"What Causes Blood in Stool for Men?"
Blood in male stool is a common symptom that can arise from various causes, including improper diet, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, ulcerative colitis, rectal polyps, and rectal cancer. Here are the details:
1. Improper Diet:
Consuming excessive spicy or irritant foods or alcohol recently can lead to dry and hard stool, which may scratch the intestinal mucosa or anus during defecation, causing bleeding.
2. Hemorrhoids:
Hemorrhoids are soft venous clusters formed by dilation and tortuosity of venous plexus beneath the mucosa at the end of the rectum and under the skin of the anal canal. During defecation, due to increased intra-abdominal pressure, these venous clusters may rupture and bleed.
3. Anal Fissures:
Anal fissures are small ulcers caused by a full-thickness, longitudinal split in the skin of the anal canal. Dry, hard stool or excessive force during defecation can damage the anal canal skin, leading to bleeding.
4. Ulcerative Colitis:
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, non-specific inflammatory bowel disease primarily affecting the mucosa and submucosa of the rectum and colon. Inflammation causes congestion, edema, erosion, and ulceration of the intestinal mucosa, which may bleed during defecation.
5. Rectal Polyps:
Rectal polyps are elevated lesions on the surface of rectal mucosa, classified as adenomatous, inflammatory, hyperplastic, or hamartomatous polyps. The surface of polyps may become eroded or ulcerated, causing bleeding.
6. Rectal Cancer:
Rectal cancer is a malignancy originating from the epithelium and glands of the rectal mucosa. Tumor tissue may invade blood vessels, leading to bleeding. When blood in stool is observed, prompt medical attention for comprehensive examination and treatment is essential.
In daily life, it's advisable to consume fresh fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods such as apples, bananas, and celery to soften stool and reduce irritation. Additionally, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and spicy foods.