Anal discharge like mucus, pus, or blood may occur due to infections or conditions like hemorrhoids, IBS, IBD, and anal abscesses, among others.

Anal discharge refers to any substance, aside from feces, that comes out of your rectum. Your rectum is the last part of your digestive system before your anus, which is the opening at the end of the system.

Anal discharge is also referred to as rectal discharge. It usually presents as mucus, pus, or blood that you may notice:

  • in your underwear
  • on toilet paper after wiping
  • in your stool

You may also feel the urge to have a bowel movement, but only pass mucus or a very small amount of stool.

Keep reading to learn more about the causes of anal discharge and when to see a healthcare professional.

STIs that can affect your rectum or anus may include:

Anal discharge may be your only symptom. However, STIs are usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

See a doctor if you think you may have an STI. Early diagnosis and treatment could help prevent complications and reduce the risk of transmission.

Severe cases of foodborne illnesses, commonly known as food poisoning, may cause rectal bleeding. Other common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, and nausea.

Foodborne illnesses may be caused by many different types of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the five most common infections include:

Some cases of foodborne illness resolve on their own, but others may require antibiotics. It’s important to stay hydrated to replace fluids lost from vomiting or diarrhea.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal condition that affects up to 16% of people in the United States.

The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but experts believe several factors may contribute to the condition, such as:

Common symptoms of IBS may include:

Speak with a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms regularly. Symptoms of IBS can often be managed with a combination of home remedies and lifestyle changes, medication, and mental health therapies.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your anus or lower rectum.

They’re usually caused by increased pressure from straining during bowel movements and chronic constipation or diarrhea. Pregnancy and obesity are risk factors.

Common symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

  • pain around the anus
  • anal swelling or lump
  • severe anal itching
  • rectal discharge
  • bleeding during bowel movements

Hemorrhoids can usually be managed with home remedies, but it’s important to see a doctor if you experience rectal bleeding, especially for the first time. This may be a sign of a serious underlying condition.

An anal abscess is an infected sac filled with pus near your anus. It’s typically caused by an acute infection in the anal glands.

In some cases, an anal abscess develops into an anal fistula, which is a small channel that connects the infected anal gland to an opening on the skin. Fistulas can also be caused by other medical conditions.

Symptoms of an anal abscess may include:

  • rectal discharge or bleeding
  • pain and swelling around your anus
  • constipation

Treating an abscess involves draining the pus, which can usually be done by a doctor.

Symptoms of a fistula may include:

  • foul-smelling discharge from an opening in the skin near the anus
  • anal itching or pain, often severe
  • pain during bowel movements
  • bleeding
  • fever

See a doctor if you experience fistula symptoms, as these require surgical treatment.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the term for a group of conditions that cause chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of your GI tract, from your mouth to your anus, but most often affects the small intestine. Ulcerative colitis affects your large intestine and rectum.

The symptoms of IBD vary depending on the severity of the inflammation and its location. Common symptoms include:

IBD can lead to complications when not properly managed. Treatment for IBD may include a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.

Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum falls from its original position, causing it to partially or completely slip through your anus. It mostly affects females ages 50 years and older, although it’s still uncommon.

You may first notice the feeling of a bulge or see a mass of reddish-colored tissue coming from the anus. Other symptoms may include:

  • mucus or bloody anal discharge
  • diarrhea or constipation
  • not feeling completely empty after a bowel movement
  • loss of bowel control (fecal incontinence)

A prolapsed rectum usually requires surgical treatment.

Anal cancer may cause rectal discharge, but it’s generally the least likely cause. According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of developing anal cancer is 1 in 500.

Anal cancer causes symptoms similar to those caused by more common conditions, such as hemorrhoids and IBS.

These symptoms may include:

  • rectal bleeding or mucus discharge
  • a change in bowel habits
  • thin stools
  • pain or pressure in the anus
  • a lump near the anus
  • itching

The risk of anal cancer is very low, though certain things can increase your risk. These include your age, smoking, and exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV).

Speak with a healthcare professional if you experience any kind of anal discharge, especially if it’s blood.

Based on your symptoms and medical history, they may perform various tests to provide a diagnosis. These tests may include:

Why am I getting discharge from my bum?

Anal discharge may be a symptom of an infection or underlying health condition, such as IBD, IBS, hemorrhoids, and anal abscess.

Why do I feel like I need to poop but only mucus comes out?

Passing mucus from your anus with or without stool may be a sign of a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection that affects your GI tract. It could also be a symptom of IBS.

What does fissure discharge look like?

Anal fissures may cause red, bloody discharge that you can see on toilet paper after wiping your bottom or in your stool.

Anal discharge is usually a symptom of an underlying condition or infection affecting your GI tract. To avoid any potential complications, it’s best to see a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

If you’re not comfortable talking with them about your symptoms, you can always ask for a referral to a specialist who’s used to dealing with rectal and anal health concerns.