What does bloody mucus in stools indicate?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am an 18-year-old female with no prior history of this issue. I have had constipation for a while and I finally managed to defecate. However, as I stood up, a thin line of blood, appearing like mucus in consistency, came from my anus. I should note that I am on my period, but I confirmed the string of blood's origin before freaking out too much. I do not take any medications, I am not sexually active, and I do not have any form of birth control. I exercise occasionally. What could have caused that blood?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Most likely it is because of erosion of mucosa due to hard stools. Usually, bright and fresh blood in the stool comes from a tear in the tissues of the rectum, or from hemorrhoids and would normally be combined with constipation, straining to have a bowel movement. As per your query, yes it can be hemorrhoids. Digital and proctoscopic examination by a surgeon should be done to examine the rectal mucosa. Pain is not always associated with hemorrhoids. Though not asked but you have mentioned that you need to strain a lot while passing stool. This can cause erosion of the soft mucosa of the rectum leading to bleed. A drastic change in the lifestyle is required. Not exercising enough, not drinking enough water, and delaying a bowel movement can worsen the situation.

Take a natural and simple diet.
Fruits and vegetables, which contain high amounts of fiber, should be added to your diet.
Whole-grain bread, bran, oatmeal, beans, and lentils can also relieve the problem so use it instead of highly processed rice, eat brown rice, or millet.
Take Fybogel Hi-Fibre sachet containing the active ingredient Ispaghula husk, which is a type of medicine called a bulk-forming laxative. Ispaghula is a type of fiber. It swells when it comes into contact with fluid in the gut and thus increases the volume of the feces. It will increase the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
While sitting on the toilet, support the feet on a small stool in order to achieve a normal position that aids in bowel movement.
Avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
Drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Water helps push the food through the intestines and also helps lubricate intestinal tissues. When the body is dehydrated, the intestines absorb the fluids from the food waste, which in turn leads to hardened stools.
You can take two tablespoons of Lactulose (Galactose and Fructose) every night for a few days to soften stools.

Follow up after a week.

I hope to have been helpful and wish you good health,

Thanks.