Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPotential CausesTreatment OptionsTestingWhom to Contact
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Potential Causes
Treatment Options
Testing
Whom to Contact
Rectal discharge can be a concerning medical symptom. While it can occur after a bowel movement, rectal discharge can also happen at other times. You’re most likely to notice the problem when you wipe or as a wet sensation. It can also occur as a stain on your underwear during normal activities.
Rectal discharge can occur as a symptom of many problems, such as gastrointestinal conditions, infections,sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and certain drugs. It can include any type of fluid, with a consistency ranging from jellylike to watery. The severity of the problem and proper treatment depend on the cause.
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11 Potential Causes of Rectal Discharge
1. Gastrointestinal Infections
2. Ulcerative Colitis
3. Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s diseaseis a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause swelling in any part of your digestive tract, from your mouth to your anus. It is most likely to affect your small intestine and the start of your large intestine.
4. Anal Abscess, Fistula, or Fissure
Rectal discharge can occur when gastrointestinal conditions cause the formation of one of the following abnormalities and leakage occurs:
5. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins around your rectum or anus. Hemorrhoids can beexternal(located under the skin around your anus) or internal (located in the lining of your anus and lower rectum). Enlarged hemorrhoids can leak fluid in the form of rectal mucus.
6. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
7. Rectal Prolapse
Rectal prolapseis a rare condition in which your rectum drops through your anus. As the lining of the protruding rectum thickens from being unattached, it may lead to seepage of mucus or other fluid. Being over age 50 increases your risk of rectal prolapse. The condition can occur in one of the following ways:
8. Medications
Drug classes include:
Specific drugs include:
9. Sexually Transmitted Infections
Rectal discharge can occur as a symptom of certain STIs, including:
10. Anal Cancer
Though rare,anal canceris a type of cancer that develops in the cells and tissues of the skin lining the inside or on the outside of your anus. Rectal discharge can occuras a symptomin the early stages of anal cancer.
11. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapytreatments can damage the mucous membranes that line your gastrointestinal tract and cause rectal discharge. While the discharge is often temporary, it can last for months or longer, depending on your condition and the treatments used.
Surgeries and Rectal DischargeRectal discharge can also occur as a side effect of the following types of invasive anorectal surgeries and treatments that involve your lower intestine. These can include:Ostomy surgeries:You may have rectal discharge after acolostomyorileostomyeven if you have astoma(an opening in the abdominal wall to expel waste without passing through the rectum and anus). The discharge may be the mucus that was previously used to expel waste. It may occur as random leakage from your anus or with a sensation of having an urge to poop but only mucus comes out.Anorectal surgeries:Rectal discharge can occur as a side effect after certain procedures involved in anorectal surgery, such as ahemorrhoidectomyor smallbowel resection. The condition is usually temporary and improves with healing and a return to normal function.
Surgeries and Rectal Discharge
Rectal discharge can also occur as a side effect of the following types of invasive anorectal surgeries and treatments that involve your lower intestine. These can include:Ostomy surgeries:You may have rectal discharge after acolostomyorileostomyeven if you have astoma(an opening in the abdominal wall to expel waste without passing through the rectum and anus). The discharge may be the mucus that was previously used to expel waste. It may occur as random leakage from your anus or with a sensation of having an urge to poop but only mucus comes out.Anorectal surgeries:Rectal discharge can occur as a side effect after certain procedures involved in anorectal surgery, such as ahemorrhoidectomyor smallbowel resection. The condition is usually temporary and improves with healing and a return to normal function.
Rectal discharge can also occur as a side effect of the following types of invasive anorectal surgeries and treatments that involve your lower intestine. These can include:
Does Rectal Discharge Need Treatment?
Rectal discharge can be a nuisance and an embarrassment. Heavy and frequent rectal discharge can interfere with your ability to remain comfortable and confident during normal activities.
Without treatment, rectal discharge may persist or worsen, especially if an undiagnosed and untreated medical condition causes it. In many cases, getting an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of an underlying condition can help reduce or remove symptoms of rectal discharge.
Conservative Management:
Medications:
Surgery:
Management of underlying conditions through medications or other interventions may also be considered as a treatment option.
