Err...bloody stool?

[Nimzo]

Well, not exactly. I did some research and it there's blood in the digestive tract then it's going to be a muddy/blackish color, but it was red. This leads to me believe that I bled while going to the bathroom? I mean, is this normal, albeit being rare? It was kind of painful, erm, coming out (sorry this is kind of TMI). After the initial wipe there wasn't anymore blood so I don't think it kept bleeding. But I'm not sure whether I should go to a doctor for this or if it's nothing to worry about.

[CaptainNapalm]

No big deal. I wouldn't worry about it unless it becomes a very regular thing.

[greywolf]

If it's bright red, it's most likely not a serious problem. There's been times when it hurt a lot coming out too and I bled from it.

[Nimzo]

Thanks for the fast replies. I will probably check again in a bit to make sure it's not still bleeding a lot, but I'm a lot less anxious now.

[Hope75]

Frank blood (red blood) can still come from your GI tract but it just means it came from your lower GI tract (undigested) or rectal area.

 

If you can check yourself with a mirror it's possible you have hemorrhoids. Were you straining to go?

 

I would just watch it and if it happens again, or you have any other symptoms (such as dizziness, lightheadedness, abdominal pain, vomiting, change in bowel habits) I would call your doctor.

[FathomFear]

It's worth reporting to your doctor during your next checkup. I don't think it's worth arranging a visit unless it happens again. However, if it does change colour (to black/tar colour) definitely arrange a visit ASAP.

[Nimzo]

It's stopped bleeding and don't think it's bled since it happened. And yes, I'm wary of a blackish color if it happens. If I was looking for hemorrhoids, what exactly would I be looking for?

[Hope75]

It's stopped bleeding and don't think it's bled since it happened. And yes, I'm wary of a blackish color if it happens. If I was looking for hemorrhoids, what exactly would I be looking for?

 

You could probably google it under the 'images' selection and see some pictures, but it sort of looks like cauliflower leaves or small grapes near the opening of the rectum. You can't always see them from the outside, some are inside but may come out with straining.

 

And yes, keep your eye out for black, tarry looking stools and report any of those to your MD also.

[Nimzo]

I didn't find anything like that you described. I doubt that's the case, anyways. It still kind of hurts, and I'm scared to go to the bathroom again.

[Salicia]

I think you probably passed a hard stool. When you do that and strain, it may rip your rectum causing the bleeding. If possible, find a stool softener. It may help to lessen the pain of passing another stool.