What does it mean if there's blood in the stool when having a bowel movement?

Passing blood during defecation, or rectal bleeding, may be caused by various factors. Generally speaking, common causes include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, enteritis, bacterial dysentery, rectal polyps, and rectal prolapse. Among these, hemorrhoids and anal fissures are common causes of rectal bleeding. Hemorrhoidal bleeding typically presents as bright red blood on the surface of the stool or dripping blood after defecation, while anal fissures may be accompanied by pain during bowel movements. In addition, intestinal inflammation, infection, or tumors may also cause rectal bleeding, with the blood often appearing dark red or mixed with pus. For cases of rectal bleeding, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for professional evaluation and accurate diagnosis, so timely and effective treatment can be provided. In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet, consuming more fiber-rich foods, and avoiding excessive straining during bowel movements can help reduce irritation and injury to the anus. Furthermore, maintaining anal hygiene to prevent infection is also an important measure in preventing rectal bleeding.