Results

Cause of your symptoms

Your rectal bleeding is probably from veins just inside the back passage and your change in bowel habit is likely to be due to something you have eaten.

Advice

Try the treatments outlined below for four weeks.

Treatments

Eating more roughage to make your stools softer and easier to pass. It is normal to strain a little when passing a motion but too much can cause bleeding.

What now?

If you get better nothing further needs to be done. However, if the symptoms persist for four more weeks or recur after stopping treatment see your GP.


Summary of your symptoms

Date checker completed: Saturday 7th December 2024

You are below the age of 50 and have rectal bleeding without pile symptoms and a non-specific change in bowel habit.

Additional information if you see your GP

Your GP will probably examine your tummy and back passage and do a blood test and if these are normal you are at low risk of having serious bowel disease and it be reasonable to advise a further period of treat watch and wait.
However, if your symptoms do not settle completely your GP may refer you to a routine hospital clinic for further investigations and treatments to stop the bleeding.

If you see your GP it might be helpful to take or email a copy of this page:
To obtain a digital copy of this page, please enter your email address.