Some health symptoms are commonly ignored, but doctors warn that doing so can be dangerous. One of the most concerning is noticing blood in your stool or urine.
It might seem like a minor or one-time issue, but this sign can point to serious underlying conditions. Here, we’ll cover why this symptom requires urgent attention, what it could mean, and the steps you should take if it happens to you.
Why you should pay attention to blood in stool or urine
Spotting blood where it shouldn’t be is never something to ignore. Even when it’s painless or appears only once, it could signal problems that range from mild to life-threatening.
Blood in stool may result from gastrointestinal bleeding, hemorrhoids, ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease. But it can also be an early sign of colorectal cancer, one of the most common cancers in the United States. Because these conditions can progress quietly, early detection is critical for effective treatment.
In urine, blood can indicate infections like urinary tract infections or kidney infections. It may also point to kidney stones, prostate disorders, or bladder cancer. Sometimes the bleeding is visible, while in other cases it is microscopic and only detected through lab tests. Either way, a medical evaluation is necessary, and that highlights the importance of regular check-ups.
Doctors emphasize that ignoring this warning sign increases the risk of complications. For instance, untreated kidney stones can cause lasting damage to the urinary tract, and gastrointestinal bleeding can lead to anemia or even require emergency intervention. More importantly, catching cancer early often makes treatment less invasive and improves survival rates.
What can you do if you notice this sign
If you find blood in your stool or urine, don’t delay making an appointment with a specialist. Take a look at the following recommendations by experts:
- Keep track of details: Note when the bleeding occurs, how often, and whether you experience other symptoms such as pain, weight loss, fatigue, or fever. This information helps doctors pinpoint possible causes.
- Avoid self-diagnosis: Online searches can increase anxiety and may lead you to dismiss or misinterpret symptoms. Only a medical evaluation can confirm the source of bleeding.
- Seek the right specialist: Gastroenterologists focus on the digestive system and are best equipped to investigate blood in stool. For blood in urine, urologists can check for infections, kidney issues, or bladder problems.
- Don’t wait for it to get worse: Even if the bleeding seems minor or disappears, schedule an exam. Conditions like cancer and ulcers can bleed intermittently, and waiting can delay treatment.
- Go to the emergency department if symptoms escalate: Severe pain, dizziness, or large amounts of blood require immediate care. These could signal major bleeding or organ damage.
Recognizing blood in stool or urine should never be brushed aside as “probably nothing”. It’s a sign that your body needs attention, and acting quickly can make all the difference. With timely medical care, many of the conditions behind this symptom are treatable, and early action helps prevent complications down the line.