It is most likely because of a condition like hemorrhoids ordiverticular disease.
The colon, rectum, and anus are lined with blood vessels.
Any injury to this tissue can lead to bright red rectal bleeding.
Illustration by Derek Abella for Verywell Health
Seek treatment right away if you experience symptoms including trouble breathing, feeling faint, or fever.
Illustration by Derek Abella for Verywell Health
What Does Blood in Stool Look Like?
The blood in your stool may be different colors depending upon where in your colon it is located.
For example:
Your healthcare provider may want to run tests based on the color of your stool.
Causes
Bright red blood on the toilet paper is likely due to mild rectal bleeding.
These common conditions can often be treated with at-home remedies but should still be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Causes can include:
Let your healthcare provider know if you are straining to pass bowel movements.
Are There Foods that Cause Red Stool?
Some food can cause red stool, which can resemble blood.
Minor bleeding from hemorrhoids or a fissure often goes away on its own or with at-home care.
More serious causes will require medical treatment.
For bleeding due to hard stools and tears, treating constipation is the first step.
It includes:
Some causes, like polyps, can be treated during a colonoscopy.
Inflammatory conditions may require prescription medications to relieve the underlying cause of rectal bleeding.
Colorectal cancer typically requires surgery, followed by targeted therapies, includingchemotherapyandimmunotherapy.
Summary
Bright red blood in your stool can be because of a wide range of conditions.
Blood in the stool should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
To find the underlying cause, your healthcare provider may order blood work and a colonoscopy.
Treatment will depend on the cause, and minor rectal bleeding may clear up on its own.
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