What does it mean when your stool is looser than normal?
The first stool will usually have a more solid form because it has been in the colon (where water is absorbed) the longest. The second stool will be looser, and if there is a third stool, it will the loosest. Another change in stool form that often requires evaluation is the development of looser or firmer than normal stools.
What causes bleeding in the rectum after passing stool?
Mild causes associated with rectal bleeding include: polyps, or small tissue growths in the lining of the rectum or colon that can bleed after passing stool More serious rectal bleeding causes include: Less common rectal bleeding causes include blood-clotting disorders and allergic reactions to certain food types.
What causes loose bowel movements in the elderly?
Nerve damage. Injury to the nerves that sense stool in the rectum or those that control the anal sphincter can lead to fecal incontinence. The nerve damage can be caused by childbirth, constant straining during bowel movements, spinal cord injury or stroke.
What causes stool to leak out of the rectum?
Diarrhea. Solid stool is easier to retain in the rectum than is loose stool, so the loose stools of diarrhea can cause or worsen fecal incontinence. Hemorrhoids. When the veins in your rectum swell, causing hemorrhoids, this keeps your anus from closing completely, which can allow stool to leak out. Loss of storage capacity in the rectum.
Is it normal to have blood on toilet paper after a bowel movement?
All cases of rectal bleeding should be reported to your healthcare provider, even though many causes are not serious. What is rectal bleeding? Rectal bleeding is often seen as bright red blood on toilet paper—usually after a bowel movement—or by turning the toilet bowl water red.
What kind of blood is in stool after a bowel movement?
Rectal bleeding is often seen as bright red blood on toilet paper—usually after a bowel movement—or by turning the toilet bowl water red. Rectal bleeding can also be recognized in extremely dark stool (bowel movement), ranging in color from deep red/maroon to black, and sometimes appearing tar-like (melena).
How to tell if you have blood in your stool?
What is gastrointestinal bleeding or blood in the stool? The signs of bleeding in the digestive tract depend upon the site and severity of bleeding. If blood is coming from the rectum or the lower colon, bright red blood will coat or mix with the stool. The cause of bleeding may not be serious, but locating the source of bleeding is important.
Why does my rectum bleed when I have a bowel movement?
Straining too hard during a bowel movement can cause rectal bleeding. This is often related to constipation. When you strain, you can cause conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Very hard stool can actually cause the skin around your anus to tear, causing you to see blood.