'Should I worry about blood on the toilet paper?'

our online advisors reply:

Small amounts of fresh blood on the toilet paper after a bowel movement can be a sign that you have haemorrhoids, often known as piles. Piles are blood vessels around the anus that have become swollen. Sometimes they pop out of the anus in a small lump.

Piles are not usually a serious condition, and they are extremely common once people reach adulthood. They can be sore and uncomfortable though.

One frequent cause is straining when you go to the toilet, usually caused by constipation. This means that it's often possible to get rid of haemorrhoids simply by making sure there is enough fibre – especially from fruit and vegetables – in the diet, so that the stools are the right consistency.

It's also possible to get creams from a pharmacy that shrink the piles and reduce any pain. You don't need a prescription to get haemorrhoid ointment. However, there are other more serious health problems that can cause bleeding from the anus and I would recommend that you pay a visit to your doctor for a check-up. Obviously it's impossible to give a diagnosis over the internet.

Many people find the idea of having their bottom examined extremely embarrassing. If that's how you feel, it might help to remember that examining people with problems like yours is just part of the job to a GP. Try not to let embarrassment get in the way of having a proper examination and diagnosis.

Our article bottoms up, will give more information about haemorrhoids.

So, Mike, the spots of blood on the toilet paper probably aren't something to worry about too much. But do get yourself checked out, just to be sure.

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