OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns About Blood in Stool: Seeking Advice

I’m a 37-year-old woman, who doesn’t smoke, follows a vegetarian diet, and abstains from alcohol. Aside from a past complication from childbirth that left me with a fourth-degree tear and a rectovaginal fistula five years ago, I’ve enjoyed good health. Lately, I’ve been overwhelmed with anxiety and would greatly appreciate any thoughts or guidance. My bowel movements have never posed a problem before; I typically go every morning without discomfort, completing the process in under a minute without any straining. Here’s how things have unfolded lately: **Two weeks ago**: I noticed that my stool appeared hard and formed, resembling small pellets, which caught me off guard since I had no accompanying pain and had gone the day prior without issue. I attributed it to my ovulation cycle, where I sometimes experience mild constipation. Later that evening, I felt a discomfort in my abdomen, resembling trapped gas. However, by the following day, everything returned to normal, including the stool. **One week ago**: I thought I noticed a very tiny red stain on the surface of my stool, barely visible—perhaps a small speck of mucus as well. Again, shortly after, my bowel habits resumed to their usual routine. **Last Wednesday evening**: While at dinner, I had the sudden urge to use the restroom, but it dissipated unexpectedly—this was unusual for me since my condition typically enhances those urges. Concerned, I forced myself to go, and the stool appeared normal without any traces of blood. **Thursday morning**: Upon using the bathroom, I found a streak of red blood on the toilet paper after wiping, although there was no blood in the stool itself. There was no pain involved, just a slight burning sensation afterward; I was so stressed that I wondered if that sensation was simply psychosomatic. The blood looked bright red but I can’t quite recall the exact hue. **This morning**: I went again and didn’t find blood on the toilet paper, but noticed some red discoloration smeared on the outer part of the stool, again with nothing visible inside. Panicking, I immediately contacted my GP. She provided a couple of possible explanations: 1. Since today is the first day of my period, I often experience rectal bleeding with my menstrual cycle, though typically only when I’m experiencing heavy bleeding. It seemed odd to me, however, since I hadn’t even started bleeding vaginally yet. 2. Hemorrhoids could be a possibility, although I currently have no symptoms reflecting that. She advised me to wait until my period concludes, suggesting we could consider a stool test if the bleeding persists at that point. In the meantime, she prescribed a cream for potential hemorrhoids. During the call, I found myself in tears as I shared my fears of early onset cancer, which terrifies me despite its rarity. I know that it’s improbable, but I’ve encountered several accounts online where young individuals reported only having blood with no other symptoms. Fortunately, I haven’t experienced any weight loss, diarrhea, or pain. Given my rectovaginal fistula, I regularly inspect my stool and am confident there’s no blood inside it. Any words of comfort would be greatly appreciated; I have two small children and this situation has me completely on edge.

Answers (1)

4/4/2025, 7:20:51 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm really sorry to hear you're feeling this way, but it's common to feel anxious during uncertain health situations. You've provided a lot of details, which can help in understanding what you might be experiencing. While it's natural to worry, especially considering your history and current symptoms, let’s break this down.

Main Points:

1. Possible Causes: Your symptoms could be attributed to several benign factors, including hormonal changes tied to your menstrual cycle or hemorrhoids.
2. Monitoring: Keeping track of any further changes and adhering to your GP's advice is essential.
3. Self-Care: Immediate steps involve managing anxiety and ensuring dietary habits support overall gut health.

Explanation:

Blood in the stool, even in small amounts, can understandably cause worry. Your GP's suggestions about hormonal influences or hemorrhoids are common benign explanations for these symptoms. Bright red blood typically indicates that the source of the bleeding is closer to the rectum rather than the larger intestines, which is often a less serious condition. Your history with the rectovaginal fistula may also complicate but not necessarily worsen the situation.

Next Steps:

1. Observe Your Symptoms:

   • Continue monitoring your bowel movements for any additional signs of blood or changes in consistency.
   • Take note of when you see blood and any accompanying symptoms (like pain, weight changes, or changes in your bowel habits).

2. Dietary Considerations:

   • Ensure you’re consuming plenty of fiber-rich foods (like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) to help maintain regular bowel movements.
   • Stay hydrated, as this can help prevent constipation and make stools easier to pass.

3. Manage Anxiety:

   • Deep breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Consider spending some quiet time each day focused on your well-being.
   • Share your feelings with a friend or family member for emotional support.

4. Follow Up as Necessary:

   • Once your period concludes, if you notice blood persists, consider following up with your GP for further evaluation, including the stool test they mentioned.

5. Trust Your Medical Provider:

   • Your GP has more context about your health history, so trusting their guidance is important.

Please remember that your feelings are valid, and you're not alone in this process. If symptoms worsen or you feel overly anxious, reach out for further support or information. You're doing a great job by reaching out and seeking advice!