Blood in stool
Blood in the stool or on the toilet paper is one of the most common reasons for visiting a proctologist. In most cases the bleeding has a minor cause, for example hemorrhoids or an anal fissure. Bleeding, however, should never be dismissed – its cause should always be assessed by a doctor.
- The examination is led by MUDr. Karim Masalkhi with more than 20 years of experience and over 2000 successfully operated patients
- Acute appointments within 24 hours, including weekends and holidays
- Anoscopy and rectoscopy right at the outpatient clinic, with the result immediately after the examination
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II) | Žilina – Alexandra Rudnaya 100
What does blood in the stool mean?
Blood in the stool is a symptom, not a disease of its own. It can appear as bright red blood on the toilet paper or on the surface of the stool, as blood dripping into the bowl, or as dark blood mixed with the stool. The appearance of the bleeding tells the doctor roughly where its source is.
Bright red blood most often comes from the rectum or the anal canal – typically with hemorrhoids or an anal fissure. Darker blood mixed with the stool can signal a source located higher up in the colon.
Without an examination, however, the cause cannot be reliably determined. Even a patient with long-standing hemorrhoids can at the same time have another, more serious source of bleeding – which is why every bleeding should be assessed by a doctor.
When bleeding is usually minor
The most common causes of blood in the stool are very treatable proctological conditions.
- Bright red blood on the paper or on the surface of the stool with hemorrhoids
- Bleeding accompanied by sharp pain during bowel movements, typical of an anal fissure
- Bleeding after hard stool or with constipation that quickly stops
- Slight bleeding from an anal polyp or an irritated lining
Even with these signs, the diagnosis should be confirmed by a doctor – home self-diagnosis tends to be inaccurate.
Warning signs not to put off
The following symptoms can point to a more serious disease and require a thorough examination.
- A change in the character or frequency of your stool lasting several weeks
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Anemia, long-term fatigue, paleness or breathlessness
- Dark blood mixed with the stool, or black tarry stool
- Age over 45, or colon cancer in the family
Diagnosis
The basis is a specialist proctological examination complemented by an anoscopy or rectoscopy – a gentle optical examination of the anal canal and rectum. It takes up to 15 minutes, and you learn the result and the proposed treatment right away.
If the findings do not explain the bleeding, or if warning signs are present, the doctor recommends a colonoscopy – an examination of the entire colon that also reveals a source of bleeding located higher up.
Treatment at our clinic
We treat the cause of the bleeding. After precise diagnostics we propose a gentle solution for the specific condition.
Hemorrhoids
The most common cause of blood in the stool. We treat them with modern gentle methods, from rubber band ligation to the LHP® laser surgery.
Anal fissure
A painful tear in the lining of the anal canal that bleeds during bowel movements. We treat it conservatively as well as with a gentle laser procedure.
Anal polyps
Growths of the lining that can bleed. We remove them on an outpatient basis, including histological examination.
When to see a doctor immediately?
Some forms of bleeding require an examination without delay.
- Heavier or repeated rectal bleeding
- Black tarry stool
- Bleeding accompanied by weakness, dizziness or a racing heart
- Bleeding together with fever or abdominal pain
- Any bleeding in a person over 45 or with a family history
Don't wait for the bleeding to pass on its own
For acute cases we examine you within 24 hours, including weekends and holidays. Call +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about blood in the stool
No, the most common causes are hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, which can be treated well. However, we never recommend dismissing bleeding – without an examination a more serious cause cannot be ruled out, so it should always be assessed by a doctor.
Bright red blood usually comes from the rectum or the anal canal, for example with hemorrhoids or a fissure. Dark blood mixed with the stool, or black stool, can mean a source located higher up in the digestive tract and requires a more thorough examination.
The doctor first talks with you about your problems, followed by a gentle proctological examination complemented, if needed, by an anoscopy or rectoscopy. The whole examination takes up to 15 minutes, and you learn the result and the proposed treatment right away.
Not always. If the anoscopy or rectoscopy clearly reveals the source of the bleeding and no warning signs are present, a colonoscopy may not be needed. If a higher source is suspected, or if risk factors are present, the doctor will recommend it.
The initial examination costs 80 euros, a comprehensive examination including rectoscopy 100 euros. An acute initial examination within 24 hours costs 100 euros. We are a private clinic, not contracted with public health insurers.
No, you do not need a referral with us. You book directly by phone, and we can give you an appointment within 24 hours, including weekends and holidays.
Related topics
Hemorrhoids
The most common cause of rectal bleeding. Modern gentle treatment from rubber band ligation to the LHP® laser.
Anal fissure
Sharp pain and blood during bowel movements are typical of a tear in the anal canal. It can be treated gently and effectively.
Anal polyps
Growths of the rectal lining can bleed and need to be removed and examined histologically.
