Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Definitions

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding


Overview

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding is from the small intestine, large intestine, rectum or anus. Causes may include constipation, hemorrhoids and cancer.

Symptoms

It can appear as blood in the stool, on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. Blood may appear dark maroon to bright red.

Treatments

It's important to see a doctor at any sign of such bleeding.