examines the inner lining of your large intestine (colon) for abnormalities such as polyps, tumors, or inflammation.

A colonoscopy can help diagnose conditions that can cause bleeding in the stool, such as colon or rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or diverticulitis.

If you are age 50 or older, the American Cancer Society recommends getting a colonoscopy every ten years to screen for colon cancer. However, if you are experiencing symptoms such as blood in the stool, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy at an earlier age or more frequently. Additionally, people with a family history of colon cancer or certain genetic conditions may need to start screening at an earlier age or get more frequent screenings. For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Oak Park IL, River Forest IL, Cicero IL, River Grove IL, Forest Park IL, Berwyn IL, Melrose Park IL and Broadview IL.