Who will take care of you
MUDr. Karim Masalkhi
Founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic · surgeon – proctologist
A recognized specialist with more than 20 years of experience in minimally invasive proctology and laser surgery, with over 2000 successfully operated patients. He regularly attends training placements abroad focused on the most modern techniques of minimally invasive surgery, proctology and surgical oncology.
- Certified in the LHP® method – he was the first to bring laser surgery of hemorrhoids and anal fissures to Slovakia
- A specialist in correcting unsuccessful proctological surgeries of hemorrhoids and anal fissures
- He personally guarantees expertise, safety and a considerate approach to every patient
MUDr. Manuchekhr Burkhanov
Proctologist · office: Bratislava
He focuses on the diagnosis and outpatient treatment of proctological conditions – hemorrhoids, anal fissure and other disorders of the rectum – with a discreet and individual approach. He communicates with patients in Slovak, Russian and English.
MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak
Surgeon – proctologist · office: Žilina
At the Proctocare office in Žilina you will be cared for by MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak – a surgeon at the surgical department of the FNsP Žilina hospital. He focuses on proctological examinations, diagnosis of rectal disorders and minimally invasive proctological procedures with an emphasis on precise diagnosis and individual care.
Author and medical review: Your health is in the hands of MUDr. Karim Masalkhi – founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic, a proctologist with more than 20 years of experience and over 2000 treated patients. · Last medical review: July 2026
Have you noticed blood in your stool?
Don’t live with question marks – book a discreet examination with an appointment within 24 hours.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
Žilina: Alexandra Rudnaya 100, 010 01 · by appointment
info@proctocare.sk
Blood in stool
Blood in the stool or on the toilet paper is one of the most common reasons for visiting a proctologist. In most cases the bleeding has a minor cause, for example hemorrhoids or an anal fissure. Bleeding, however, should never be dismissed – its cause should always be assessed by a doctor.
- The examination is led by MUDr. Karim Masalkhi with more than 20 years of experience and over 2000 successfully operated patients
- Acute appointments within 24 hours, including weekends and holidays
- Anoscopy and rectoscopy right at the outpatient clinic, with the result immediately after the examination
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II) | Žilina – Alexandra Rudnaya 100
What does blood in the stool mean?
Blood in the stool is a symptom, not a disease of its own. It can appear as bright red blood on the toilet paper or on the surface of the stool, as blood dripping into the bowl, or as dark blood mixed with the stool. The appearance of the bleeding tells the doctor roughly where its source is.
Bright red blood most often comes from the rectum or the anal canal – typically with hemorrhoids or an anal fissure. Darker blood mixed with the stool can signal a source located higher up in the colon.
Without an examination, however, the cause cannot be reliably determined. Even a patient with long-standing hemorrhoids can at the same time have another, more serious source of bleeding – which is why every bleeding should be assessed by a doctor.
When bleeding is usually minor
The most common causes of blood in the stool are very treatable proctological conditions.
- Bright red blood on the paper or on the surface of the stool with hemorrhoids
- Bleeding accompanied by sharp pain during bowel movements, typical of an anal fissure
- Bleeding after hard stool or with constipation that quickly stops
- Slight bleeding from an anal polyp or an irritated lining
Even with these signs, the diagnosis should be confirmed by a doctor – home self-diagnosis tends to be inaccurate.
Warning signs not to put off
The following symptoms can point to a more serious disease and require a thorough examination.
- A change in the character or frequency of your stool lasting several weeks
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Anemia, long-term fatigue, paleness or breathlessness
- Dark blood mixed with the stool, or black tarry stool
- Age over 45, or colon cancer in the family
Diagnosis
The basis is a specialist proctological examination complemented by an anoscopy or rectoscopy – a gentle optical examination of the anal canal and rectum. It takes up to 15 minutes, and you learn the result and the proposed treatment right away.
If the findings do not explain the bleeding, or if warning signs are present, the doctor recommends a colonoscopy – an examination of the entire colon that also reveals a source of bleeding located higher up.
Treatment at our clinic
We treat the cause of the bleeding. After precise diagnostics we propose a gentle solution for the specific condition.
Hemorrhoids
The most common cause of blood in the stool. We treat them with modern gentle methods, from rubber band ligation to the LHP® laser surgery.
Anal fissure
A painful tear in the lining of the anal canal that bleeds during bowel movements. We treat it conservatively as well as with a gentle laser procedure.
Anal polyps
Growths of the lining that can bleed. We remove them on an outpatient basis, including histological examination.
When to see a doctor immediately?
Some forms of bleeding require an examination without delay.
