Rectal Bleeding

Some causes of rectal bleeding are associated with diarrhea or urges to have a bowel movement before your stool is fully formed or when your rectum is still empty. A pattern of repeated urges to have a bowel movement that do not result in passing of stool is a symptom called "tenesmus." Diarrhea or tenesmus can be important clues to the cause of rectal bleeding.

Are you having new diarrhea or urges that do not help you to pass stool? Yes, I am having diarrhea or rectal urges. No, I am not having these symptoms.

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Online Medical Reviewer: LeWine, Howard MD Date Last Reviewed: 5/3/2006 Date Last Modified: 3/30/2006 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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