Finding blood in your stool can be a bit freaky and embarrassing.
And while it may be a bit tricky to talk to anyone about something so personal, it's important to pay attention to it, and seek medical attention if it happens.
Your bowel movements give important clues about what's going on inside you, and the color and texture actually mean a lot when it comes to your health.
Blood in your stool definitely means that there is something amiss, and abnormal bleeding should never be ignored or looked over.
There are plenty of abnormalities or infections that can cause blood to appear in your stool, and they can be found from your rectum all the way up to your throat.
So the next time you see something is amiss when you look in the toilet, give your doctor a call, and remember the cases below — they could help you get a diagnosis and get treated a lot faster.
Cause #1: Anal Fissures
Anal fissures are small tears in the anus that form from internal trauma and bowel movements, according to MedicineNet.com.
These painful little rips cause bloody stools, irritation, and pain during bowel movements.
Fortunately, once they are diagnosed, the fissures can be treated medically or with diet and lifestyle changes — but be wary that these symptoms mirror other digestive issues.
Cause #2: Colitis
Colitis occurs when different parts of your colon become inflamed, so the kind of colitis depends on the affected part of your colon.
Symptoms can include abdominal pain, fatigue, joint swelling, and canker sores, but bloody stools are definitely a red flag as well.
Once you're tested and confirmed for a certain type of colitis, medication can combat infections and help you manage your symptoms.
Cause #3: Esophagus Problems
Even issues in your throat, like esophagus cancer, can affect your stools.
This is due to the bleeding that occurs in your throat when it is distressed, which goes down your stomach, then your digestive tract, and ends up leaving dark blood in your stool.
WebMD warns that this kind of esophageal distress also causes hoarseness, coughing, hiccups, and bone pain.
Make sure you alert your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms because they are usually not apparent until the cancer's later stages.
Cause #4: Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are very common and occur when pressure in your rectum causes your veins to swell.
Depending on where the swollen veins are in your rectum, they can cause bleeding and pain when trying to pass a bowel movement.
Fortunately, they are treatable through diet, pain creams, or easy medical procedures performed by your doctor.
Cause #5: Diverticulosis
Teeny-tiny pouches called diverticula can form in your colon, though it is still not totally clear why.
Many people will never feel symptoms from these pouches, but they can also become infected, causing diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis sufferers can experience abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and bloody stools, but can treat the symptoms with diet or antibiotics.
Cause #6: Crohn’s Disease
Crohn's disease is caused by chronic inflammation in your digestive tract.
This digestion distress creates abdominal pain, weight loss, bloody stools, and even anal fissures.
And though the disease can't currently be treated in full, diet and lifestyle changes can curb the pain, as can anti-inflammatory medication.
Cause #7: Polyps
Polyps are tissue growths that look like little mushroom stalks, according to Healthline, and generally grow in your colon, ear canal, stomach, and throat.
Though the little growths are usually benign, they can become cancerous if left unchecked.
Often, they're found and removed during colonoscopies — so be sure to speak to your doctor if you suspect you might have a polyp.
Cause #8: Stomach Ulcers
Ulcers are painful sores that form in the colon and can be caused by various outside influences like excess painkillers, alcohol consumption, and radiation.
Ulcers start out by creating abdominal distress, but can also cause weight loss, bloody stools, or bloody vomit in their more severe state.
Consult your doctor to treat ulcers medically, so they won't cause so much distress.
Cause #9: Gut Infections
A gut infection, or bacterial gastroenteritis (more commonly known as food poisoning), occurs when you eat spoiled or undercooked food, which wreaks havoc on your abdominals.
Those who've had it know the discomfort that comes along — the pain, the vomiting, and the digestive symptoms like bloody stools.
Fortunately, this debilitating sickness is very treatable with plenty of fluids and patience.
Cause #10: Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Your digestive or gastrointestinal tract includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (or colon), rectum, and anus.
Bleeding can occur in any single one of these sections, and can be pretty insignificant, or big enough to come out with your stools.
Make sure to talk to your doctor and monitor your symptoms to find the root of the bleeding.
If you've noticed blood in your stool — no matter what color or how often — be sure to discuss it with your doctor. It could be very serious.
Be sure to SHARE these common causes of bloody stools with your friends and family!
