What causes bleeding during bowel movements?

Mar 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Shen Yonghua

Introduction

In general, bleeding during bowel movements may be caused by factors such as overly hard or dry stools, unhealthy bowel habits, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or proctitis. Medical attention should be sought promptly, and treatment should follow medical advice. When stools are excessively hard and dry, they can create significant friction and pressure on the intestines and anus during bowel movements, potentially damaging the intestinal mucosa or the skin around the anus, leading to bleeding.

Generally, bleeding during defecation may be caused by factors such as overly hard stools, unhealthy defecation habits, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or proctitis. Prompt medical attention is advised, and treatment should follow medical guidance. Details are as follows:

1. Overly hard stools: When stools are excessively hard, they may cause significant friction and pressure on the intestines and anus during defecation, potentially damaging the intestinal mucosa or perianal skin, leading to bleeding. Dietary adjustments are recommended, including increased intake of dietary fiber such as vegetables and fruits to maintain regular bowel movements.

2. Unhealthy defecation habits: Long-term irregular bowel habits, prolonged defecation time, or excessive straining may lead to congestion, edema, or even damage and bleeding of the intestinal mucosa. Bowel habits should be improved, such as establishing regular bowel times, shortening defecation duration, and avoiding excessive straining.

3. Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids refer to varicose veins around the rectum or anus and are commonly seen in individuals with chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, or increased intestinal pressure. Hemorrhoids may rupture or bleed during constipation or excessive straining, causing rectal bleeding, which may also be accompanied by anal itching. Treatment should follow medical advice using medications such as compound fucoidan cream, musk hemorrhoid suppository, or huaijiao pills to improve local anal circulation, reduce swelling and pain, and stop bleeding.

4. Anal fissure: Anal fissures are small tears in the skin or mucous membrane around the anus, typically caused by hard stools, constipation, or diarrhea. Stool irritation at the site of the fissure can easily cause bleeding, which may also be accompanied by anal pain. Treatment should follow medical guidance using medications such as Mazirenwan (Rhubarb Seed Pills), lactulose oral solution, or erythromycin ointment to relieve intestinal dryness and constipation and treat infections.

5. Proctitis: Proctitis is an inflammatory disease of the rectal mucosa. Inflammatory irritation may cause local congestion, swelling, and bleeding, which may also be accompanied by constipation. Treatment should follow medical guidance using medications such as bismuth potassium citrate granules, mesalazine enteric-coated tablets, or omeprazole enteric-coated capsules for anti-infective and anti-inflammatory therapy.

During treatment, maintaining good lifestyle and dietary habits is important. Avoiding不良 factors such as prolonged sitting and excessive fatigue can help prevent rectal bleeding.

References:

1. Chen Xiao-ping, Wang Jian-ping, Zhao Ji-zong. Surgery [M]. 9th edition. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2018.

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Can rectal polyps cause bleeding during bowel movements?

In general, whether rectal polyps cause rectal bleeding depends on the specific characteristics of the polyps. If related symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. When suspected rectal bleeding occurs, one should first observe the color and nature of the blood as well as any accompanying symptoms, and should not attempt to self-diagnose the underlying cause. It is important to maintain regular bowel habits in daily life and avoid straining during defecation to prevent intestinal injury.