blood on toilet paper

[sweetblubrry]

A couple of weeks ago I was running and noticed there was some blood on the toilet paper after I went to the bathroom! However, when I was running I remembered I kept getting wedgies and irritated that area and it was on the outside. So I know it was attributed to that.

However, today I had a bowel movement and noticed a little blood on the toilet paper again. I am pretty sure it was also on the outside... as there was nothing in the toilet. It was very little blood, like it didn't even look dark red like you would get with a cut or something. I am just parenoid that I have colon cancer!!! My grandma on my dad's side had it when she was in her early 70s... I am 24. Am I just worrying for nothing, is this common? I don't remember irritating that area at any point lately but maybe the bowel movement triggered it. How are you supposed to know when its serious!? I really don't want to get that test.....

[Czad]

Don't worry too much about this. I get it from time to time, and have for a while now. A little blood on the toilet paper is almost always because of hemorrhoids or an anal tear or something, and is extremely common from what I understand. The first time I noticed it I fell into full blown panic attack mode, so I know it can be worrisome. I had a cousin die from colon cancer in his 30s and ever since I've had a HUGE fear of it, so I totally know how you feel. Colon cancer is almost unheard of at our ages (I'm 20). I just try to remember that and it helps get me through.

I'm sure you're completely fine. Of course if the bleeding doesn't subside or if it actually gets worse, then it's definitely worth mentioning to the doc. But just keep an eye on it, and if I had to guess, I'd say it'll clear up in a day or two.

[piedpauper]

I get this all the time, even before I had anxiety - probably years before. So long as its not loads of blood you will be alright... it's just a tear - everybody gets this periodically.

[SkittishSari]

I get that all the time too. It's internal hemmerhoids for me, but it can also be a little tear or external ones. Bright red blood is nearly always nothing. It's the black blood can be problematic (Crohn's runs in my fam so blood issues are big to me).

[RobertWiggins]

I get this when I wipe too hard... and too much... (I know gross)

Maybe you are doing that too?

I like the moist wipes you get at the store... They help a lot

[sweetblubrry]

Thanks its great to know I can talk to people about this problem lol. So awkward but it is a worry.

I know I wipe too much too.. I am obsessed with being clean EEK! That could also be my problem.

[MissHypo89]

i get this all the time, ever since i was little. just a little blood on my toilet paper. it usually happens when i take big poops, lol i know TMI but its true!

[JCWest]

I have this constantly, external hemroid I've had for about a decade, I'll probably see about it being removed at some point. Very very common.

[Daisy131]

same here- those moist wipes really do help- very soothing. if it's bright red you are good. could be hems, could be a tear. eat more fiber and water, use wipes and don't strain. you probably won't see it again.

[AOKAY]

Moist wipes work for most people but some, like myself, find them irritating.  Watch the ingredients and stay away from anything containing alcohol. 
Personally, I just moisten a paper towel with plain water and wipe after every movement.  Scott towels with ridges are strong enough to hold-up to such wiping.

[Maisie]

I have the same problem currently, and have been mildly anxious about it.  Had to have a colonoscopy five years ago when I had this problem then and a hyper-vigilant doctor scared the heck out of me.  They could find nothing then. 

I also am a runner and find that when I run more this happens.  I think it's probably a fissure but have an apt. with a GI doc just to be sure in a few weeks.  I've learned I can't live with the ambiguity of not having things checked out (even if it's probably nothing).

Take care!