Finding blood on toilet paper can be alarming. The sight of blood can be concerning, but not all instances of blood on toilet paper are a cause for concern.

In some cases, it may be a sign of a minor issue, while in other instances, it could be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. Here’s what you need to know about when to worry about blood on toilet paper.

What causes blood on toilet paper?

There are many potential causes of blood on toilet paper. In some cases, it may be due to a minor issue, while in other instances, it could be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. Here are some of the common causes of blood on toilet paper:.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of blood on toilet paper. They are swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding.

Hemorrhoids are often caused by straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, and pregnancy. In most cases, hemorrhoids are not a serious medical condition, and the bleeding is usually mild.

Anal fissures

An anal fissure is a small tear in the skin around the anus. It can cause pain and bleeding, particularly during bowel movements. Anal fissures are often caused by constipation or passing hard stools.

In most cases, anal fissures heal on their own within a few weeks.

Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can sometimes cause blood on toilet paper. Infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause inflammation in the cervix, which can lead to bleeding. These infections can usually be treated with antibiotics.

Colon cancer

Colon cancer can also cause blood on toilet paper. It is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss.

If you have blood on toilet paper along with these other symptoms, it’s essential to see your doctor for further evaluation.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two types of IBD.

If you have blood on toilet paper along with these other symptoms, you should seek medical attention.

When should you worry about blood on toilet paper?

It’s essential to understand when you should worry about blood on toilet paper. Here are some situations where you should seek medical attention:.

Unexplained bleeding

If you have unexplained bleeding on toilet paper, it’s important to see a doctor. While the bleeding may be due to a minor issue, such as a hemorrhoid or anal fissure, it could also be a symptom of a more serious medical condition.

Bleeding that lasts for more than a few days

Bleeding on toilet paper that lasts for more than a few days should be evaluated by a doctor. While the bleeding may be due to a minor issue, such as a hemorrhoid or anal fissure, it could also be a symptom of a more serious medical condition.

Blood on toilet paper along with other symptoms

If you have blood on toilet paper along with other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss, it’s essential to see a doctor.

These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

Conclusion

Finding blood on toilet paper can be concerning, but not all instances of blood on toilet paper are a cause for concern.

In some cases, it may be a sign of a minor issue, while in other instances, it could be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. If you have any concerns about blood on toilet paper, it’s important to see your doctor for further evaluation.