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
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What do I look for if I suspect anal bleeding? icon plus
Symptoms may include:
- Pink water in your toilet after passing stools
- Blood on your toilet paper
- Blood in your stool
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How is anal bleeding diagnosed? icon plus
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 icon plus
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.
Our colorectal consultants
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Request an appointment
Our booking teams can help you make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
020 7079 4344
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.