Concern About Rectal Bleeding
I’m a 26-year-old female experiencing constant stomach discomfort. Recently, while using a glycerin suppository, I noticed a lump when I inserted it. After applying some pressure, I felt the lump shift slightly. Although I can tolerate pain well, this situation was mainly uncomfortable for me. After I removed my finger, I observed some blood, and more was present when I wiped. Is the lump I felt a common occurrence, or could I have injured myself in some way? I’m seeking some advice on this matter.
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 9:01:06 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand your concern regarding the lump and rectal bleeding, especially with persistent stomach discomfort alongside these symptoms. It's important to address your worries thoughtfully.
Main Points:
You may have encountered a common occurrence such as a hemorrhoid, especially given the symptoms and the circumstances. However, bleeding and the lump can indicate a need for careful monitoring, particularly since it has persisted.
Explanation:
- Hemorrhoids: These are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They can cause discomfort, especially when inserting something like a suppository, and can lead to bleeding.
- Anal Fissures: A small tear in the lining of the anal canal can happen during bowel movements. This might explain the discomfort and bleeding you experienced.
- Other Causes: Although the symptoms you described can often relate to hemorrhoids or anal fissures, other conditions exist as well, such as rectal prolapse or more serious issues.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. Make a note of any new pain, bleeding frequency, or changes in the lump. This information can be valuable if you need to seek further help.
- Warm Baths: Consider taking warm sitz baths several times a day. This can ease discomfort and promote healing if it's related to hemorrhoids or fissures.
- Gentle Care: Avoid straining during bowel movements. Ensure you’re eating a fiber-rich diet and staying hydrated to help avoid constipation and excessive straining.
- Avoid Irritation: Be gentle when applying any treatments (like glycerin suppositories) and see if this reduces discomfort.
- Seek Evaluation: If the lump persists, the bleeding continues, or you notice increased pain, further evaluation from a healthcare professional is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Please remember that while many causes are manageable at home, it's essential to listen to your body. If the symptoms worsen or don't improve, reaching out for help can provide peace of mind and targeted care.
Related Questions
Am I Overreacting?
Recently, I had an unfortunate accident where I (25F) banged my head quite forcefully against a doorknob. It happened on a Thursday; I was in a squatting position picking something up and stood up abruptly, hitting the knob right on my right temple, close to my eye. The impact was so intense that I fell backward onto the floor, landing on my backside in pain. The aftermath was a severe headache, followed by feeling extremely nauseous the next day. I hesitated to go to the emergency room because I thought it might sound ridiculous to seek help for a doorknob injury, so instead, I opted for urgent care. The medical staff conducted an evaluation and assessed that I appeared to be fine, providing me with a pain relief injection. Unfortunately, that shot didn't offer much relief; my headache persisted, and I continued to experience waves of nausea. Compounding the situation, I also deal with significant anxiety, which has heightened my distress throughout this experience. My headaches intensify in chaotic environments, and it has now been two full days since the incident. I'm left wondering, when will I start to feel improvement? Is it concerning that I’m still feeling so unwell?
Infant Diagnosed with Congenital Heart Anomaly
I have a nine-month-old son who was born prematurely at 33 weeks in Colorado. While in the specialized care unit, he developed an occasional arrhythmia that did not present consistently. Follow-up EKGs revealed it was absent at times. Additionally, an echocardiogram conducted a week after his birth indicated the presence of a small atrial septal defect (ASD). We were advised that there would be no need for another echocardiogram until he turns two, at which point they would check to see if the defect resolves itself. This seems like quite a long period to wait, but I didn’t voice my concerns. Given the lengthy waiting periods for pediatric specialists in my state, I wonder if that influenced their recommendation. Are there any doctors here experienced with managing follow-ups for small to medium ASDs? Should we really just monitor for two years to see if it closes? Is there a possibility that it could worsen?
A Long Struggle with Numbness and Isolation: Seeking Answers
Hello, I’ve felt out of sorts for as long as I can remember, but since 2015, my situation has progressively deteriorated. For the past six years, I have spent the majority of my days confined to my bed, engaging in little beyond a spiral of thoughts and internal dialogues. Life feels devoid of sensation; I derive no pleasure from experiences like intimacy, and I am constantly weighed down by a foggy mind and a lack of motivation. A persistent pressure seems to press against my head. Despite my efforts to enact positive changes—such as enrolling in educational programs and seeking employment—these pursuits invariably fall short, hindered by my cognitive haze and diminished energy levels. I have consulted various psychiatrists since 2016, trying a myriad of mental health medications, yet the results have been disappointing. I’ve been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Additionally, I’ve sought help from a neurologist to address my persistent headaches, undergoing MRIs for both my brain and spine, all of which returned normal results. Conditions like Crohn’s disease and lupus have been ruled out as well. I feel utterly lost in my quest for improvement, and the overwhelming uncertainty is challenging. I wonder if there might be alternative explanations for my symptoms or other conditions to consider. Unfortunately, it seems my doctors have largely given up on finding solutions for me.
Unexplained Lip Issues: Seeking Advice
Recently, I noticed some unusual spots on my lip. I had one pop up yesterday, but today there seem to be multiple new ones. The skin on these areas feels delicate and appears as though it could peel away easily. There's a constant burning sensation that accompanies them, making it quite uncomfortable. If anyone has experienced something similar or has insights into what this might be, I would really appreciate your input!
Discontinuing Lamictal Safely: My Experience and Approach
Age: 23 Struggling with anxiety, PTSD, BPD, chronic migraines, and idiopathic hypersomnia. Current Medications: Vyvanse, Wellbutrin, Lamictal. Since I was around 16 years old, I've been prescribed Lamictal, taking a dosage of 200mg over the years, occasionally adjusting up and down. As far as I can tell, this medication isn’t typically indicated for BPD, which raises my confusion about why it was prescribed in the first place. I just recently weaned myself off Seroquel for the same reasons. My psychiatrist has suggested that the discontinuation process should be gradual, but he also mentioned we could revisit this at my next prescription refill. I’d rather not wait that long since I receive my medication in 60-day supplies. Therefore, I’ve decided to stop using it on my own, and I’m looking for guidance on how to do this safely. I really dislike being on medication that doesn't seem to work for me. Eventually, I also plan to discontinue Wellbutrin, aiming to eliminate all psychiatric medications from my routine. This situation has become exhausting, and I am contemplating whether I should even continue with psychiatric care, since my struggles have persisted since I was 14.