What is the significance of bleeding when you defecate?

Answer 1

Bleeding from the anus may be a sign of a number of medical conditions. Some very common (and not at all serious / easily treatable) to potentially very serious. First of all anal bleeding is NOT uncommon. Do NOT be embarrassed. DO GO AND SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR.

Some common causes of anal bleeding:

1) Anal fissure:

A tear in the lining of the anal canal, just inside the anus. This can be very painful, particularly when during and after the passing of a stool. Anal fissures may cause minor bleeding, which you may notice in your stools or on your toilet paper.

Anal fissures are a common problem and can occur in both adults and children.

2) Haemorrhoids (piles):

Haemorrhoids, or piles, are enlarged and swollen blood vessels in or around the lower rectum and anus.

Haemorrhoids (piles) are not considered dangerous and may affect any age group. Haemorrhoids are very common, affecting approx. 50% of the population experiencing them at some point in their life.

The above are just two of a number of potential causes for anal bleeding, some of which are potentially very serious (even life threatening e.g. bowel cancer) although much less common than the two examples given above. However you MUST go and see a doctor.

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