Why do I see blood when I wipe my bum?
“When I go to the toilet after doing a poo there’s blood on the tissue – not from my vagina but from my bum. Should I be worried?”
Anal fissures
There are many possible causes for blood after pooing. It could be that when wiping yourself you have caused a small tear in the skin, known as an anal fissure. This can happen to anyone, but tends to particularly affect young people. Anal fissures are rarely serious but can take some time to heal, so might re-open when you go to the loo for a while.
Small tears
If you strain too hard when having a bowel movement, it’s possible to cause a small tear in the rectum or anus, which can be another cause of red blood on the toilet paper. Again, this should heal by itself.
Piles (or haemorrhoids)
Piles (also known as haemorrhoids) are small varicose veins around the anus that have dilated and filled with blood. They're understood to be caused by straining too hard and are a common problem in pregnancy. Piles can be treated with cream available from your local pharmacy and usually clear up quickly.
If you’re worried about bleeding from your bum
Although it’s very rare, experiencing pain and finding blood in the toilet can sometimes indicate a more serious condition. If you're still concerned, make an appointment with your GP. They will examine you to understand what's going on and talk through appropriate treatment. Don’t be shy about getting an examination - doctors have seen more bums than you can possibly imagine.
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