Although hemorrhoids aren’t usually serious, the bleeding that accompanies them may be alarming. Someone who has yet to experience hemorrhoids may mistake the blood for something more serious, such as internal bleeding; however, bright red blood is characteristic of internal hemorrhoids and should not be cause for concern. Internal hemorrhoids form as a result of the swelling of small veins at the top of the anal canal and have symptoms similar to those associated with external hemorrhoids.

While finding bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement is typical with hemorrhoids, discovering blood that’s a color other than bright red may be indicative of a more serious condition. Black blood is commonly associated with bleeding in the stomach or upper intestines, while dark red blood is usually present with bleeding in the lower intestines. Regardless of color, if blood is present after a bowel movement, one should consult a doctor to rule out more serious conditions such as anal, rectal or colon cancer.