Rectal bleeding occurs for a variety of reasons, and the bleeding can range from mild to severe, depending on the cause. Although rectal bleeding can be startling the first time you discover it, most rectal bleeding issues are typically resolved with a doctor's appointment to determine the cause and treatment. However, if the bleeding is heavy, or you are passing black stools (blood in feces), then you will need immediate medical attention.

What does It Mean When Your Butthole Bleeds?

Although rectal bleeding refers to the passing of any blood via the rectum, your rectum only makes up the final 15cm of your large intestine. Other sources of the bleeding may include conditions involving the intestines, as well as the rectum. Common examples include:

1. Hemorrhoids

Whenever veins in and around the rectum become inflamed or swollen, it's referred to as hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids occur on the skinaround your anus, whereas internal hemorrhoids occur inside your rectum.However, both are sensitive, and bleed easily when irritated. Although it's not uncommon to find bright red blood on tissue while suffering from hemorrhoids,it's usually not anything to worry about. Hemorrhoids occur in:

• Those who are aging
• People who strain during a bowel movement
• Those afflicted with diarrhea or constipation
• People who sit on the toilet too long
• Women who are pregnant
• Those that are overweight
• People who have alow-fiber diet

2. Colon Polyps

Colon or rectal polyps are a common abnormal cell growth within the lining of the colon or rectum, and may cause some minor bleeding. Although the majority of colon polyps are benign, some will develop into cancer if left untreated. Therefore, it's important for people over the age of 50 to get a colonoscopy to have them removed.

3. Rectal Ulcers

What does it mean when your butthole bleeds? It cloud indicate solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, which is a relatively rare condition that can happen in people who have chronic constipation, compacted bowels, or protracted straining during bowel movements. This causes open sores or ulcers in the lining of the rectum, and is usually exacerbated by bacteria and/or medications, and often leads to rectal bleeding.

4. Proctitis

A medical condition called proctitis occurs when the anus or the lining of your rectum becomes inflamed. Possible causes include:

• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Certain medicines
• Infections
• Certain forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Radiation therapy during cancer treatment

5. Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is defined as a small skin tear in the thin tissue of the anus. Even though the tear is usually small (< 1 centimeter), it may be very painful. Anal fissures tend to bleed, and you may notice blood when defecating. The blood appears as a bright red stain on the toilet tissue, but usually doesn't bleed very long.

6. Diverticula

Diverticula are small pouches that form at a weak point in the wall of the intestines. They may form on any weak part of the intestine, but typically occur in the area of the colon. A diverticulum can bleed occasionally; however, bleeding is usually spontaneous and painless. Bleeding results from a blood vessel that bursts in the wall of a diverticulum, and the blood loss could be heavy at times.

7. Crohn's Disease

What does it mean when your butthole bleeds? Crohn's disease may be the culprit.Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the lining of your digestive tract. Common areas that are affected are the last part of the small intestine and the colon. Symptoms may vary, depending on the part of the intestine affected, and may include bloody and loose stools, abdominal pain and cramping.

8. Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a condition where inflammation and ulcers form in the colon and rectum. A typical symptom is bloody diarrhea. The blood results from ulcers that form on the inner wall of the inflamed colon, and the more of the colon affected, the more severe the symptoms will be.

9. Cancer

Colon cancer is more common in older people, and rectal bleeding is one symptom that may occur. Although bleeding is sometimes not visible to you or your doctor, it is discovered only when fecal occult blood test results are positive, or iron deficiency anemia is detected. However, rectal bleeding becomes noticeable as the cancer progresses and the symptoms increase.

10. Other Possibilities

• Anal fistula: A small passage that forms between the end of the rectum and the skin around the anus. They're typically painful and may cause rectal bleeding when you use the toilet.
• Angiodysplasia: These are abnormal blood vessels found in the intestine that can cause rectal bleeding. It occurs more often in older people and is usually painless.
• Gastroenteritis: Due to a bacterial or viral infection, it may cause bloody diarrhea and is usually accompanied with vomiting and stomach cramps.
• Anticoagulant drugs: Medicine that is used to thin the blood, such as heart medication and aspirin which are taken to reduce the chance of a blood clot, may also cause internal bleeding.
• Sexually transmitted infections: Sexual activity that involves the anus risks the spread of infection, resulting in rectal bleeding.

When to See a Doctor

What does it mean when your butthole bleeds, and you have other serious symptoms? Seek emergency medical attention if you have rectal bleeding and:

• Blurry vision
• Shallow and rapid breathing
• Dizziness when standing
• You feel faint or confused
• ŸYou feel nauseous
• You have cold and clammy skin
• You have a low urine output

Seek urgent care if rectal bleeding is:

• Continuous or heavy
• Creating severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Creating anal pain

Make an appointment to see your healthcare provider if occasional rectal bleeding lasts more than a couple of days, or if the bleeding worries you.

What to Expect

Your healthcare professional may perform a rectal examination. This requires the examiner to put a gloved finger inside your rectum.There isn't any need to feel nervous or embarrassed. It's a quick and painless examination that normally only takes a few minutes, depending on what the doctor finds. If anything unusual is detected, you may be referred to a specialist for further examinations and testing.