Rectal Bleeding

I'm a 28 year old male who is pretty active.  I go to the gym four times week, run everyday, and eat pretty well.  Three days ago I recently had a bowel movement and noticed bright red blood on the toliet paper.  I have had two more movements with the same result.  I have no pain what's so ever passing the movement, nor pain any were else in the Abdominal area.  I was wondering if this is something serious, what could be wrong, and what do I need to do to treat it.  THank you

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Blood in the toilet at your age is normally due to hemorrhoids.  However, more serious causes like a colon polyp, or even cancer, cannot be excluded - although the changes are less likely.

I would consider a flexible sigmoidoscopy at this time.  This can exclude the more serious causes, but if it continues despite a normal test, a more comprehensive colonoscopy can be performed.

This option can be discussed with your personal physician.

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

Kevin Pho, M.D.
KevinMD.com