What Is Rectal Discharge and What Causes It? (2025)

Rectal discharge is the release of any discharge from the anus that is not stool or blood. Rectal discharge can occur for many reasons, including hemorrhoid, anal fissure, sexually transmitted infection (STI), or inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD).Often, rectal discharge consists of mucus. Other symptoms will vary depending on the underlying condition.

This article will review possible reasons for rectal discharge, when to contact a doctor, and treatments for underlying conditions that can cause rectal discharge.

Rectal discharge can be a symptom of certain STIs, including HPV, syphilis, and chlamydia. People who engage in receptive anal sex are athigher risk Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to sourceof STIs that can cause anal and rectal symptoms.

These STIsoften Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to sourcecause proctitis, an inflammation of the rectum. They may also cause proctocolitis, an inflammation of the colon lining from the anus to 12 centimeters above.

In addition to rectal discharge, symptoms of STIs affecting the anus and rectum can include:

• pain
• itching
• bleeding
• mucus in stool
• sensation of fullness or something in the rectum
• tenesmus, which is the feeling that you need to have a bowel movement, even when no stool is present
• constipation

Learn more about STI types, prevention, and treatments.

IBS is a group of digestive symptoms that someone experiences for an extended time with no other specific diagnosis. These symptoms include diarrhea and constipation.

Rectal mucus discharge, with or without stool, is one sign Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of IBS. Others include:

• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• constipation
• bloating
• swollen belly

Learn more about IBS causes, treatments, and diet.

IBD results from chronic inflammation in the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease are types of IBD. UC and Crohn’s disease can cause mucus in stool.

Rectal mucus discharge appearing without stool isnot a common symptom Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to sourceof IBD. However, IBD can lead to certain conditions that do cause rectal discharge, including proctitis, anorectal abscess, and anal fistula.

Symptoms of UC can include:

• urgent bowel movements
• loose stools
• bloody stools
• abdominal pain
• cramping
• chronic diarrhea, which may be bloody

Learn more about UC causes, risk factors, and diet.

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

• rectal bleeding
• chronic diarrhea
• constipation
• urgent bowel movements
• tenesmus, or the feeling of an incomplete bowel movement
• abdominal cramps

Learn more about Crohn’s disease risk factors, diagnosis, and outlook.

Hemorrhoids are naturally occurring blood vessels in the rectum. When they become enlarged, they can cause symptomsthat include Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to sourcerectal mucus discharge.

Common symptoms of enlarged hemorrhoids include:

• itching
• burning
• rectal pain
• blood in stool, typically Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source bright red
• swelling
• prolapse, when hemorrhoid tissue bulges out of the anus

Learn more about hemorrhoids causes and prevention tips.

An abscess is an infected area of pus. Infections of the anus or rectum can lead to abscesses in these areas.

About40%of people with an anorectal abscess will also develop an anal fistula. This infected tissue forms a tunnel between the inside of the anus and the outer skin around it.

Pus or other fluid draining from an abscess or fistula can cause rectal discharge.

In addition to rectal discharge, symptoms of an anorectal abscess can include:

• rectal pain
• redness
• swelling
• a fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher
• rectal bleeding, occasionally
• painful urination, occasionally

Symptoms of an anal fistula include:

• pain
• skin irritation around the anus
• rectal bleeding, occasionally

Anal cancer is a rare Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source cause of rectal discharge.

Many symptoms of anal cancer, including unusual rectal discharge, are similar to symptoms of other anal and rectal conditions.

Early detection is key to treating anal cancer. Talk with your doctor if you experience symptoms, including:

• rectal bleeding
• itching around the rectum
• anal pain
• an unusual lump or mass near your anus
• a feeling of fullness in the anus
• loss of bowel control
• swollen lymph nodes around your groin or anus

A colostomy is a procedure that removes part of the large intestine, attaching the colon to a surgically created opening in the abdomen called a stoma.

Although the surgery redirects the stool through the stoma, rectal discharge is stillcommonfor people with a colostomy. This is because the rectum continues to produce the mucus that typically helps with bowel movements, despite the person not passing stool.

