What is the medical term for blood in the stool?

The medical term for blood in the stool is indeed hematochezia. This term is used specifically to describe the presence of fresh blood in the stool, which is often indicative of bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as the colon or rectum. It is important in clinical settings because it helps healthcare providers pinpoint potential sources of bleeding and evaluate gastrointestinal health.

Melena, another term related to blood in the stool, refers to black, tarry stools caused by the digestion of blood, typically indicating a more proximal source of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Dysmenorrhea is related to painful menstruation, and balanitis refers to inflammation of the glans penis. These terms do not pertain to blood in the stool, making hematochezia the appropriate choice for this specific condition.