4 reasons there's blood in your stool despite feeling no pain

Have you noticed traces of blood in your stool, but can't remember having had any abdominal pain? Here are some tips to help you identify the cause.

"Rectorrhagia” is the scientific term for this type of bleeding.

Many health experts are quick to point out that the amount of blood found in stool is not a clear indication of the seriousness of the problem nor does it pinpoint the underlying cause. In fact, heavy amounts of blood in the toilet do not necessarily suggest serious illness at all.

There are several reasons why stool could be bloody, and it occurs in people of all ages. That being said, the condition is more frequently reported in adult men and women, than in children or adolescents.

Rectal bleeding is linked to several mitigating factors. In some cases, the patient may suffer from rectal bleeding but won’t associate the bleeding with pain, while others won’t experience any discomfort at all. Causes of rectal bleeding include:

1. Hemorrhoids: Although frequently coupled with severe pain, hemorrhoids, like all ailments, vary in severity and intensity. Mild hemorrhoids may not lead to discomfort but still cause bleeding.
2. Diverticulitis: Characterized as small growths on the lining of the intestines. While sometimes painless, this condition causes sudden blood loss—yet a broken blood vessel may go virtually undetected.
3. Angiodysplasia: People with angiodysplasia have an irregular colon which develops larger than normal blood vessels. This abnormality is more frequently reported in elderly people. It causes heavy bleeding which may require medical treatment, electro-coagulation and suturing.
4. Constipation: Bloody stool associated with constipation is the result of a tear in the intestinal mucosa. In some cases, the patient may experience pain in the abdomen, but doesn't necessarily associate the pain with a tear.

If you notice traces of blood in your toilet bowl, it’s normal to be a little concerned. If you suffer from constipation, increase your fibre intake by adding fruits and vegetables to your diet. If this is the case, the problem should clear up quickly.

If you are unable to identify the cause, it’s better to err on the side of caution and make an appointment with your doctor. Blood in your stool can be the result of many ailments, some of which are more acute than others and require immediate medical attention.