Experiencing blood in the stool might sound frightening, but it is not always a sign of something perilous; in many cases, it is simply a warning sign that warrants further attention. A person who notices black or blood-streaked bowel movements should contact a doctor. The darker the blood, the more internal the issue: light red blood indicates bleeding around the anus, while dark blood indicates blood that has traveled from the colon or small intestine.

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