Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS website.
Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.
You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

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This Week - R : Rectal Bleeding

A small amount of one-off bleeding from the bottom is not usually a serious problem. But a GP can check.

Check if you're bleeding from the bottom

You might be bleeding from the bottom if you have:

  • blood on your toilet paper
  • red streaks on the outside of your poo
  • pink water in the toilet bowl
  • blood in your poo or bloody diarrhoea
  • very dark poo (this can be blood mixed in poo)

A small amount of one-off bleeding can often go away on its own without needing treatment.

See a GP if:

  • you've had blood in your poo for 3 weeks
  • your poo has been softer, thinner or longer than normal for 3 weeks
  • you're in a lot of pain around the bottom
  • you have a pain or lump in your tummy
  • you've been more tired than usual
  • you've lost weight for no reason

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

  • your poo is black or dark red
  • you have bloody diarrhoea

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Go to A&E or call 999 if:

  • you're bleeding non-stop
  • there's a lot of blood - for example, the toilet water turns red or you see large blood clots
Find your nearest A&E

What happens at the GP appointment

If you have bleeding from your bottom, a GP will check what's causing it.

They might:

  • check your bottom (rectum) with a gloved finger (rectal examination)
  • ask for a sample of poo for testing
  • refer you to a specialist for tests

Bowel cancer risk

Bleeding from the bottom is sometimes a sign of bowel cancer.

This is easier to treat if it's found early, so it's important to get it checked.

If you have other symptoms, this might give you an idea of the cause.

Do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you're worried.



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We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features.

If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.

 

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