Seeing blood in your stool can be a scary and concerning experience. While colon cancer is one of the most well-known causes of blood in stools, there are several other factors that can contribute to the issue.

In this article, we’ll go over some of the other conditions and situations that can lead to blood in your stool.

Hemorrhoids

One of the most common causes of bleeding in stools is hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that can develop in the anus or lower rectum. When these veins become irritated or inflamed, they can bleed when you pass a bowel movement.

Hemorrhoids can be caused by a variety of factors, including straining during bowel movements, sitting on the toilet for too long, or pregnancy.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a condition where small pouches, called diverticula, form in the lining of the colon. These pouches can become inflamed or infected, which can lead to cramping, pain, and bleeding in the stool.

Diverticulitis is more commonly seen in older adults, and can be caused by a lack of fiber in the diet, chronic constipation, or increased pressure in the colon.

Anal Fissures

Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus. These tears can be caused by passing large or hard stools, diarrhea, or anal sex. When anal fissures bleed, they can result in blood in the stool.

Symptoms of anal fissures include pain and discomfort during bowel movements, as well as itching and burning around the anus.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the lining of the colon and rectum. The condition can cause ulcers, or open sores, to form in the lining of the intestines.

Ulcerative colitis can lead to bloody diarrhea, as well as abdominal pain, cramping, and fatigue. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is not known, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is another type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause bleeding in the digestive tract. The condition can lead to inflammation in any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus.

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, as well as rectal bleeding.

Colon Polyps

Colon polyps are growths that can form on the lining of the colon or rectum. Most polyps are harmless, but some can become cancerous over time. Polyps can cause bleeding in the stool, as well as abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

The risk of developing colon polyps increases with age, as well as with a family history of colon cancer or polyps.

Esophageal Varices

Esophageal varices are enlarged blood vessels that can develop in the lining of the esophagus. The condition is most commonly seen in people with chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis.

When these blood vessels rupture, they can cause bleeding in the digestive tract, which can result in blood in the stool. Symptoms of esophageal varices can include vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, and a swollen abdomen.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. These ulcers can cause bleeding in the digestive tract, which can lead to blood in the stool.

Symptoms of peptic ulcers can include abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea. The most common cause of peptic ulcers is a bacterial infection called H. pylori.

Medications

Some medications can cause bleeding in the stool as a side effect. These can include aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as blood thinners like warfarin or heparin.

If you are taking these medications and notice blood in your stool, it’s important to speak with your doctor.

Conclusion

Blood in the stool can be a concerning symptom, but it’s important to remember that there are many factors that can cause it.

While colon cancer is a potential cause, there are several other conditions that can lead to bleeding in the digestive tract. If you notice blood in your stool, it’s important to speak with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.