Bleeding with bowel movements

I am a 43-year-old female in basically good health.  I do not drink or smoke.  I have a history of hemorrhoids with bleeding with bowel movements.  As a result of this history, last March I underwent a colonoscopy that was negative.  I am again experiencing rectal bleeding with bowel movements.  My BMs are normal, but I have quite a lot of bright red blood on the tissue when I wipe, and at times in the toilet bowel.  I do have one small external hemorrhoid, but I cannot imagine that it is causing all this blood.  This has been going on for a week now.  Should I contact my gastroenterologist, or is my last colonoscopy "recent" enough to preclude needing another one?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the colonoscopy as it is the most comprehensive evaluation of the lower GI tract.  

It is possible that the bleeding can come from the external hemorrhoid, and if this is the case, a referral to a surgeon can be obtained to correct this.  

If the bleeding continues, you can consider a bleeding scan, which can evaluate for vascular conditions like AV malformations that may not be seen on the colonoscopy.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com