A small amount of one-off bleeding from the bottom is not usually a serious problem. But a GP can check. You might be bleeding from the bottom if you have: A small amount of one-off bleeding can often go away on its own without needing treatment. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 if:
Find your nearest A&E What happens at the GP appointmentIf you have bleeding from your bottom, a GP will check what's causing it. They might:
Bowel cancer riskBleeding from the bottom is sometimes a sign of bowel cancer. This is easier to treat if it's found early, so it's important to get it checked. Common causes of bleeding from the bottomIf you have other symptoms, this might give you an idea of the cause. Do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you're worried. Bright red blood on toilet paper, streaks on poo, pink toilet waterPossible causes of bright red rectal bleeding.
Poo can look like it's mixed with blood if you've eaten a lot of red or purple foods like tomatoes and beetroot. But it's sometimes a sign of something else. A GP can check if you're worried. Possible causes of slime or blood in your poo.
Poo can look very dark or black if you:
But it's sometimes a sign of something else. A GP can do a test to check this if you're worried. Possible causes of very dark or black blood coming from your bottom.
Page last reviewed: 24 April 2020 When should I be concerned about blood in my stool?If you are experiencing bloody stools or bleeding from a bowel movement, you may need to see a doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing fever, excessive weakness, vomiting, or seeing large amounts of blood in your stool.
How much blood is normal in stool?No amount of blood in the stool is normal, but some causes may be more dangerous than others. Sometimes there is blood in such small amounts that it can't be seen with the eye. In these cases, it must be identified with a test called a fecal occult test.
What does cancerous blood in stool look like?Blood from higher up in the bowel doesn't look bright red. It goes dark red or black and can make your poo look like tar. This type of bleeding can be a sign of cancer higher up the bowel.
Can you have blood in stool and be OK?Common benign (non-serious) causes — If you see a small amount of bright red blood on the toilet paper after wiping, on the outside of your stool, or in the toilet, this may be caused by hemorrhoids or an anal fissure. Both of these conditions are benign, and there are treatments that can help.
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