Rectal bleeding is a common symptom that can occur for many reasons, ranging from minor anorectal conditions to diseases affecting the colon or rectum. Many patients notice blood on toilet paper, blood in the stool, or bleeding during bowel movements and are unsure about the cause or whether the symptom is serious.
This section answers common questions about rectal bleeding, including its causes, symptoms, evaluation, and available treatment options. Understanding why rectal bleeding occurs can help patients know when symptoms are benign and when medical evaluation is necessary.
Dr. Aisha Akhtar is a board-certified colorectal surgeon serving patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale, Arizona. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rectal bleeding and other colorectal conditions using modern diagnostic and minimally invasive treatment approaches.
Browse frequently asked questions about rectal-bleeding.
Learn how to tell the difference between blood in stool caused by hemorrhoids and more serious conditions such as colon cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Learn the most common causes of rectal bleeding including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, colon polyps, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer.
Bright red blood from the rectum is commonly caused by hemorrhoids or anal fissures but may also indicate more serious conditions. Learn the causes and when to seek medical care.
Painless rectal bleeding is often caused by internal hemorrhoids but may also indicate colon polyps or colorectal cancer. Learn the causes and when to seek care.
Rectal bleeding is often caused by hemorrhoids but can sometimes indicate colorectal cancer. Learn when bleeding is concerning and when to seek medical evaluation.
Rectal bleeding is often caused by hemorrhoids but can sometimes indicate serious conditions. Learn when rectal bleeding is harmless and when to seek medical care.
Rectal bleeding after a bowel movement is commonly caused by hemorrhoids or anal fissures but may indicate other conditions. Learn the causes and when to seek medical care.
Hemorrhoids are the most common cause of rectal bleeding. Learn how hemorrhoid bleeding looks, when it is normal, and when to seek medical evaluation.
Learn how to stop rectal bleeding caused by hemorrhoids, fissures, and other conditions. Discover home remedies, medical treatments, and when to see a doctor.
A colorectal surgeon explains why bleeding may occur after anal sex or anal play, when mild bleeding can be evaluated in the office, and which symptoms require emergency care.
Rectal bleeding with diarrhea may be caused by infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or colitis. Learn the common causes and when medical evaluation is needed.
Rectal bleeding during pregnancy is often caused by hemorrhoids or constipation but should be evaluated if persistent. Learn the causes and safe treatment options.
Learn when rectal bleeding requires medical evaluation. Understand warning signs, serious symptoms, and when to seek urgent care.
Dr. Aisha Akhtar, MD evaluates rectal bleeding and related anorectal symptoms with a focus on accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and timely exclusion of serious underlying disease.
“ The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I... The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I never felt like she was rushing my exam. ”
“ Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from sta... Dr. Akhtar and the entire team made what could have been a very stressful experience feel comfortable, reassuring, and genuinely cared for from start to finish. Dr. Akhtar was professional, compassionate, and took the time to thoroughly explain everything before my procedure, which immediately put me at ease. The procedure itself went smoothly, and I truly felt I was in excellent hands the entire time. The office staff was also kind, organized, and attentive throughout the process. I’m incredibly grateful for the level of care, patience, and professionalism I received. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Akhtar to anyone looking for a skilled doctor who truly cares about their patients and their comfort. ”
“ I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was c... I cannot express the how thankful I am for Dr. Akhtar. I had been to 4 other colorectal doctors, 3 gastro doctors before seeing Dr. Akhtar. I was crying in her office when she met me the first time. That didn't deter her. Not only that but she located the issue on my first visit. She is kind, caring, thorough and incredibly knowledgeable. She listens, spends time with you and doesn't talk over you. I've needed extra time to discuss my case many times and she has always taken the time that I needed. I've brought to her research I've read, and she always already knows about the publications. The staff are kind and helpful. I dont know what I would have done without finding her. Another health care provider recommended her highly as do I. ”
“ Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific exp... Best colorectal surgeon I’ve ever met. Dr. Akhtar is compassionate, gentle, warm, and caring. I came to her in Glendale after having a horrific experience with a general surgeon in Flagstaff (where I live). The Flagstaff surgeon caused a hemorrhage that almost cost me my life, and then I developed stenosis after the emergency room surgeon “fixed” the hemorrhage. Dr. Akhtar was kind enough to take me as a patient (most surgeons will not take a patient who has already been operated by another surgeon due to liability). She was very respectful and gentle in the examination, and was even able to fit me in for an outpatient procedure under sedation the very same day (knowing that I drove over 2 hours to see her). I could not be happier with her. She took the time to personally call me the next day to check on my progress. You do not see this type of doctor very often anymore. She is someone who is in it for the patient, and you can tell. I will continue to drive over 4 hours there and back to receive her high quality care and expertise. Cannot recommend her highly enough. ”
“ Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met... Dr. Akhtar is THE BEST provider I have ever seen, period. She is incredibly knowledgeable, informative, and above all so kind. I have not met many people who have as comforting a bedside manner as she does. I was educated properly every step of the way and felt confident doing so because of her caring demeanor. Her PA Moses is also so friendly and upbeat, helping to ease any tension you may be feeling prior to the exam. The energy both Dr. Akhtar and Moses bring was paramount to how excellent my experience was here. Given their specialty, it would be easy to have an uncomfortable experience. However, they go the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable and reassured before anything is done. I cannot recommend this practice enough. Thank you Dr. Akhtar for the genuine concern and care you provided to me! Both my body and my outlook on my health outcomes are better off because of you. ”
“ Extremely knowledgeable and personable, respectful and sensitive. She made me feel comfortable and heard, and able to move forward with next steps in a timely manner. I highly recommend her! ”
“ So glad I found Dr Akhtar. I just had my 1st banding hemorrhoid treatment. She takes the time to explain everything and answers any questions you may have. Highly recommend Dr Akhtar! ”
“ The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I... The whole office was wonderful. Dr Akhtar was excellent. She was thorough. She explained things extremely well. She answered all my questions. I never felt like she was rushing my exam. ”
“ I have never met a Dr. As Brilliant, Kind and Compassionate as Dr. Ahktar! I even told her I wish she could be my primary physician. Just beyond... I have never met a Dr. As Brilliant, Kind and Compassionate as Dr. Ahktar! I even told her I wish she could be my primary physician. Just beyond lovely inside and out. I feel very blessed to be in her care!! There is no amount of stars that would be adequate enough to express how extraordinary she is!!!! ”
“ Dr. Akhtar listens and cares about her patients, she is having new staff trained, please be patient. I have all the convenient she will ask help me. ”
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