The mucus that can discharge with a colostomy may be clear, white, or beige with the texture ofglue or egg whites.

In addition, you may also experience:

• mucus that dries up inside the rectum, causing pain or discomfort
• small amounts of stool that cause a brown discharge, depending on your type of colostomy
• sore skin due to irritation from the discharge

Contact your doctor if you notice blood or pus in your rectal discharge, if the discharge is green, or if it has a bad odor. These symptoms may indicate an infection that requires prompt treatment.

Learn what to expect when using a colostomy bag.

Treatment for rectal discharge will depend on the underlying cause. Based on your diagnosis, your doctor will discuss treatment options, including the following:

After your doctor makes a specific diagnosis of the type of STI you may have, they will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Symptoms, including rectal discharge, should resolve once the infection does.

Dietary changes are often a first step in treating symptoms of IBS. These changes may include adding fiber to your diet and avoiding gluten.

Lifestyle habits, such as getting more sleep, managing stress, and increasing exercise, can also help relieve IBS.

Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help manage symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation.

There is no cure for IBD. Treatment focuses on easing symptoms and reducing the number of flares, which are times when symptoms worsen.

Your doctor will determine your individual treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms. Medications to treat IBD include corticosteroids, antibiotics, and immunosuppressants.

In some severe cases of IBD, surgery may be necessary to remove affected areas of the colon.

Learn more about IBD treatments.

Most enlarged hemorrhoids will heal on their own with at-home care. This can include:

• drinking water and staying hydrated
• increasing the amount of soluble fiber in your diet
• using an over-the-counter (OTC) topical cream or gel to soothe pain and itching
• gently washing or bathing your anal area after each bowel movement
• taking an OTC stool softener to make bowel movements easier to pass

If your hemorrhoids worsen, recur, or do not go away with home treatment, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment.

Learn more about hemorrhoid treatment options.

Treatment of an abscess typically involves draining the abscess. Your doctor may also recommend antibiotics, though it isunclearthat antibiotics improve healing time.

Most fistulas Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source require surgical removal. Some types of surgery have a risk of affecting fecal continence. Your doctor will discuss your surgical options with you, including potential benefits and risks.

In the rare case that rectal discharge is due to anal cancer, your doctor will discuss treatment options in the context of your individual diagnosis.

Generally, treatments for anal cancer include:

• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy
• immunotherapy
• surgery

There is no treatment for discharge that occurs with a colostomy. However, your doctor and care team can help provide management strategies, including:

• sitting on the toilet and gently trying to pass the mucus
• using a suppository to help release mucus
• wearing absorbent pads to protect your underwear and clothing
• applying a topical cream to protect your skin
• practicing pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen rectal muscles

These are some other questions people often ask about rectal discharge. Kelsey Trull, PA-C, MPAS, has reviewed the answers.

Rectal discharge is not a typical occurrence and often indicates an underlying condition. Some conditions, such as hemorrhoids, are usually not serious. However, conditions such as an anorectal abscess or IBD require prompt medical treatment.

Depending on the cause, rectal discharge can look clear, white, or beige. It may be thick and have the consistency of glue or egg whites. If small amounts of stool mix in, discharge may be light brown.

Because rectal discharge is often a symptom of an underlying condition, it typically will not go away on its own. Contact your doctor if you experience rectal discharge to get an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment.

Rectal discharge can indicate a condition that requires prompt treatment, such as an STI.

Rectal discharge with other symptoms could indicate an anorectal abscess or chronic condition, such as IBD. These additional symptoms include urgent bowel movements, abdominal cramps, and bleeding.

Symptoms of fecal incontinence or inability to control your bowels are always a cause for concern. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any type of bowel leakage.

Possible causes of rectal discharge include hemorrhoids, STIs, IBD, and anal abscesses. Many of these conditions require prompt treatment to avoid further complications.

Contact your doctor if you experience any type of rectal discharge. They can diagnose the underlying cause and begin effective treatment.