When Rectal Discharge Is Potentially SeriousRectal discharge can occur as a result of many conditions so it’s important to contact. your healthcare provider if you notice rectal discharge without a known cause. Rectal discharge may indicate an emergency if rectal discharge occurs with the following characteristics:Back painBlood in your stoolDifficulty staying hydratedFatigueFecal incontinence(loss of bowel control)Inability to pass stoolNight sweatsSevere pain in your anal areaWeight loss
When Rectal Discharge Is Potentially Serious
Rectal discharge can occur as a result of many conditions so it’s important to contact. your healthcare provider if you notice rectal discharge without a known cause. Rectal discharge may indicate an emergency if rectal discharge occurs with the following characteristics:Back painBlood in your stoolDifficulty staying hydratedFatigueFecal incontinence(loss of bowel control)Inability to pass stoolNight sweatsSevere pain in your anal areaWeight loss
Rectal discharge can occur as a result of many conditions so it’s important to contact. your healthcare provider if you notice rectal discharge without a known cause. Rectal discharge may indicate an emergency if rectal discharge occurs with the following characteristics:
Testing for Undiagnosed Conditions
Your healthcare provider will determine the type of testing most appropriate for your symptoms based on a physical examination and family and medical history. The purpose of testing will be to identify any undiagnosed conditions that may be causing your rectal discharge.
Some of the most common tests used to diagnose GI conditions that cause rectal discharge include:
Type of Provider to Consult
Which type of provider you consult for symptoms of fecal discharge will depend on your symptoms and how they occur. Consider how the following types of healthcare providers may be involved in your treatment:
Primary Care Provider
Consult your primary healthcare provider if symptoms of fecal discharge occur without a known cause. They can help determine a primary cause and a diagnosis or direct you to the most appropriate type of specialist based on your condition.
Gastroenterologist
Agastroenterologistis a medical doctor who provides comprehensive care for a wide variety of gastrointestinal ailments such as colon polyps and cancer, hepatitis, and IBS. They also perform the majority of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures and colonoscopy examinations.
Colon and Rectal Surgeon
Previously known as a proctologist, acolon and rectal surgeonis a type of medical doctor who specializes in surgeries for diseases and conditions of the lower digestive tract. They perform surgeries of the anus, rectum, and colon.
Oncologist
Rectal Discharge vs. Rectal Mucus
Rectal mucusis a type of rectal discharge with distinctive characteristics. It can have a watery or jellylike consistency. It may be clear or be tinged with pink, yellow, or brown. It is naturally found in your digestive tract to moisten and lubricate the lining of yourcolon, so it is not uncommon to notice a small amount of rectal mucus in feces. However, rectal mucus can also occur as a result of an infection or other gastrointestinal problem.
Summary
Rectal discharge can appear as a watery or phlegm-like substance. It can occur alone or with streaks of feces or blood. You may notice it when wiping after a bowel movement or as a wet stain in your underwear.
In healthy people, rectal discharge may be a sign of an infection or STI that can resolve with antibiotics. However, rectal discharge that persists may indicate a more serious medical condition. Treatment of the condition may be needed to resolve the rectal discharge.
Do not ignore rectal discharge that appears suddenly and does not improve. Contact your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Spire Healthcare.Anal discharge.Burd EM, Hinrichs BH.Gastrointestinal Infections.Molecular Pathology in Clinical Practice. 2015;707-734. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-19674-9_50Mount Sinai.Ulcerative colitis - discharge.Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Abscess drainage.Shreyas Ano Rectal Hospital and Research Center.What is rectal discharge?National Library of Medicine.Overview: enlarged hemorrhoids.National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information.Overview: irritable bowel syndrome.American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS).Rectal prolapse.Philpott HL, Nandurkar S, Lubel J, Gibson PR.Drug-induced gastrointestinal disorders.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2014;5(1):49-57. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2013-100316MedlinePlus.Proctitis.Anal Cancer Foundation.Anal cancer: signs, symptoms, causes and treatment.Muls AC, Watson L, Shaw C, Andreyev HJN.Managing gastrointestinal symptoms after cancer treatment: a practical approach for gastroenterologists.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2013;4(1):57-68. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2012-100218National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Ostomy surgery of the bowel.University of California San Francisco. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS).Anorectal surgery discharge instructions.Buoy Health.What is anal mucus discharge? Common causes and more explained.Barnes-Jewish Hospital.Diagnosing digestive diseases (procedures).American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).Primary care.American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).What is a gastroenterologist?American Cancer Society.What is oncology?
