I am 28. I have noticed blood in the toilet after a bowel movement. I can't tell if it is in my stool or coming from around my anus. I do not engage in any anal sex of any kind. What might be causing this?

David

The most common reason for someone your age to have what you have described is hemorrhoids. Another possibility is an anal fissure (a small tear of the skin around the anus), though these are usually accompanied by some discomfort when having a bowel movement. A rare patient can develop small tears around the anus from vigorously cleaning the area after a movement.

While these are the most likely possibilities, there are other remote causes, so I strongly recommend your visit your doctor. A single visit will reassure you and provide optimal treatment if you have hemorrhoids or a fissure.