Rectal Pain & Bleeding
Noticing blood in your stool or experiencing rectal pain might have you feeling concerned about your health. At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, with clinics in Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Salida, Denver, Woodland Park, and Parker, Colorado, the skilled gastroenterologists offer on-site diagnostic testing for rectal bleeding and pain to quickly uncover the root cause of your symptoms. Don’t delay a diagnostic evaluation for rectal pain and bleeding. You can schedule a consultation at the Peak Gastroenterology Associates clinic nearest you by phone or by using the online booking feature.
Rectal Pain & Bleeding Q&A
WHAT CAUSES RECTAL PAIN AND BLEEDING?
Rectal pain and associated bleeding can be the result of several underlying health conditions. Some of the most common causes of rectal pain and bleeding include:
- Constipation
- Anal fissure
- Hemorrhoids
- Colon polyps
- Diverticular disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Less commonly, rectal pain and bleeding may be the result of cancer in the colon, rectum or anus.
WHEN SHOULD I SEEK TREATMENT FOR RECTAL PAIN AND BLEEDING?
You should seek emergency medical treatment for rectal pain and bleeding if you also experience shortness of breath, confusion or changes in your vision.
For non-emergencies, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Peak Gastroenterology Associates if you have unexplained rectal pain or bleeding that lasts longer than two days or causes you serious discomfort.
In most cases, you can identify rectal bleeding in your stool or on the toilet paper after wiping, which may appear as bright red blood or black, tarry stools. If you’re losing a lot of blood, contact Peak Gastroenterology Associates as soon as possible.
HOW IS RECTAL BLEEDING AND PAIN DIAGNOSED?
The Peak Gastroenterology Associates medical team offers comprehensive, in-office evaluations for rectal bleeding and pain. They begin by reviewing your medical history, existing health and your symptoms.
You can expect a physical exam of your anus to identify hemorrhoids or other external abnormalities. Your Peak Gastroenterology Associates provider may also perform a manual exam of your rectum, using a finger to check for inflammation or other internal issues that may be causing pain or bleeding.
In some cases, an endoscopy is necessary to further evaluate your rectum and other lower gastrointestinal tract structures. Your provider inserts a slender tube with an attached camera into the anus, which sends real-time images to a monitor that your doctor watches closely.
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR RECTAL PAIN AND BLEEDING?
Treatment for rectal pain and bleeding depends on the severity and root cause of your symptoms.
If you have hemorrhoids, your Peak Gastroenterology Associates can prescribe a cream to shrink the enlarged veins or recommend a procedure using a rubber band or laser technologies to destroy the swollen vein.
When rectal bleeding and pain result from constipation, you may benefit from medications to soften the stool and make it easier to pass.
If you have polyps, fissures or a chronic gastrointestinal disease, your Peak Gastroenterology Associates provider creates a plan to ease existing pain and ensure your condition is well-managed in the long-term.
To find out more about your treatment options for rectal pain and bleeding, schedule a consultation at the Peak Gastroenterology Associates clinic nearest you by phone or by using the online booking feature.