What does it mean if I have blood in my stool but no pain?

Sep 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have experienced pain during bowel movements recently, along with bleeding. I would like to know what could cause bleeding during bowel movements without pain.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua

Passing blood during a bowel movement without experiencing pain may be a symptom of various diseases, including but not limited to the following:

1. Hemorrhoids: This is one of the most common causes, especially with internal hemorrhoidal bleeding, which often occurs without pain. Hemorrhoids are caused by varicose veins around the anus and are commonly seen in situations such as prolonged sitting, constipation, or pregnancy.

2. Anal fissure: Although anal fissures usually cause pain, in some mild cases there may be bleeding without significant pain. An anal fissure is a small tear in the mucous membrane or skin of the anal canal, often caused by hard or dry stools.

3. Rectal polyps: These non-cancerous growths inside the rectum may cause bleeding. In such cases, the bleeding is usually minimal and typically painless.

4. Inflammatory bowel disease: These conditions can cause intestinal inflammation and ulcers, which may lead to bleeding, although not all patients experience pain.

In such cases, patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, patients should pay attention to adjusting their diet and lifestyle to maintain regular bowel movements and prevent worsening or recurrence of symptoms.