Rectal Bleeding

Your doctor will start by asking you about your symptoms. Questions may include when you first noticed the bleeding, related symptoms you’re experiencing, and what color the blood is.

Visual or physical exam. The doctor will look or feel to check the affected area. This can include inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the anus to check for abnormalities, such as hemorrhoids.

Endoscopic procedures. The doctor inserts a thin, flexible lighted scope with a camera into the anus. This allows the doctor to view the area. Examples include a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy.

Blood tests. A complete blood count (CBC) can help assess the extent of the bleeding and show if anemia is present.

Stool tests. These can show if there’s bleeding that isn’t visible.

Gastric lavage. If the doctor suspects the problem may lie in the stomach, they may pass a tube through the nose into the stomach to remove the contents and try to locate the site of any bleeding.

Imaging tests. This could be a scan or an X-ray, possibly with a contrasting agent, such as barium.

Rectal bleeding treatments depend on the cause and severity.

Home remedies

At home, one way to relieve the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids may be by taking warm baths. Applying over-the-counter or prescription creams can also reduce irritation.

If anal fissures result from constipation, treating the constipation may allow the fissures to heal.

At-home treatments to prevent constipation can reduce the risk of rectal bleeding. These include:

eating high-fiber foods (unless otherwise directed by your doctor)

ask a doctor or pharmacist about stool softeners

exercising regularly to prevent constipation

keeping the rectal area clean

staying well hydrated

Medical treatment

If home constipation remedies don’t work, ask your doctor about medical and prescription options.

Hemorrhoids may need more invasive treatment if the pain is severe or the hemorrhoids are large. These include rubber band ligation, laser treatments, and surgical removal.

Anal fissures may resolve on their own, but a doctor may prescribe antibiotics if an infection develops.

Colon cancer will require long-term treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, to remove the cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Polyps may need treatment if they’re large, if there are many of them, or if cells changes suggest they could become cancerous. A doctor can remove polyps during a colonoscopy.