Blood in Stool / Rectal Bleeding

Seeing blood in the toilet is scary. Most of the time the cause is something common and treatable, like hemorrhoids or a small tear. But blood in your stool should always be checked, because it can also be a sign of polyps, inflammation or colon cancer.

Gastroenterologist Rajiv Sharma, MD, finds the source of rectal bleeding at Mirage Health in Chandler and Mesa, AZ, serving patients across the East Valley. New patients are seen within 7 days, and no referral is needed.

Go to the emergency room if you have:

• A lot of blood, or bleeding that won't stop
• Dizziness, fainting, a racing heartbeat or shortness of breath
• Black, tarry stools or vomiting blood
• Severe belly pain with bleeding

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For bleeding that's small or comes and goes, call us at 480-210-3155.

What the color of the blood can mean

Common causes of blood in stool

• Hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the rectum or anus, often with itching or pain
• Anal fissure, a small tear that causes sharp pain during bowel movements
• Diverticular bleeding, from small pouches in the colon wall
• Colon polyps, growths that can bleed and can turn into cancer over time
• Colon or rectal cancer, especially if bleeding comes with weight loss or bowel changes
• Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Infections that inflame the colon
• Ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, which usually cause black stool

Don't assume it's just hemorrhoids

Many people see blood, decide it's hemorrhoids and wait. Colon cancer is now being diagnosed more often in people under 50. If you're 45 or older, have a family history of colon cancer, or the bleeding comes with changes in your bowel habits, weight loss or fatigue, a colonoscopy is the safest next step.

How we find the cause

• A physical and rectal exam
• Bloodwork to check for anemia (low blood count)
• Anoscopy, a quick in-office look at the anus and lower rectum
• A colonoscopy to check the whole colon and remove polyps during the same procedure
• An upper endoscopy if stool is black or bloodwork shows iron loss

Our colonoscopy prep is liquid only, with no pills. You'll need an adult to drive you home after sedation. Rideshare isn't allowed. Biopsy results come through the patient portal and by phone, usually after about 5 days.

Treatment

Hemorrhoids

Most hemorrhoids get better with softer stools and in-office treatment. See our hemorrhoids page.

Anal fissures

Fiber, sitz baths and prescription creams help most fissures heal.

Polyps

Polyps are usually removed during the colonoscopy, which is how colonoscopy prevents colon cancer

Inflammation and other causes

If the cause is IBD, an infection or an ulcer, we start treatment and follow you closely.

What your first visit looks like

Tell us when the bleeding started, what color it is, how often it happens and whether you take blood thinners, aspirin or anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Dr. Sharma will examine you and decide whether you need a colonoscopy or other testing.

Serving Chandler, Mesa and the East Valley

Chandler office2201 W Fairview St, Suite 5, Chandler, AZ 85224, near the 101 and Chandler Boulevard.

Mesa office:1910 S Stapley Dr, Suite 120, Mesa, AZ 85204, near the 60.

Patients come to us from Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Sun Lakes, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley and Apache Junction.

Cost and insurance

We accept Medicare, Arizona Medicaid (APEP), Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Cigna, First Health Network, Humana, Oscar, UnitedHealthcare, SCAN Classic, TRICARE for Life and more. We check your coverage before your visit. Paying yourself? Our cash prices are posted online, and we offer CareCredit and Afterpay.

Blood in stool: questions patients ask

Is blood in stool always serious?
No, but it should always be checked. Most bleeding is from hemorrhoids or fissures, but the same symptom can come from polyps or cancer.

What does bright red blood in stool mean?
It usually comes from near the end of the digestive tract, like hemorrhoids or a fissure. A doctor should still confirm the cause.

What does black stool mean?
Black, tarry stool can mean bleeding in the stomach or upper intestine and needs prompt care. Iron pills and Pepto-Bismol can also darken stool.

Do I need a colonoscopy for rectal bleeding?
Often, yes, especially if you're 45 or older, have a family history of colon cancer, or have other symptoms like weight loss or bowel changes.

Can stress cause blood in stool?
Stress doesn't cause bleeding directly, but it can worsen IBS, constipation or diarrhea, which can lead to hemorrhoids or fissures.

Can constipation cause rectal bleeding?
Yes. Hard stools and straining can cause fissures and bleeding hemorrhoids.

How fast can I be seen?
New patients are seen within 7 days. If bleeding is heavy or you feel faint, go to the emergency room instead.

Do you see patients from across the East Valley?
Yes. Our Chandler and Mesa offices see patients from Gilbert, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Sun Lakes, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Apache Junction and the rest of the East Valley. Procedures are done at centers in Chandler, Tempe, Mesa and Gilbert.

Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly. Some HMO and Medicare Advantage plans require one, so we'll check your plan.

Seeing blood? Get it checked.

Most causes are treatable, and finding them early matters. Serving Chandler, Mesa and the East Valley. Book online or call 480-210-3155.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room