Over time does struggling to have a bowel movement cause rectal bleeding?

Probably: Very often straining during bowel movements can lead to flaring up of hemorrhoids or even small tears called fissures, both of which can bleed. But rectal bleeding should always be checked out thoroughly for other more serious possibilities.

Straining: Can cause hemorrhoidal swelling or if the stool is dry and hard can cause a tear or fissure, both of which can lead to bleeding. Remember, no amount of bleeding is normal! get a thorough evaluation to make sure the constipation and bleeding is not due to some other more significant problem.