Rectal Pain and Bleeding

Experience compassionate and expert care for rectal pain and bleeding at Peak Gastroenterology Associates, where we prioritize comfort and privacy when treating sensitive health issues.

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What Is Rectal Pain and Bleeding?

Noticing blood in your stool or experiencing rectal pain are serious health concerns. Rectal pain and bleeding are symptoms that can occur due to various conditions affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract, specifically the rectum and anus. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may be intermittent or continuous, depending on the underlying cause.

Rectal Pain

This can be experienced as general discomfort, sharp pain, or burning sensation in the rectal area. Bowel movements, sitting for long periods, or physical activity involving strain may trigger or worsen pain.

Rectal Bleeding

This symptom is noticing blood on toilet paper, within the toilet bowl, or mixed with stools. The color of the blood may vary from bright red to a darker maroon, and in some cases, it may appear as black or tarry stools if originating from higher in the gastrointestinal tract.

What Causes Rectal Pain and Bleeding?

Rectal pain and bleeding can be symptoms of several conditions, ranging from minor to severe. Common causes include:

Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the rectal area that can cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements.
Anal Fissures: These are small tears in the skin around the anus, which can be extremely painful, especially during and after bowel movements.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis that cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to bleeding.
Infections: These may be sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other infections causing rectal pain and bleeding.
Proctitis: Inflammation of the rectum’s lining, often caused by IBD, infections, or radiation therapy.
Rectal Ulcers: These painful open sores develop inside the rectum.
Gastrointestinal Cancers: Colorectal cancer may present initially as rectal bleeding.
Colon Polyps: These growths are often benign but can develop into cancer. Regular screening is recommended.
Diverticular Disease: Occurs when small pouches (diverticula) form in the colon, causing symptoms like pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms associated with rectal pain and bleeding can include:

Visible blood on toilet paper, in the stool, or the toilet bowl.
Pain or discomfort in the rectal area, especially during sitting or bowel movements.
Itchiness around the anus.
Mucus discharge.
Swelling or lumps near the anus.

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How Is Rectal Pain and Bleeding Treated?

Treatment for rectal pain and bleeding depends on the severity and root cause of your symptoms.

Medications: Treatments may include topical creams and suppositories for hemorrhoids, antibiotics for infections, or anti-inflammatory drugs for IBD.
Dietary Changes: An increase in fiber can soften stools and reduce straining to defecate.
Sitz Baths: Sitting in warm water several times a day to help relieve pain and inflammation.
Surgical Treatments: For severe hemorrhoids, fissures, or rectal ulcers, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Regular Monitoring and Screening: Screening is critical to managing inflammatory conditions and preventing cancer.

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Why Choose Us?

At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, we understand the sensitivity of rectal pain and bleeding. Our experienced team provides discreet, respectful, and thorough care, ensuring we address your concerns confidentially. We use the latest diagnostic tools to accurately identify the cause of your symptoms and tailor treatment plans to your specific needs, helping you achieve relief and maintain long-term health. Our practice boasts a multi-specialty team of respected physicians, allowing us to curate thorough, personalized treatment plans for every patient.

At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, with clinics in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Lone Tree, Colorado, our GI specialists offer on-site diagnostic testing for rectal bleeding and pain to uncover the root cause of your symptoms quickly. Don’t delay a diagnostic evaluation for rectal pain and bleeding. You can schedule a consultation by phone at the Peak Gastroenterology Associates clinic nearest you with the online booking feature.

Rectal Pain Bleeding FAQ

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 severe discomfort.

How do I know if I have a serious condition?

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, or for extreme blood loss, go to the ER immediately.

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.

What is the exam like?

You can expect a physical exam to identify hemorrhoids or other external abnormalities. Your Peak Gastroenterology Associates provider may also perform a manual exam to check for inflammation or other internal issues causing pain or bleeding. As board-certified GI doctors, our specialists are incredibly skilled – and patient comfort matters to us. We believe every patient deserves kindness, compassion, and caring service.

What is endoscopy for rectal pain and bleeding?

In some cases, further endoscopy is necessary to evaluate the 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. The experience will be managed to ensure it is comfortable, painless, and stress-free.

What treatments are available for rectal pain and bleeding?

To learn more about your treatment options for rectal pain and bleeding, schedule a consultation at the Peak Gastroenterology Associates clinic nearest you by phone or using the online booking feature.