It’s understandable to be concerned if you notice a jelly-like discharge from your rectum. However, in many cases, this type of discharge is normal and not a cause for alarm. Keep reading to learn more about potential causes and when to see a doctor.
What is Rectal Discharge?
Rectal discharge refers to any substance that exits the anus that is not stool. Discharge can vary in texture, color, smell and amount. Common types of discharge include:
- Mucus – Often jelly-like and can be clear, white, yellow or blood-tinged
- Pus – Thick and opaque yellow, green or brown discharge
- Watery stool
- Liquid stool
Small amounts of mucus in the stool or lining the stool is normal. However, larger amounts of mucus or pus signal inflammation or infection.
What Causes Jelly-Like Rectal Discharge?
Some potential causes of jelly-like rectal discharge include:
- Hemorrhoids – Swollen veins in the anus or rectum are a common cause of mucus discharge, especially with bowel movements. The mucus serves to keep the area lubricated.
- Anal fissures – Tears or cracks in the lining of the anus can produce mucus and bloody discharge.
- Proctitis – Inflammation of the rectum, often due to sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, etc.
- Ulcerative colitis – An inflammatory bowel disease marked by ulcers in the colon which can produce bloody mucus discharge.
- Crohn’s disease – Similar to ulcerative colitis, discharge can occur from inflammation and ulcers deeper in the digestive tract.
- Cancer – Rectal cancer and anal cancer can cause mucus discharge sometimes mixed with blood.
- Infection – Parasites, bacteria or viruses can infect the digestive tract and cause increased mucus production.
- Diarrhea – Loose stool mixed with mucus.
- Irritable bowel syndrome – IBS can increase mucus discharge.
- Food allergies – Allergic reactions to certain foods may cause inflammation in the digestive tract.
When to See a Doctor
You should make an appointment with your doctor if you notice:
- Significant changes in the amount, color or consistency of rectal discharge
- Discharge accompanied by bleeding not clearly linked to hemorrhoids or anal fissures
- Discharge associated with abdominal pain, cramping, fever or unexplained weight loss
- Discharge that smells foul or abnormal
- Itching around the anus
- Discharge persisting longer than two weeks
These symptoms can indicate an underlying condition that requires medical treatment. Prompt evaluation is recommended.
Diagnosis
To determine the cause of rectal discharge, the doctor will likely:
- Ask about your symptoms and medical history
- Conduct a physical exam of the anus and rectum
- Perform tests on discharged substance
- Order imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan
- Conduct an anoscopy – using a tiny scope to view the inside of the anus and rectum
- Perform a colonoscopy – using a flexible tube with a camera to view the colon and take biopsies
- Collect a stool sample to test for parasites, bacteria or viral infections
Finding the underlying cause of the discharge allows appropriate treatment.
Treatments
Treatment depends on the cause but may include:
- Improving bowel habits and increasing fiber intake for mild discharge linked to hemorrhoids or anal fissures
- Medicated ointments, creams or suppositories to treat infections or reduce inflammation
- Laxatives, enemas or manual disimpaction to clear stool blockages
- Surgery to remove damaged tissue or hemorrhoids
- Medications to treat inflammatory bowel diseases or reduce diarrhea
- Antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals or anti-parasitics to treat underlying infections
- Chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapies or surgery for rectal cancers
- Dietary changes if food allergies or intolerances are contributing
If an easily treatable condition like hemorrhoids is causing the discharge, symptoms should improve quickly with treatment. More serious conditions may require longer term management.
Prevention
Some tips to help avoid problematic rectal discharge:
- Increase fiber intake through fruits, vegetables and whole grains to prevent constipation and straining
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet which can worsen hemorrhoids
- Maintain bathroom hygiene by always wiping front to back
- Clean the anus after bowel movements using gentle pads moistened with water or special wipes
- Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol-based wipes or spray bidets that can irritate rectal tissues
- Don’t ignore the urge to defecate as delaying bowel movements can worsen constipation
- Get checked and treated for sexually transmitted infections that may affect the rectum
- Use protection during anal sex to avoid infections
When to Seek Emergency Treatment
Seek prompt emergency care if you experience:
- Large amounts of red or maroon colored rectal bleeding
- Sudden severe abdominal pain
- Inability to pass stool or gas
- Feeling faint, lightheaded or rapid heart rate
- Fever over 101°F (38°C)
- Persistent vomiting
These signs may indicate a serious medical issue requiring urgent evaluation to rule out conditions like a gastrointestinal perforation, bowel obstruction or severe infection.
Conclusion
Noticing some excess mucus or jelly-like discharge from the rectum is often normal. However, significant or worsening discharge paired with other symptoms warrants medical assessment. With an accurate diagnosis from your doctor, the appropriate treatment can provide relief.