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Spire Healthcare.Anal discharge.Burd EM, Hinrichs BH.Gastrointestinal Infections.Molecular Pathology in Clinical Practice. 2015;707-734. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-19674-9_50Mount Sinai.Ulcerative colitis - discharge.Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Abscess drainage.Shreyas Ano Rectal Hospital and Research Center.What is rectal discharge?National Library of Medicine.Overview: enlarged hemorrhoids.National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information.Overview: irritable bowel syndrome.American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS).Rectal prolapse.Philpott HL, Nandurkar S, Lubel J, Gibson PR.Drug-induced gastrointestinal disorders.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2014;5(1):49-57. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2013-100316MedlinePlus.Proctitis.Anal Cancer Foundation.Anal cancer: signs, symptoms, causes and treatment.Muls AC, Watson L, Shaw C, Andreyev HJN.Managing gastrointestinal symptoms after cancer treatment: a practical approach for gastroenterologists.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2013;4(1):57-68. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2012-100218National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Ostomy surgery of the bowel.University of California San Francisco. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS).Anorectal surgery discharge instructions.Buoy Health.What is anal mucus discharge? Common causes and more explained.Barnes-Jewish Hospital.Diagnosing digestive diseases (procedures).American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).Primary care.American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).What is a gastroenterologist?American Cancer Society.What is oncology?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Spire Healthcare.Anal discharge.Burd EM, Hinrichs BH.Gastrointestinal Infections.Molecular Pathology in Clinical Practice. 2015;707-734. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-19674-9_50Mount Sinai.Ulcerative colitis - discharge.Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Abscess drainage.Shreyas Ano Rectal Hospital and Research Center.What is rectal discharge?National Library of Medicine.Overview: enlarged hemorrhoids.National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information.Overview: irritable bowel syndrome.American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS).Rectal prolapse.Philpott HL, Nandurkar S, Lubel J, Gibson PR.Drug-induced gastrointestinal disorders.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2014;5(1):49-57. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2013-100316MedlinePlus.Proctitis.Anal Cancer Foundation.Anal cancer: signs, symptoms, causes and treatment.Muls AC, Watson L, Shaw C, Andreyev HJN.Managing gastrointestinal symptoms after cancer treatment: a practical approach for gastroenterologists.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2013;4(1):57-68. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2012-100218National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Ostomy surgery of the bowel.University of California San Francisco. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS).Anorectal surgery discharge instructions.Buoy Health.What is anal mucus discharge? Common causes and more explained.Barnes-Jewish Hospital.Diagnosing digestive diseases (procedures).American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).Primary care.American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).What is a gastroenterologist?American Cancer Society.What is oncology?
Spire Healthcare.Anal discharge.
Burd EM, Hinrichs BH.Gastrointestinal Infections.Molecular Pathology in Clinical Practice. 2015;707-734. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-19674-9_50
Mount Sinai.Ulcerative colitis - discharge.
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Abscess drainage.
Shreyas Ano Rectal Hospital and Research Center.What is rectal discharge?
National Library of Medicine.Overview: enlarged hemorrhoids.
National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information.Overview: irritable bowel syndrome.
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS).Rectal prolapse.
Philpott HL, Nandurkar S, Lubel J, Gibson PR.Drug-induced gastrointestinal disorders.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2014;5(1):49-57. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2013-100316
MedlinePlus.Proctitis.
Anal Cancer Foundation.Anal cancer: signs, symptoms, causes and treatment.
Muls AC, Watson L, Shaw C, Andreyev HJN.Managing gastrointestinal symptoms after cancer treatment: a practical approach for gastroenterologists.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2013;4(1):57-68. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2012-100218
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Ostomy surgery of the bowel.
University of California San Francisco. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS).Anorectal surgery discharge instructions.
Buoy Health.What is anal mucus discharge? Common causes and more explained.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital.Diagnosing digestive diseases (procedures).
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).Primary care.
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).What is a gastroenterologist?
American Cancer Society.What is oncology?
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