Blood when defecting. Emergency?

Hi.

About three weeks ago, I started bleeding when I defecate. This has happened before, but it just happens once every few months or years, so I make nothing of it. However, this time, it has gone on almost continuously for the better part of the past three weeks. There is always at least a little blood, sometimes little chunks of blood, sometimes all the water in the toilet is red. I'm wondering, is this something that maybe I should rush to the doctor about? What kind of doctor should I see? Thank you in advance.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
The causes of bleeding per rectum include hemorrhoids, anal fissure, diverticulosis, colitis, malignancy, polyps and angiodysplasia.
In your case hemorrhoids are more likley.
Anoproctoscopy may be done for evaluation.

[aar1151]

I have had ulcerative colitus for abour 35 years.  It might only be hemorrhoids but it could be colitus.  You need to see a gastroenterologist.  Good luck.  aar1151