It is perhaps the single most common reason patients delay visiting a doctor: embarrassment.
Discovering blood in the toilet bowl or on tissue paper is alarming. Yet, for many, the fear of the examination, or the hope that the problem will simply resolve itself, leads to weeks or months of unnecessary delay. While the instinct is often to assume it is “just piles” (haemorrhoids), self-diagnosis in this area carries significant risk.
At 108 Harley Street, our Colorectal Team understands the anxiety surrounding these symptoms. The reality is that while many causes are minor and easily treatable, rectal bleeding is a specific medical sign that demands a professional explanation.
Here is why you should never ignore it, and how a specialist determines exactly what is going on.
The “Head in the Sand” Phenomenon
There is a dangerous misconception that rectal bleeding is a normal part of aging or a standard side effect of constipation. While common, it is never “normal.”
When patients ignore these signs, they risk missing the window for early intervention. If the cause is benign, you are suffering unnecessary discomfort. If the cause is more serious, such as polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, early detection is the single greatest factor in successful treatment.
Common Benign Causes (The “Likely” Scenarios)
It is important to balance caution with perspective. In many cases, the cause of bleeding is not life-threatening. A Consultant Colorectal Surgeon will often investigate for:
- Haemorrhoids (Piles): These are swollen blood vessels found inside or around the rectum. They often cause bright red blood after a bowel movement and can be itchy or uncomfortable.
- Anal Fissures: This is a small tear in the thin, moist tissue (mucosa) lining the anus. It often occurs after passing hard stools and can cause sharp, intense pain during bowel movements, accompanied by bright red blood.
- Diverticulitis: This occurs when small pockets (diverticula) in the digestive tract lining become infected or inflamed.
While these conditions are not cancerous, they still require management. Chronic fissures or severe haemorrhoids often need medical or minor surgical intervention to heal properly.
Red Flags You Must Not Ignore
While bright red blood often suggests a problem near the exit (like a fissure), darker blood can indicate an issue higher up in the digestive tract.
However, colour alone is not a reliable diagnostic tool for a patient at home. You should seek an immediate appointment if your bleeding is accompanied by:
- A Change in Bowel Habit: If you are experiencing persistent diarrhoea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency that lasts for three weeks or more.
- Abdominal Pain: Unexplained cramping, bloating, or discomfort.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying is a significant systemic indicator.
- Fatigue: This may be a sign of anaemia caused by chronic, unseen blood loss.
- Family History: If you have a close relative with a history of bowel cancer or polyps.
The Diagnostic Process: Removing the Mystery
The fear of the “unknown” is often worse than the appointment itself. At a specialised clinic, the process is streamlined, dignified, and thorough.
1. The Consultation
Your appointment begins with a conversation. Your consultant will discuss your medical history and specific symptoms. This is not just a formality; it helps the surgeon determine the likelihood of specific conditions.
2. The Examination
A physical examination, including a digital rectal exam (DRE), allows the consultant to check for masses or abnormalities in the rectum. It is quick, usually painless, and conducted with the utmost respect for your privacy.
3. Diagnostic Imaging (The Gold Standard)
To truly understand what is happening, “guessing” is not enough. We may recommend:
- Proctoscopy/Sigmoidoscopy: To examine the lower part of the bowel.
- Colonoscopy: A comprehensive examination of the entire large bowel using a flexible camera. This allows the surgeon not only to diagnose but, in some cases, to treat the issue immediately (such as removing polyps before they have the chance to become cancerous).
Why Specialist Assessment Matters
General Practitioners play a vital role in healthcare, but they often lack the specialised equipment to provide an immediate, definitive diagnosis for rectal bleeding.
By visiting a specialist colorectal clinic, you bypass the waiting times and uncertainty. You gain access to consultants who deal with the full spectrum of bowel health daily, from minor fissures to complex colorectal surgery.
Conclusion: Peace of Mind is the Goal
If you have noticed bleeding, the most “helpful” thing you can do for your health is to stop guessing.
In the majority of cases, we can reassure you that the issue is minor and provide a simple treatment plan to resolve it. In the rare cases where it is serious, you will have taken the most important step by catching it early.
Don’t let embarrassment compromise your health.
