Blood in the stool is not a direct symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but some IBS complications may cause short-term rectal bleeding.
Symptoms of IBS most commonly
If you experience blood in your stool, speak with a healthcare professional. This may be a symptom of a serious health condition that could require medical treatment.
Although IBS isn’t a direct cause of blood in the stool, IBS may lead to complications that can cause rectal bleeding.
For instance, a 2023 review found that hemorrhoids may develop due to chronic diarrhea or constipation that can occur in IBS.
Hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of
Several health conditions may cause blood in the stool, which can range from mild blood that appears on the toilet paper when you wipe, to larger and more severe amounts of blood in the toilet.
Some health conditions may
- hemorrhoids
- fistulas
- gastric and duodenal ulcers
- diverticulosis
- anal fissures
- gastroenteritis
- infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- colon cancer
Stools that are black, bloody, and tarry in appearance may be caused by bleeding in your gastrointestinal tract due to esophageal bleeding, Mallory Weiss tear, or a perforated gastroduodenal artery.
Connect with a healthcare professional if you experience any blood in the stool, especially if it’s accompanied by:
If you have large amounts of blood or notice blood clots in the toilet, get immediate medical attention. This may be a sign of a serious health condition that requires medical attention.
A healthcare professional can evaluate your symptoms and provide a proper diagnosis, which may include tests like a colonoscopy, blood tests, and stool tests. They can also develop a treatment plan to help manage IBS and prevent flare-ups.
You can use Healthline’s FindCare to help you find a medical specialist in your area today.