The presence of blood in your stool can range from mild to serious causes. It's important to assess the color, amount, and frequency of the blood, as this helps determine the underlying issue. Possible Causes of Blood in Stool: 1. Bright Red Blood (Hematochezia) – Usually Lower GI Tract Hemorrhoids (most common) – Swollen veins in the rectum/anus, often from straining. Anal Fissures – Small tears in the anal lining, often painful during bowel movements. Diverticulosis – Small pouches in the colon that can bleed (usually painless but can be heavy). Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (often with mucus/diarrhea). Infections – Bacterial (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli) or parasitic infections. Colon Polyps or Cancer – May cause intermittent bleeding (requires medical evaluation). 2. Dark, Tarry, or Black Stool (Melena) – Upper GI Bleeding Peptic Ulcers – Stomach or duodenal ulcers (often due to H. pylori or NSAIDs like ibuprofen). Gastritis – Stomach inflammation (from alcohol, stress, or medications). Esophageal Varices – Swollen veins in the esophagus (common in liver disease). GERD or Esophagitis – Severe acid reflux causing bleeding. 3. Other Causes Food Coloring/Medications (e.g., iron supplements, bismuth/Pepto-Bismol can darken stool). Colon or Rectal Cancer – May cause hidden (occult) or visible blood