Intermittent Rectal Bleeding Concerns
At 17 years old and assigned female at birth, I've noticed that I experience occasional rectal bleeding. To clarify, I haven't dealt with constipation issues, and my bowel movements are generally smooth and uneventful. This bleeding began around late March or early April, where I observed a small amount of blood primarily on the toilet paper after I wiped, usually every other time I went to the restroom. On one instance, I felt a strange sensation as if something had burst, followed by a considerable amount of blood on the paper (requiring two to three wipes for it to go away). I was uncertain if there was any actual blood on the stool itself. After a brief period without incidents, I recently noticed some light spotting again about a week ago. Just this past Sunday evening, when I used the bathroom, I encountered not only noticeable blood on the paper but also a streak of it on the stool. Furthermore, the following morning, I felt the bleeding resume while urinating, requiring another two or three wipes to stop. Currently, while it doesn’t happen with every trip to the toilet, I notice that there's consistently some blood present during bowel movements. In my opinion, this bleeding might stem from an external injury since I haven't inserted anything that could cause harm. However, I’m aware that my father had juvenile polyps when he was around 13. It’s possible that I might have a fissure or a small tear at the outer edge, which reopens each time I sit down to relieve myself. Does this seem like an accurate interpretation? I'm fully aware of the necessity to consult a physician about this matter and I'm working with my parents to arrange an appointment. However, I have a significant anxiety about medical visits that complicates the process, especially when it comes to examinations in that area. Are there any preventative steps I could take now, such as specific ointments or creams that might help?
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 2:12:02 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's good that you are aware of the importance of discussing your symptoms with a healthcare professional, especially since rectal bleeding can have various underlying causes. Based on what you've described, the intermittent bleeding could be due to things like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or possibly even polyps, especially since your father had juvenile polyps. The sensation you experienced, along with the bleeding, might suggest a small tear or fissure, particularly if you're not experiencing constipation.
Understanding Your Symptoms
- Bleeding Color and Amount: Bright red blood usually indicates an issue in the lower gastrointestinal tract, which aligns with what you're describing.
- Possible Causes: Conditions like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or polyps could be causing the bleeding. Your concern regarding a fissure is reasonable given the description of sudden sensations and blood on wiping.
- Family History: Since your father had juvenile polyps, it's important to mention this to your doctor, as it could be relevant.
Next Steps for Management and Relief
Here are some immediate actions you can take to help manage your symptoms and possibly prevent worsening:
-
Maintain Proper Hygiene: Gently clean the area after bowel movements to avoid irritation. Avoid harsh soaps or scrubbing.
-
Use Moist Wipes: Consider using moist towelettes after bowel movements instead of dry toilet paper, which can be less irritating.
-
Over-the-Counter Treatments:
- Hydrocortisone Cream: This may help reduce inflammation and irritation if you suspect a fissure or hemorrhoid.
- Witch Hazel Pads: These can soothe the area if there's external irritation or minor bleeding.
-
Increase Fiber Intake: Eating more fiber-rich foods (like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) can help ensure regular, smooth bowel movements and reduce strain.
-
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your stool soft and easier to pass.
-
Avoid Straining: Be gentle during bowel movements. If you feel the urge, go when your body tells you, and don’t force it.
-
Warm Baths: Soaking in a warm bath may help soothe discomfort and promote healing if there is any irritation.
-
Document Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of when the bleeding occurs, how much blood is present, and any associated sensations or changes. This can help your doctor understand your situation better.
Preparing for the Doctor's Visit
Since you feel anxious about medical visits, consider these strategies to help ease your worries:
- Discuss Your Anxiety: Share your concerns with your parents, as they can help advocate for you during the appointment.
- Ask for a Support Person: Bring someone you trust for support, which can make the experience feel less daunting.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Try deep breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques to calm your nerves before and during your visit.
It's important to keep track of your symptoms and to seek medical advice as you’re already planning to do. A healthcare professional will be able to provide a thorough evaluation and suggest a treatment tailored to your specific needs.
Related Questions
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
Understanding EEG Results for My 22-Month-Old Son: Insights Needed
Could someone help clarify this for me? My son, who is just 22 months old, hasn’t started walking yet, becomes tired easily, and has been experiencing behavioral outbursts. He had a febrile seizure in February 2025, followed by another unexplained seizure in April 2025, which led us to consult a neurologist. Since he was 3 months old, he has been receiving therapy from a physical therapist for torticollis. At birth, he spent five days in the NICU due to issues with meconium aspiration. A recent MRI showed normal results, and he also had a follow-up EEG after one conducted in July 2025. The results from this recent EEG were abnormal for a pediatric patient in awake, drowsy, and sleeping states. Notably, there were brief episodes of left frontotemporal delta slowing, which occurred mainly when he was awake and drowsy. There were no signs of epileptiform activity detected. In contrast, the EEG performed back on July 3, 2025, was deemed normal for both awake and drowsy states, again with no evidence of epileptiform irregularities, although it did not capture any sleep data. This examination was prompted by the child's existing history of febrile seizures. Importantly, he is not currently on any anti-seizure medications. The EEG procedure used standard electrode placements per the 10-20 system, conducted a single-lead EKG, and included continuous video monitoring. During the analysis, the background activity was symmetric, indicating some anterior-posterior (AP) organization, with a dominant rhythm of 50-80 microvolts at 7 Hz. His drowsy state was marked by a reduced amount of eye blink activity, less breathing motion interference, and a generalized slowing in theta/delta frequencies. Stage II sleep exhibited spindles and vertex waves patterns. Additionally, there were intermittent bursts of 250-300 microvolts in the left frontotemporal region with semi-rhythmic activity of 2-4 Hz, mostly observed during wakefulness and drowsiness. No definitive epileptiform discharge was noted. Photic stimulation during the test did not elicit a strong response, and hyperventilation was not conducted during this session.
28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment
I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.