- Heavier or repeated rectal bleeding
- Black tarry stool
- Bleeding accompanied by weakness, dizziness or a racing heart
- Bleeding together with fever or abdominal pain
- Any bleeding in a person over 45 or with a family history
Don't wait for the bleeding to pass on its own
For acute cases we examine you within 24 hours, including weekends and holidays. Call +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about blood in the stool
No, the most common causes are hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, which can be treated well. However, we never recommend dismissing bleeding – without an examination a more serious cause cannot be ruled out, so it should always be assessed by a doctor.
Bright red blood usually comes from the rectum or the anal canal, for example with hemorrhoids or a fissure. Dark blood mixed with the stool, or black stool, can mean a source located higher up in the digestive tract and requires a more thorough examination.
The doctor first talks with you about your problems, followed by a gentle proctological examination complemented, if needed, by an anoscopy or rectoscopy. The whole examination takes up to 15 minutes, and you learn the result and the proposed treatment right away.
Not always. If the anoscopy or rectoscopy clearly reveals the source of the bleeding and no warning signs are present, a colonoscopy may not be needed. If a higher source is suspected, or if risk factors are present, the doctor will recommend it.
The initial examination costs 80 euros, a comprehensive examination including rectoscopy 100 euros. An acute initial examination within 24 hours costs 100 euros. We are a private clinic, not contracted with public health insurers.
No, you do not need a referral with us. You book directly by phone, and we can give you an appointment within 24 hours, including weekends and holidays.
Related topics
Hemorrhoids
The most common cause of rectal bleeding. Modern gentle treatment from rubber band ligation to the LHP® laser.
Anal fissure
Sharp pain and blood during bowel movements are typical of a tear in the anal canal. It can be treated gently and effectively.
Anal polyps
Growths of the rectal lining can bleed and need to be removed and examined histologically.
Who will take care of you
MUDr. Karim Masalkhi
Founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic · surgeon – proctologist
A recognized specialist with more than 20 years of experience in minimally invasive proctology and laser surgery, with over 2000 successfully operated patients. He regularly attends training placements abroad focused on the most modern techniques of minimally invasive surgery, proctology and surgical oncology.
- Certified in the LHP® method – he was the first to bring laser surgery of hemorrhoids and anal fissures to Slovakia
- A specialist in correcting unsuccessful proctological surgeries of hemorrhoids and anal fissures
- He personally guarantees expertise, safety and a considerate approach to every patient
MUDr. Manuchekhr Burkhanov
Proctologist · office: Bratislava
He focuses on the diagnosis and outpatient treatment of proctological conditions – hemorrhoids, anal fissure and other disorders of the rectum – with a discreet and individual approach. He communicates with patients in Slovak, Russian and English.
MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak
Surgeon – proctologist · office: Žilina
At the Proctocare office in Žilina you will be cared for by MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak – a surgeon at the surgical department of the FNsP Žilina hospital. He focuses on proctological examinations, diagnosis of rectal disorders and minimally invasive proctological procedures with an emphasis on precise diagnosis and individual care.
Author and medical review: Your health is in the hands of MUDr. Karim Masalkhi – founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic, a proctologist with more than 20 years of experience and over 2000 treated patients. · Last medical review: July 2026
Have you noticed blood in your stool?
Don’t live with question marks – book a discreet examination with an appointment within 24 hours.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
Žilina: Alexandra Rudnaya 100, 010 01 · by appointment
info@proctocare.sk
Blood in stool
Blood in the stool or on the toilet paper is one of the most common reasons for visiting a proctologist. In most cases the bleeding has a minor cause, for example hemorrhoids or an anal fissure. Bleeding, however, should never be dismissed – its cause should always be assessed by a doctor.
- The examination is led by MUDr. Karim Masalkhi with more than 20 years of experience and over 2000 successfully operated patients
- Acute appointments within 24 hours, including weekends and holidays
- Anoscopy and rectoscopy right at the outpatient clinic, with the result immediately after the examination
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II) | Žilina – Alexandra Rudnaya 100
What does blood in the stool mean?
Blood in the stool is a symptom, not a disease of its own. It can appear as bright red blood on the toilet paper or on the surface of the stool, as blood dripping into the bowl, or as dark blood mixed with the stool. The appearance of the bleeding tells the doctor roughly where its source is.
Bright red blood most often comes from the rectum or the anal canal – typically with hemorrhoids or an anal fissure. Darker blood mixed with the stool can signal a source located higher up in the colon.
Without an examination, however, the cause cannot be reliably determined. Even a patient with long-standing hemorrhoids can at the same time have another, more serious source of bleeding – which is why every bleeding should be assessed by a doctor.
When bleeding is usually minor
The most common causes of blood in the stool are very treatable proctological conditions.
- Bright red blood on the paper or on the surface of the stool with hemorrhoids
- Bleeding accompanied by sharp pain during bowel movements, typical of an anal fissure
- Bleeding after hard stool or with constipation that quickly stops
- Slight bleeding from an anal polyp or an irritated lining
Even with these signs, the diagnosis should be confirmed by a doctor – home self-diagnosis tends to be inaccurate.
