Mildly Bloody Stool: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor

There are several possible causes of mildly bloody stool, including:

- Hemorrhoids: These are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can bleed when passing a stool.

- Anal fissures: These are small tears in the skin around the anus that can bleed when passing a stool.

- Diverticular disease: This is a condition in which small pouches form in the colon and can bleed when passing a stool.

- Ulcerative colitis: This is a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon that can cause bloody stool.

- Crohn's disease: This is a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract that can cause bloody stool.

- Colorectal cancer: This is a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum and can cause bloody stool.

It is important to see a doctor if you have bloody stool, as it may be a sign of a serious underlying condition. The doctor will likely perform a physical exam and order tests, such as a colonoscopy, to determine the cause of the bleeding.