Colon polyps might sound scary, but knowing the symptoms can help you find them early. Colon polyps are small growths of cells that form on the lining of your colon or rectum. Most polyps are harmless, but some can turn into colon cancer. That’s why it’s important to know the warning signs. Here are five symptoms that could mean you have colon polyps.

Photo Source: Cleveland Clinic

You Might See Blood in Your Poop

One of the most common symptoms of colon polyps is blood in your stool. This can happen if a polyp bleeds when stool passes over it. You might see bright red blood mixed with your poop or on the toilet paper. Sometimes the blood can be darker, which can make your poop look almost black. But remember, bleeding can also be caused by other things like hemorrhoids, so if you see blood, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.

Changes in Bowel Habits That Last More Than a Week

If you’ve had changes in your bowel habits that you can’t explain, like constipation or diarrhea that lasts more than a week, it could be a sign of colon polyps. These changes can happen without any clear reason and may need medical attention. These growths can change how your colon works, which means your digestive system might act differently. Watch out for persistent changes, especially if they happen without any clear reason, like a change in your diet or an illness.

Abdominal Pain or Cramping That Feels Different

Polyps can sometimes cause pain or cramping in your belly. This can happen if a polyp gets big enough to partly block your colon, which can cause pain. The pain might come and go, or it could be constant. Pain from colon polyps usually doesn’t have an obvious cause and might feel different from a regular stomachache, like a typical stomachache.

Your Poop Looks Different Than Usual

Changes in how your poop looks can also be a symptom of colon polyps. If polyps get big, they can change the shape of your poop, making it thinner or ribbon-like. This happens because the growths partly block your colon, which changes the size of the poop that can pass through. If you notice that your poop looks different all the time, talk to your doctor.

You Feel Extra Tired or Weak

Feeling tired or weak for no reason can also be a sign of colon polyps. If a polyp is bleeding slowly over time, it can cause anemia (low red blood cell count). This can make you feel really tired, weak, and run down, even if you’re getting enough sleep. If you feel tired all the time and can’t figure out why, it’s a good idea to get checked by a doctor.

The Takeaway

Colon polyps often don’t cause symptoms, especially when they are small. That’s why regular screening, like a colonoscopy, is important for finding polyps before they turn into something more serious. If you notice any of the symptoms we talked about, contact your doctor. They may want to do some tests to figure out what’s going on and what to do next.

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