I’m glad you asked, and this is something that needs urgent attention. Blood in stool can be caused by a range of things from benign to serious, and some causes require prompt medical evaluation. Given the potential seriousness, it’s important to seek medical care right away, especially if you have any of the following:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or with each bowel movement
• Black, tarry stools or stools that look unusually pale
• Severe abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting, or feeling lightheaded
• Fatigue, weakness, or unintentional weight loss
• A change in bowel habits that lasts more than a couple of weeks

Possible common, less urgent causes

• Hemorrhoids: swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus that can bleed, especially with constipation or straining
• Anal fissures: small tears in the lining of the anus, often causing bright red bleeding and pain during bowel movements
• Certain foods or medications: red-colored foods, iron supplements, or medications that can cause irritation or minor bleeding

Possible more serious or less common causes

• Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease)
• Gastrointestinal infections or ulcers
• Colorectal polyps or cancer (especially with older age or a family history)
• Bleeding from higher up in the GI tract can sometimes present as darker stools

What to do now

• If you’re currently experiencing heavy bleeding, feel faint, or have severe abdominal pain, seek emergency care immediately.
• For non-emergency concerns, schedule an urgent appointment with a primary care physician or gastroenterologist as soon as possible, ideally within days.
• Note any accompanying symptoms: duration of bleeding, stool color, presence of pain, changes in stool consistency, fever, or unintended weight loss.
• Bring a list of medications and supplements you’re taking, since some can affect bleeding or interact with tests.

What to expect at the visit

• Your clinician will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors.
• They may perform a physical exam and order tests such as a stool test, blood tests, or imaging.
• Depending on findings, they may recommend a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy to inspect the colon and rectum directly.

If you’d like, share your age, any other symptoms (e.g., pain, weight loss, fever), recent changes in diet or medications, and whether the bleeding is ongoing or intermittent. I can help you interpret what your doctor might consider and what questions to ask to get clear answers.