What causes rectal bleeding and anal pain?

Nov 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

In general, bloody stool and anal pain may be caused by an imbalanced diet, poor bowel habits, anal fissures, thrombosed external hemorrhoids, or perianal abscesses. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, maintain cleanliness and dryness of the anal area, gently wipe with soft toilet paper after bowel movements, and avoid using coarse sanitary paper.

Bleeding during bowel movements and anal pain are generally caused by imbalanced diet, poor defecation habits, anal fissures, thrombosed external hemorrhoids, perianal abscesses, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Dietary Imbalance: Long-term consumption of spicy and irritating foods combined with insufficient dietary fiber can lead to hard stools that may injure the anal mucosa. Adjust your diet by eating more fiber-rich foods such as celery, spinach, and apples, drink plenty of water, and avoid irritants like chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns.

2. Poor Defecation Habits: Prolonged squatting on the toilet or excessive straining during bowel movements increases local anal pressure and may cause injury. Develop regular bowel habits, limit each bowel movement to within five minutes, and avoid using mobile phones or straining excessively while defecating.

3. Anal Fissure: Hard stools forcibly passed during defecation can tear the skin of the anal canal, causing severe anal pain during and after bowel movements, often accompanied by bleeding. Follow medical advice to use medications such as glyceryl trinitrate ointment, compound azulene cream, or erythromycin ointment. Perform warm water sitz baths after bowel movements to relieve discomfort.

4. Thrombosed External Hemorrhoid: A blood clot forms within the external hemorrhoidal venous plexus, leading to sudden anal swelling and pain, with bleeding easily triggered during bowel movements. Medications such as micronized purified flavonoid extract tablets, diosmin tablets, or melilotus tincture tablets may be taken as directed. If necessary, a thrombectomy may be performed to directly remove the clot and relieve pain.

5. Perianal Abscess: Infection of the anal glands leads to acute suppurative inflammation around the anus. Bleeding may occur when the abscess ruptures, accompanied by persistent anal distension and pain. Antibiotics such as cefixime dispersible tablets, metronidazole tablets, or levofloxacin tablets should be used according to medical advice to control infection. Surgical incision and drainage of the abscess are required to evacuate pus and promote healing.

Maintain cleanliness and dryness of the anal area in daily life. Gently wipe with soft toilet paper after bowel movements and avoid using coarse sanitary paper. Choose loose, breathable cotton underwear and wash and change them frequently. Perform appropriate pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises regularly to strengthen the function of the anal sphincter muscles and reduce the risk of anorectal diseases.

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What should I do if I have rectal bleeding due to anal fissure?

In general, treatment methods for bleeding due to anal fissures in stool include conservative management, topical medication, oral drug therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, and surgical treatment. The key to treating anal fissures lies in preventing recurrence; patients need to maintain healthy eating habits and bowel routines long-term. If symptoms such as increased bleeding, worsening pain, or fever occur during treatment, medical attention should be sought promptly.

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How to treat spasmodic anal pain

In general, the treatment methods for spasmodic anal pain mainly include conservative management, local physical therapy, pharmacological treatment, traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback therapy, etc. In addition, patients should follow medical instructions strictly during treatment and must not adjust medication doses on their own. It is important to maintain a regular daily routine and avoid spicy foods that may irritate the anal area. If symptoms such as increased pain, more frequent episodes, or rectal bleeding occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.

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What medications can be used to treat anal fissures?

In general, anal fissure is a small ulcer formed by a full-thickness longitudinal tear in the skin of the anal canal, often accompanied by symptoms such as pain during defecation and rectal bleeding. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as nitroglycerin ointment, compound carrageenan cream, lidocaine hydrochloride gel, Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoids Ointment, or erythromycin ointment for treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows:

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What causes increased bowel movements in pregnant women?

In general, increased bowel movements in pregnant women may be caused by hormonal changes, uterine pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, acute gastroenteritis, or intestinal flora imbalance. Appropriate lifestyle adjustments or medical treatments can be selected based on individual circumstances to improve the condition. Bowel habits during pregnancy are closely related to maternal and fetal health; if frequent bowel movements are accompanied by symptoms such as rectal bleeding or dehydration, immediate medical attention is required.