Anal bleeding

BLEEDING FROM THE BOTTOM

A small amount of one-off bleeding from your bottom isn't usually serious but should be investigated by a consultant

What is anal bleeding?

Bleeding from your bottom can happen for a number of reasons. If it's an isolated occurrence it is unlikely to be anything serious and may be a symptom of haemorrhoids. However, it is important to get checked as it can sometimes be a sign of bowel cancer. This is easier to treat if it's found early so you should not ignore your symptoms.

Need to know

What do I look for if I suspect anal bleeding?

Symptoms may include:

Pink water in your toilet after passing stools
Blood on your toilet paper
Blood in your stool

How is anal bleeding diagnosed?

Your consultant may perform a physical examination to check what is causing your symptoms. This might include checking your bottom with a gloved finger, providing a sample of your stool for lab testing or referring you for specialist imaging tests, such as an MRI scan.

Potential treatment options

Treatments will be dependent on the cause of your anal bleeding. They may include:

Haemorrhoids. Topical ointments and gels to reduce the inflammation. In severe cases, banding or removal.
Bowel cancer. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.