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Bloody (not the expletive but the adjective) pertinently exemplifies bowel movement bleeding. Bright red spots of blood drip into the toilet bowl or down the legs. Red blood oozes from the surface of stools. Scarlet red blood stains the toilet tissue. Our hearts may skip a beat in alarm. What is happening?

No panicky alarm warranted yet as the reason for the hemorrhaging (technical word for bleeding) could be any one of 6 possible causes. Irksome to our daily routine but life-threatening the 6 causes are not if they are treated correctly in a timely manner. However, complacency will be a mistake. Closely monitor. If bleeding drags on for more than a week, accompanied by pain, visit a medical doctor right away.

With professional diagnosis and correct treatment, the problem can be rectified in no time. More alarmingly, bowel movement bleeding may be a symptom of some class of cancer.

Melena or Hematochezia

Rectal bleeding is referred to medically as melena (tarry or sticky black colored stools) or hematochezia (maroon colored or bright red blood). Referred to as rectal only for the reason that bleeding leaves the body via the rectum, the 6 causes are proctitis, anorectal fistulae, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids.

Proctitis

Proctitis falls within the medical group of diseases known as IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) which counts among them organs like the colon (large intestines) and the small intestines. Inflammation by itself is a positive bodily reaction to heal damaged tissue. Like a tap that must be turned off, inflammation sets off remedying of injured tissue but must terminate thereafter or greater tissue impairment may ensue. Ulcers or erosion of the mucous membrane lining can erupt leading to proctitis in the rectum.

Among other symptoms, bowel movement bleeding is a common encounter. Proctitis as the cause of rectal bleeding must be eliminated as it can lead to perforation of the rectum if left untreated.

Anorectal Fistulae

This is an unnatural passageway between two or more unconnected internal organs. All too often, it tunnels all the way to break out of nearby skin surface. An anorectal fissure opens out at the anal surface. Urine and stools may abnormally discharge via this fistula.

Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis are among the inflammatory bowel diseases that can result in anorectal fistulae. Other than infection pus, bowel movement bleeding is also one of the symptoms.

Fistulae must be properly diagnosed as it can be due to peritonitis (abdominal lining inflammation) which can lead to loss of life. Treatment often involves tracing the full path of the fistula, surgery in conjunction with antibiotic therapy.

Anal Fissures

A fissure is a tear, plain and simple. Technically, when the tear arises in the vicinity of the anus, it is an anal fissure. A recurring cause is excessive physical strain during constipation. Passing of motion requires the interplay of the internal and external sphincter muscles that regulate the anal opening. The internal sphincter muscles may go into spasms from pain caused by fissures, further aggravating the fissure. A vicious cycle ensues with the consequence of more pain and bowel movement bleeding.

Changes in diet to eliminate constipation together with medication (hydrocortisone or lidocaine) may relieve the inflammation and painful spasms.

Rectal Prolapse

An unbelievably age-old ailment, earliest chronicles of rectal prolapse date back to 1500 B.C.! This unusual state, distinguished by a visible rectum protruding out of the anus, afflicts largely elderly women. Weakened muscles, including external and internal sphincter muscles, and ligaments fail to hold the rectum in its place.

Pelvic floor descent of the uterus and bladder, constant constipation and diarrhea leading to severe bowel movement difficulties are other associated symptoms. Typically, surgery is the only treatment that is effective.

Hemorrhoids - Internal & External

In spite of the above disconcerting narration, it may be ironic relief that the most prevalent cause of bowel movement bleeding is hemorrhoids, both external and internal. These are dealt with extensively at our site The Treatment Of Hemorrhoid.

Lasting solutions are presented there for hemorrhoid sufferers. Specifically, have a look at the H Miracle, an alternative solution presented by an ex-sufferer that promises natural solutions that not only work but have lasting results.

Further Reading

If you are interested in finding more about this topic, we have a related post on Blood In Stool - 7 Possible Causes In The Colon at our site. Do check this out.