Bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding)

A small amount of one-off bleeding from the bottom is not usually a serious problem. But a GP can check.

Check if you're bleeding from the bottom

You might be bleeding from the bottom if you have:

• blood on your toilet paper
• red streaks on the outside of your poo
• pink water in the toilet bowl
• blood in your poo or bloody diarrhoea
• very dark, smelly poo (this can be blood mixed in poo)

A small amount of one-off bleeding can often go away on its own without needing treatment.

See a GP if:

• your child has blood in their poo
• you have had blood in your poo for 3 weeks
• your poo has been softer, thinner or longer than normal for 3 weeks
• you're in a lot of pain around the bottom
• you have a pain or lump in your tummy
• you have been more tired than usual
• you have lost weight for no reason

What happens at your GP appointment

The GP will check what's causing your symptoms.

They might:

• check your bottom (rectum) with a gloved finger
• ask for a sample of poo for testing
• refer you to a specialist for tests

Common causes of bleeding from the bottom

If you have other symptoms, this might give you an idea of the cause.

Do not self-diagnose – see your GP if you're worried.