What does it mean to pass blood in the stool?

Hematochezia, or blood in the stool, is a common symptom of digestive system disorders, with a variety of potential causes. 1. Hemorrhoids: This is a common cause of blood in the stool. Hemorrhoids can cause bleeding during bowel movements, typically appearing as bright red blood on the surface of the stool or on toilet paper. 2. Intestinal inflammation: Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease can cause intestinal bleeding. In such cases, blood in the stool may be accompanied by symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. 3. Intestinal polyps or cancer: Benign or malignant lesions such as intestinal polyps or colorectal cancer may also cause rectal bleeding. This type of bleeding is often occult and may be mixed within the stool, making it difficult to detect. If blood is noticed in the stool, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.