Flat oval stools

[Paparoach]

40 year old male. Often have flat oval shaped stools with streaks of bright red blood on surface from time to time. Other times the stool is loose or broken into small pieces that sink to bottom of bowl. No pain but I do have a good amount of anal itching often. I don’t remember having had a regular bowel movement In years. Am I right to worry?

[nieldy]

maybe you have hemmoroids?? my mom has it and it's very itchy

[Dalph87]

Blood in the stool should always be evaluated by a doctor, it could be just piles or anal fissures but it can also be IBD.

Please get it checked.

Do you strain during bowel movements?

From the sound of it, it could be just piles or an anal fissure.

[Paparoach in reply to Dalph87]

No straining. It usually comes out really easy. Often it doesn’t feel like much has come out and then When I look, there is a really long flat or narrow stool in the bowl. Stool sometimes also has an oily, slimy look to it.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Paparoach, thanks for sharing and posting in our community. Sorry to hear about the issues you've been experiencing. It is a good idea to see a specialist, and you are approaching the recommended age of screening for colorectal cancer (45). The bright red blood may indicate an issue further down (rectal/anal area vs. higher up in the colon where you'd more often see a darker blood infused in the stool not on the surface).

Having said that, the only way to know is to be seen by a specialist. It is a good idea to keep track of the various types of bowel movements you've been having, as well as to note any unusual activity or exercise (for instance, biking could irritate the anal area).

In regards to your questions "am I right to worry?" I think if something seems off with your body you should get it checked out and that's the only way you'll know for certain.

Please keep us posted