Symptoms

Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Worry

Updated 2026-06-094 min read

Rectal bleeding has many possible causes. While hemorrhoids and fissures are the most common, more serious conditions must also be excluded — especially in older adults.

Common causes

Hemorrhoids — painless bright-red bleeding
Anal fissure — bleeding with sharp pain
Colorectal polyps or cancer — often subtle, especially over age 50
Inflammatory bowel disease — bloody diarrhoea, abdominal symptoms

What the colour suggests

Bright-red blood usually points to a source near the anus, while darker or tarry stool can indicate bleeding higher in the digestive tract. Colour alone is not diagnostic.

When evaluation cannot wait

New bleeding after age 50
Bleeding with weight loss or change in bowel habit
Recurrent or heavy bleeding
Family history of colorectal cancer

This page is for general information only

The content here is not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation and does not replace an individual medical evaluation. If your symptoms persist, consult a physician. In emergencies call 112 or the nearest emergency department.

Symptoms Treatments FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is every rectal bleed serious?

Not every bleed is serious, but every episode deserves evaluation to identify the underlying cause.

Which specialist should I see?

A general surgeon with proctology focus or a gastroenterologist can evaluate the cause.