why ami bleeding from my butt
Rectal bleeding (bleeding “from your butt”) can be from something simple and fixable, but it can also signal a serious problem, so you should take it seriously and not ignore it.
When bleeding from your butt is usually from something common
Some of the most common causes are in or near the anus itself and often cause bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl.
- Hemorrhoids (piles) – Swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum that can itch, hurt, or feel like soft lumps and often cause bright red blood with wiping or on the stool, especially with straining or constipation.
- Anal fissure – A small tear in the skin around the anus, often from passing a hard or large stool; typically causes sharp pain with bowel movements plus a streak of bright red blood on the paper or stool.
- Hard stools / constipation – Straining and very hard stool can both cause fissures and worsen hemorrhoids, leading to bleeding.
- Diarrhea, infections, or irritation – Frequent loose stools, gastrointestinal infections, or irritation from harsh wiping, soaps, or anal sex can inflame the area and cause bleeding.
These causes are very common, but even “common” causes can be very painful or keep coming back and still deserve medical attention if they don’t settle quickly.
More serious possible causes you shouldn’t ignore
Sometimes the bleeding is coming from higher up in the bowel and not just the skin around the anus.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) – Can cause chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and blood or mucus in the stool.
- Polyps or bowel/colon cancer – Abnormal growths in the colon or rectum that can bleed; bleeding may be mixed with stool, can be dark or bright, and might come with weight loss, change in bowel habits, or anemia (tired, pale).
- Diverticular disease / diverticulosis – Small pouches in the bowel wall that can sometimes bleed heavily or get infected.
- Proctitis or colitis – Inflammation of the rectum or colon from infections, autoimmune disease, reduced blood flow, radiation, or STIs; can cause pain, urgency, and bleeding.
- Anal or rectal cancer – Less common, but can cause bleeding, pain, lumps, or changes in bowel habits.
You cannot reliably tell just by the color or amount of blood exactly what the cause is; a health professional has to examine you and sometimes do tests like a scope or blood work.
Red flag signs: get urgent help
You should seek emergency or same‑day medical care (ER / urgent care / emergency number) right away if you notice any of the following with rectal bleeding:
- You pass a lot of blood , large clots, or the water in the toilet turns very red or looks like pure blood.
- You feel dizzy, faint, weak, short of breath, or have chest pain.
- Your heart is racing, you are pale, sweaty, or confused.
- You have severe abdominal pain , rigid or swollen belly, or uncontrolled rectal pain.
- You have a fever with bleeding or feel very unwell.
- You are pregnant , have serious medical conditions (like heart disease, blood thinners, or clotting problems), or the bleeding started after a significant injury or assault.
These situations can mean dangerous blood loss or a serious underlying condition and are not safe to watch at home.
When to see a doctor soon (within days)
Even if it doesn’t feel like an emergency, you should book a prompt appointment with a doctor or licensed clinician if:
- This is your first time noticing rectal bleeding and you don’t know why.
- The bleeding lasts more than a day or two , keeps coming back, or is happening regularly.
- You are over 40–45 or have a family history of bowel or colon cancer or polyps.
- You have unexplained weight loss, change in bowel habits (like new constipation, diarrhea, or narrower stools), or ongoing fatigue.
- You notice a new lump around your anus or in your rectum.
- You have anal bleeding after anal sex, trauma, or possible sexually transmitted infection exposure.
A doctor can ask detailed questions, do an exam, and decide whether you need blood tests, stool tests, or a camera test (like a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy).
What you can safely do right now (while waiting to be seen, if it’s not
an emergency)
These steps are not a substitute for a proper diagnosis, but can help if the cause is something like hemorrhoids, fissures, or constipation.
- Don’t strain on the toilet. Go when you feel the urge and don’t sit for long periods scrolling or reading.
- Soften your stools. Drink enough water (unless your doctor gave you fluid restrictions), and eat fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) if you can tolerate it.
- Warm sitz baths. Sitting in warm (not hot) water for 10–15 minutes a few times a day can ease pain from hemorrhoids or fissures.
- Gentle cleaning. Pat rather than scrub; avoid perfumed wipes or harsh soaps that can irritate the skin around the anus.
- Avoid inserting anything into your rectum (including home remedies or toys) until you know what’s going on.
- Follow any existing advice from your own doctor if you’ve had similar problems before.
If at any point the bleeding worsens or you start to feel generally unwell, treat that as a reason to get urgent medical care, not something to “wait and see.”
This isn’t something you should feel embarrassed about bringing up with a doctor. They see this every day , and getting checked early is far better than worrying in silence.
Because I don’t know your age, other conditions, medications, how much blood you’re seeing, or how you feel otherwise, I cannot tell you the exact cause or whether you’re safe to stay at home. The safest move is: if you’re at all unsure, especially if this is new or more than a tiny streak once, contact a medical professional or nurse triage line as soon as you can and be very direct: “I’m bleeding from my rectum; what should I do next?”
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.