Noticing rectal bleeding after a workout might cause you to feel alarmed. However, most cases of rectal bleeding are not a medical emergency and often result from temporary conditions such as constipation or injuries to the skin around the anus. Most cases of rectal bleeding after workouts are preventable and treatable with dietary changes and medical care.
Features
You might notice rectal bleeding as blood in your stool, on the toilet paper after you wipe, or in the water in the toilet bowl. Blood that results from rectal bleeding can range in color from bright red to a dark, almost black color. The bleeding might only occur during or just after a workout, or it could linger on for a few days. In addition to bleeding, you might also notice discomfort after a bowel movement or when you wipe. In some cases, you might notice pain in or around your rectum when performing exercises that stretch the muscles around the rectum, such as squats, splits or leg lifts.
Causes
Constipation is a common cause of rectal bleeding, especially in those who take certain types of supplements or those who do not consume the daily recommended allowance of fiber or water. Tears in the skin around the anus can cause the rectum to bleed, and could result from repeated exercises that stretch the muscles around the rectum. Ulcers, hemorrhoids and inflammation within the rectum can also cause rectal bleeding during and after workouts. If you have a chronic condition such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or colon polyps, these can also cause bleeding after exercise. Rarely, bleeding from the rectum after a workout could result from a more serious condition such as colon cancer or ischemic colitis, but consult your physician for an official diagnosis.
Warning
Pregnant women who notice any bleeding after exercise should immediately call their obstetrician or seek medical evaluation at a hospital, as this symptom could indicate an emergency situation for the mother or baby. A medical professional will conduct an exam to determine the source of the bleeding and might perform maternal or fetal monitoring.
Treatments
Treat rectal bleeding caused by constipation or hemorrhoids with self-care measures such as dabbing the rectum with cotton soaked in witch hazel or using an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream to reduce swelling, irritation and bleeding of the rectum. Your doctor might suggest dietary changes such as increasing fiber and decreasing consumption of fats to help treat rectal bleeding resulting from constipation.
Prevention
Avoiding prolonged sitting or exercises that put pressure on the muscles of the rectum, such as squats, can help prevent rectal bleeding after exercise, especially in those who have hemorrhoids. Eating a diet rich in fiber and drinking plenty of water can help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids that can cause rectal bleeding during workouts. In addition, taking a stool softener as recommended by your doctor can help prevent rectal bleeding caused by constipation or tears near the anus.
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