Bleeding from the rectum in females after a bowel movement can be a scary experience. At first we may panic and think the worst has happened because blood in our stool is not a natural occurrence and should be furthur looked into. Usually it is something simple, like anal fissures which are cuts or scrapes along the gastrointestinal tract. These are usually near the opening of the anus. Fissures are a fairly common condition. It affects people of all ages males and females. Hard stools are the main cause of anal fissures. This happens during a bowel movement when the hard stool scrapes along the anal lining. Those who suffer from constipation have a tendency to strain to pass a stool.

Another common condition that may cause rectal bleeding is hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can cause bleeding from the rectum in females and men alike. Although many people have hemorrhoids not all experience the same symptoms. The most common symptom of hemorrhoids is bright red blood,  blood covering the stool, blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.

Pregnancy is another common cause of bleeding from the rectum in females. The pregnancy causes constipation, then straining and finally a hemorrhoid may result. The reason may be partly mechanical in that the pressure of the heavy womb caused by the baby compresses the intestine and pressures the rectum. Hormonal problems also caused by rising progesterone levels can occur. The more progesterone the less likely the colon is able to absorb water which helps the stool to slide down the anal passages. For most women this is a temporary situation and things will become normal after the child birth.

Then we have more serious problems of  bleeding from the rectum in females like colon cancer, rectal cancer, stomach cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease, irritable bowel and peptic ulcers to name a few.

A thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis by a doctor is very important. Be concerned anytime there is bleeding from the rectum or with any situation where the blood is found in the stool. Your doctor will examine the anus and rectum to look for swollen blood vessels and perform a digital rectal exam with a gloved lubricated finger to feel for abnormalities or lumps. There are other more complete examinations to check out the entire rectum to rule out all causes of bleeding from the rectum.