blood in stool - Bowel Disorders Message Board

dave914 · 04-14-2003, 07:32 PM

I am a 24 year old male and I've had blood in my stool off and on for the past few months. It's a streak of blood that runs down one side of the stool. The blood is bright red and I also find it on the toilet paper after wiping. Is this a hemorroid or something else (anal fissure)? Is it a big cause for concern? I don't like going to the doctor, so I'm trying to avoid that. Otherwise, I'm perfectly healthy, never had any major health problems. I do have IBS and I tend to not drink much water or eat enough fiber. I have an anxiety disorder which probably doesn't help. I find that I have to strain alot of times when I'm going to the bathroom. Could straining cause a tear and could this be the cause of the bright red blood in my stool? Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide.

LisaMJ · 04-14-2003, 08:16 PM

It sounds like it could be a fissure or a hemorrhoid. I just found out I have a fissure a few days ago. I had been constipated and saw I had blood on my stools and on the toliet paper. I also have been having a lot of pain. Usually if there is no pain, it most likely is a hemorrhoid because fissures cause pain. You should still go to a doctor and have it checked out.

Samuelemouse · 04-15-2003, 09:55 PM

If the blood is bright red, it is a local problem and not likely to be serious (hemorrhoid or fissure) but you should get it checked out nonetheless.