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This article was published on March 20, 2013, and was last updated on May 1st, 2019 in Hemorrhoid Banding.
Bleeding during bowel movements is a common hemorrhoids symptom. But how do you know if your bleeding hemorrhoids are bad enough that you should see a doctor? Here at CRH, we want to make sure you know the difference between normal hemorrhoid bleeding and something that could potentially be more serious.
Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins within the anus that often rupture. This is why it’s not uncommon to see a little bit of bright red blood, either on the paper or in the toilet, during bowel movements. However, if you have hemorrhoids and you’re experiencing an abnormal amount of bleeding from the rectum, it’s time to call a doctor. You should also contact a physician if you start to notice that the bleeding is consistent or happening when you’re NOT having a bowel movement.
In addition, what you might think is just your hemorrhoids bleeding could actually be blood coming from within your digestive track, which can be a symptom of a more serious condition. If your pain and discomfort gets worse, or if you notice bleeding associated with other symptoms like extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, or random fever, be sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible. Though it might just be something like an anal fissure, it could also be a sign of cancer, in which case early detection is critical.
Just remember that you know your body better than anyone – so if something seems unusual to you, don’t hesitate to get it checked out. Finding a GI specialist in your area is easier than ever with our online physician finder. Here, you’ll discover gastroenterologists across the country who can treat hemorrhoids using the revolutionary CRH O’Regan System.
