It can be disconcerting to see crimson in the toilet bowl unless you had beets earlier in the day. Rectal bleeding, commonly known as bloody stool, is a sign of many illnesses, some of which are quite hazardous.

You may notice blood in the toilet bowl, on your feces, or simply on the toilet paper after you wipe, depending on what is causing your bloody diarrhea. It could be a deep, rich red or even a very dark, tar-like hue. Because it interacts with digestive chemicals for a long period of time, blood gets darker the longer it stays in your digestive system.

Because bright red blood typically begins low in your colon or rectum, it is less likely to be a sign of a serious condition. However, if you notice dark red blood in your diarrhea, you may have internal bleeding that has to be investigated.

Here are six medical issues that could result in bloody diarrhea and what you need to know about them.

1. Hemorrhoids

One of the most frequent causes of blood in the stool is hemorrhoids, which are fortunately benign. A typical collection of blood vessels at the base of your rectum is what causes hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids sometimes inflame, however blood vessels are present whether they are or are not.

Many people who have hemorrhoids discover a small amount of bright red blood after a bowel movement on the toilet, in the toilet paper, or in the stool.

The hemorrhoid that has flared up is bloody. Hemorrhoids typically cause bright red blood that coats your feces rather than mixing with it in the toilet bowl.

Additionally, it can tear and cause bleeding occasionally when you have to exert yourself greatly or poop a lot as a result of diarrhea. Hemorrhoidal bleeding typically stops on its own.

2. Anal Fissures

Minor wounds that occur at the anus are called anal fissures. There is typically some discomfort and bleeding when your mouth develops cracks in the corners. Anal fissures experience the same issue.

In actuality, the pain is the primary discernible distinction between an anal fissure and hemorrhoids that are bleeding. If you see blood when you poop and it hurts, you most likely have an anal fissure.

Numerous factors might cause anal fissures. They are typically observed during prolonged straining or constipation. You push so hard to get the stool out that the skin on your anus tears as a result. Anal fissures, however, can also develop after childbirth and with persistent diarrhea.

3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

A common sign of IBD, which is an umbrella term for conditions that cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, is bloody diarrhea. Although Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), the two main IBD diseases, both have a higher prevalence of bleeding,

Especially with UC, colon inflammation can result in ulcers. Since UC ulcers can develop higher up in the gastrointestinal (GI) system or in the rectum and large intestine, bleeding from UC can be bright red or darker red. Bloody stools may then result from such ulcers.

4. Infection

E. coli and other bacteria produce an invasive infection, which results in tissue sloughing and inflammation similar to IBD and causes bloody diarrhea.

Infectious colitis and food poisoning are the most typical GI diseases that result in rectal bleeding. Diverticula that develop and swell up can also become infected.

By maintaining good hygiene, you can avoid GI diseases. Additionally, condom use and healthy sex practices can reduce your risk of STI infection.

5. Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most dreaded causes of bloody diarrhea.

Contrary to popular belief, colorectal cancer can occur at any age. However, doctors are now diagnosing patients who are younger and younger. Additionally, you should visit a doctor if you observe blood in your stool due to the surge in colon cancer among young individuals. Instead of waiting to see if the bleeding becomes worse, it is advisable to rule out cancer.

Starting at age 45, you should discuss routine colorectal cancer screening with your healthcare physician. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about early screenings.  Precancerous polyps can be found early in the course of cancer with the use of screenings.

6. Ulcerations

Sores that heal slowly or keep coming back are known as ulcers. Additionally, just like UC, other conditions' ulcers can result in bloody diarrhea. These ulcers are unusual, though.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is the term for it (SRUS). These large ulcers, particularly in the rectum, develop in the colon.