Warning signs not to put off
The following symptoms can point to a more serious disease and require a thorough examination.
- A change in the character or frequency of your stool lasting several weeks
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Anemia, long-term fatigue, paleness or breathlessness
- Dark blood mixed with the stool, or black tarry stool
- Age over 45, or colon cancer in the family
Diagnosis
The basis is a specialist proctological examination complemented by an anoscopy or rectoscopy – a gentle optical examination of the anal canal and rectum. It takes up to 15 minutes, and you learn the result and the proposed treatment right away.
If the findings do not explain the bleeding, or if warning signs are present, the doctor recommends a colonoscopy – an examination of the entire colon that also reveals a source of bleeding located higher up.
Treatment at our clinic
We treat the cause of the bleeding. After precise diagnostics we propose a gentle solution for the specific condition.
Hemorrhoids
The most common cause of blood in the stool. We treat them with modern gentle methods, from rubber band ligation to the LHP® laser surgery.
Anal fissure
A painful tear in the lining of the anal canal that bleeds during bowel movements. We treat it conservatively as well as with a gentle laser procedure.
Anal polyps
Growths of the lining that can bleed. We remove them on an outpatient basis, including histological examination.
When to see a doctor immediately?
Some forms of bleeding require an examination without delay.
- Heavier or repeated rectal bleeding
- Black tarry stool
- Bleeding accompanied by weakness, dizziness or a racing heart
- Bleeding together with fever or abdominal pain
- Any bleeding in a person over 45 or with a family history
Don't wait for the bleeding to pass on its own
For acute cases we examine you within 24 hours, including weekends and holidays. Call +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about blood in the stool
No, the most common causes are hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, which can be treated well. However, we never recommend dismissing bleeding – without an examination a more serious cause cannot be ruled out, so it should always be assessed by a doctor.
Bright red blood usually comes from the rectum or the anal canal, for example with hemorrhoids or a fissure. Dark blood mixed with the stool, or black stool, can mean a source located higher up in the digestive tract and requires a more thorough examination.
The doctor first talks with you about your problems, followed by a gentle proctological examination complemented, if needed, by an anoscopy or rectoscopy. The whole examination takes up to 15 minutes, and you learn the result and the proposed treatment right away.
Not always. If the anoscopy or rectoscopy clearly reveals the source of the bleeding and no warning signs are present, a colonoscopy may not be needed. If a higher source is suspected, or if risk factors are present, the doctor will recommend it.
The initial examination costs 80 euros, a comprehensive examination including rectoscopy 100 euros. An acute initial examination within 24 hours costs 100 euros. We are a private clinic, not contracted with public health insurers.
No, you do not need a referral with us. You book directly by phone, and we can give you an appointment within 24 hours, including weekends and holidays.
Related topics
Hemorrhoids
The most common cause of rectal bleeding. Modern gentle treatment from rubber band ligation to the LHP® laser.
Anal fissure
Sharp pain and blood during bowel movements are typical of a tear in the anal canal. It can be treated gently and effectively.
Anal polyps
Growths of the rectal lining can bleed and need to be removed and examined histologically.
Who will take care of you
MUDr. Karim Masalkhi
Founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic · surgeon – proctologist
A recognized specialist with more than 20 years of experience in minimally invasive proctology and laser surgery, with over 2000 successfully operated patients. He regularly attends training placements abroad focused on the most modern techniques of minimally invasive surgery, proctology and surgical oncology.
- Certified in the LHP® method – he was the first to bring laser surgery of hemorrhoids and anal fissures to Slovakia
- A specialist in correcting unsuccessful proctological surgeries of hemorrhoids and anal fissures
- He personally guarantees expertise, safety and a considerate approach to every patient
MUDr. Manuchekhr Burkhanov
Proctologist · office: Bratislava
He focuses on the diagnosis and outpatient treatment of proctological conditions – hemorrhoids, anal fissure and other disorders of the rectum – with a discreet and individual approach. He communicates with patients in Slovak, Russian and English.
MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak
Surgeon – proctologist · office: Žilina
At the Proctocare office in Žilina you will be cared for by MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak – a surgeon at the surgical department of the FNsP Žilina hospital. He focuses on proctological examinations, diagnosis of rectal disorders and minimally invasive proctological procedures with an emphasis on precise diagnosis and individual care.
Author and medical review: Your health is in the hands of MUDr. Karim Masalkhi – founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic, a proctologist with more than 20 years of experience and over 2000 treated patients. · Last medical review: July 2026
Have you noticed blood in your stool?
Don’t live with question marks – book a discreet examination with an appointment within 24 hours.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
Žilina: Alexandra Rudnaya 100, 010 01 · by appointment
info@proctocare.sk