does this mean my stomach is bleeding???

So the last five or so time I've gone to the restroom my stool is black. I think I have heard this means your stomach is bleeding. To go along with this I have had sharp stomach pains. Is this about right? Also what should I do?

[Morecambe]

If there is upper G.I. bleeding then this can cause a blackness of your motions.  The medical name is melena and you may want to look this up on google to find out more information.  If you are taking iron supplement tablets then this can also cause a blackish colouration.

However, I do suggest that you seek medical advice and perhaps ask for an endoscopy if there is a strong suspicion that the bleeding originates from within the stomach - or close by.

regards
Morecambe

[mammo]

Your symptoms indicate a problem, you need to see a GI.

[lizzy100]

black colooured stools can be caused by blood which is serious, iron pills, blueberrys and liquorice can also make ur stoold a black colour. with the pain i would go to the docs asap and they should refer u to gastro.