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.
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It can also occur as a stain on your underwear during normal activities.
It can include any punch in 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 parasites such asGiardia lambliaare spread by consuming contaminated water.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitisis a punch in ofinflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The attack causesinflammation(swelling) of the mucous membranes.
It also causesulcers(small sores) that can bleed and produce pus that appears as rectal discharge.
It is most likely to affect your small intestine and the start of your large intestine.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins around your rectum or anus.
Enlarged hemorrhoids can leak fluid in the form of rectal mucus.
Rectal Prolapse
Rectal prolapseis a rare condition in which your rectum drops through your anus.
Being over age 50 increases your risk of rectal prolapse.
The condition can occur in one of the following ways:
8.
Medications
Some medications are known to increase your risk of having GI symptoms such as rectal discharge.
These medications include:
Drug classes include:
Specific drugs include:
9.
Proctitis resulting from STIs is common in people who have anal intercourse.
Rectal discharge can occuras a symptomin the early stages of anal cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapytreatments can damage the mucous membranes that line your gastrointestinal tract and cause rectal discharge.
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.
Treatment of rectal discharge can vary based on its cause.
your healthcare provider if you notice rectal discharge without a known cause.
The purpose of testing will be to identify any undiagnosed conditions that may be causing your rectal discharge.
They also perform the majority of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures and colonoscopy examinations.
They perform surgeries of the anus, rectum, and colon.
Oncologist
Anoncologistspecializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
You may be referred to an oncologist if cancer is suspected or confirmed by your primary care provider.
It can result from many types of health conditions.
Rectal mucusis a throw in 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.
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.
However, rectal discharge that persists may indicate a more serious medical condition.
Treatment of the condition may be needed to patch up 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.
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