What causes blood in the stool?

Rectal bleeding can be associated with various causes, some of the common ones are as follows:

1. Hemorrhoids: One of the most common causes, especially internal hemorrhoids. The blood is usually bright red and separates from the stool.

2. Anal fissures: Pain during bowel movements, often accompanied by a small amount of bright red blood.

3. Inflammatory bowel disease: These chronic conditions may cause inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding in the intestinal mucosa, with blood possibly mixed into the stool.

4. Infections: Certain bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding.

5. Vascular abnormalities: Such as angiodysplasia, which is more common in elderly individuals and can cause chronic, small amounts of rectal bleeding.

6. Medication factors: Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other anticoagulant medications may damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to bleeding.

7. Rectal polyps: These are often caused by dietary factors, genetics, or inflammation, and commonly manifest as rectal bleeding and anal prolapse. Although the amount of bleeding from polyps is generally small, long-term presence may lead to other complications.

Medical attention should be sought promptly when experiencing rectal bleeding.