Introduction
Rectal bleeding is caused by impaction, constipation, hemorrhoids, doing a dil too hard or rough, or doing your dil with long fingernails. Blood may be seen in the stool on the glove or the dil stick during a bowel program. Blood may also be noted on the washcloth or toilet paper during cleaning times.
What should I do if I see bleeding?
- If doing a dil or manual evacuation, STOP. Try to find out the cause of the bleeding.
- Call the doctor right away if the bleeding is profuse.
- Call the doctor right away if you continue to bleed small amounts or ooze blood after 1-2 hours.
- Call the doctor during regular hours (not on an emergency basis) if you notice small flecks of blood or small streaks of blood on the toilet tissue.
If you notice black stool, you should also call your doctor during regular office hours. Black stool can also be a sign of bleeding. The doctor will be able to give you further instructions.
The doctor may order a stool softener, anti-hemorrhoidal cream or may ask for you to come in for an office visit. It depends on your specific situation.
How can I prevent rectal bleeding?
- Do dils more gently
- Keep fingernails trimmed short when doing a dil or using a suppository
- Use lubricating jelly with every dil or suppository insertion
- If hemorrhoids are present, you may need an Anusol suppository or Preparation H cream before the bowel program to help shrink hemorrhoids.
Call the doctor if this does not help stop the bleeding during your bowel program.
