Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis
What Causes Rectal Discharge And Is Treatment Needed?
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 Rectal discharge can occur as a symptom of GI infections due to food poisoning, parasites, or bacteria that infect your gastrointestinal system. Many GI infections occur from eating uncooked foods contaminated with bacteria such as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (E. Coli), Campylobacter, and Salmonella. Common GI viruses such as norovirus that spread quickly in enclosed communities can also cause rectal discharge. Gastrointestinal parasites such as Giardia lamblia are spread by consuming contaminated water. 2. Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is caused by a defect in your immune system that causes an attack on the lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon). The attack causes inflammation (swelling) of the mucous membranes. It also causes ulcers (small sores) that can bleed and produce pus that appears as rectal discharge. 3. Crohn's Disease Crohn's disease is 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: Anal abscess: A collection of pus within the anal canal Anal fissure: A tear in the lining of your anus Anal fistula: An abnormal track or channel between the end of your bowel and anus 5. Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins around your rectum or anus. Hemorrhoids can be external (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) Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects the function and behavior of your intestines. It causes uncomfortable symptoms by disrupting the normal action of the muscles lining your intestines but does not damage your GI tract. 7. Rectal Prolapse Rectal prolapse is 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: Complete rectal prolapse: The entire wall of your rectum drops through your anus. Partial rectal prolapse: Only the lining of your rectum drops through your anus. 8. Medications Some medications are known to increase your risk of having GI symptoms such as rectal discharge. Medications can produce rectal discharge by changing the physiology of your GI tract, causing tissue damage such as ulcers, changing your intestinal microbiota, or through unknown means. These medications include: Drug classes include: Specific drugs include: 9. Sexually Transmitted Infections Rectal discharge can occur as a symptom of certain STIs, including: When rectal discharge occurs with STIs, it is often a result of proctitis, an inflammation inside the rectum. Proctitis caused by STIs is common in people who have anal intercourse. 10. Anal Cancer Though rare, anal cancer is 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 occur as a symptom in the early stages of anal cancer. 11. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy treatments 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 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 a colostomy or ileostomy even if you have a stoma (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 a hemorrhoidectomy or small bowel resection. The condition is usually temporary and improves with healing and a return to normal function. 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. Treatment of rectal discharge can vary based on its cause. Some common therapies advised by your healthcare provider may include: Conservative Management: Increased intake of fiber and fluid Warm baths to relieve hemorrhoids and anal fissures Medications: Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections and STIs NSAIDs and anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and discomfort Prescription creams and ointments for hemorrhoids Prescription medications to treat certain GI diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis Surgery: Procedures to remove or correct more severe conditions Surgery to remove or correct structural abnormalities such as tumors, anal fistulas, anal fissures, or diseased tissue Management of underlying conditions through medications or other interventions may also be considered as a treatment option. 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 pain Blood in your stool Difficulty staying hydrated Fatigue Fecal incontinence (loss of bowel control) Inability to pass stool Night sweats Severe pain in your anal area Weight loss 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: Complete blood counts (CBC): Blood tests can be used to identify some types of bacteria, parasites, STIs, and signs of some GI conditions. Fecal occult blood test: This test checks for occult (hidden) blood in your stool. Stool culture: A stool culture checks for the presence of abnormal bacteria in your digestive tract. Ultrasound: An ultrasound is an imaging test that uses a computer and high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs, tissues, and blood vessels as they function. Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan uses multiple X-rays to create a 3-D image of your organs. It can help your healthcare provider visualize almost every part of your body with images that are much more detailed than general X-rays. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses a large magnet, radio frequencies, and a computer to create detailed images of your organs and other bodily structures. It helps diagnose conditions that affect your organs, muscle, or other types of tissue. Oropharyngeal motility (also called modified barium swallow) study: This involves swallowing a liquid containing barium, a metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an X-ray. Colonoscopy: This procedure involves the insertion of a colonoscope (a long, flexible tube with a camera) into your rectum to view the colon. It is used to screen for colon cancer, evaluate rectal discharge and bleeding, and evaluate changes in bowel structure. Upper GI (gastrointestinal) series and small bowel follow-through series: This diagnostic test uses X-rays of your upper digestive system, which includes your esophagus, stomach, duodenum (the first section of the small intestine), and small bowel after you swallow barium. Lower GI series (also called barium enema): This procedure uses X-rays to examine your rectum, large intestine, and the lower part of the small intestine after administration of a barium enema (a liquid containing barium sulfate that, when in the body, highlights parts of the GI tract) into your rectum. Radioisotope gastric-emptying scan: This test involves eating food containing a radioisotope (a slightly radioactive substance) that shows up on a scan. The radiation from the radioisotope allows radiologists to see the swallowed food and how it passes through your stomach. Colorectal transit study: This procedure requires swallowing capsules that contain small markers visible on X-rays. The test measures how well food moves through your colon based on abdominal X-rays taken several times over three to seven days after you swallow the capsules. Defecography: This X-ray of your anorectal area during a bowel movement is used to identify structural or functional problems in your rectum, anus, or pelvic floor that may be contributing to problems with bowel movements. It involves the insertion of a barium paste into your rectum. A series of X-rays are taken after you expel the paste. Anorectal manometry: This test determines the strength of the muscles in your rectum and anus that tighten and relax during bowel movements. 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 A gastroenterologist is 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, a colon and rectal surgeon is 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 An oncologist specializes 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. An oncologist may specialize in a specific type of cancer, long-term care, or one type of cancer treatment. Rectal Discharge vs. Rectal Mucus Rectal discharge describes any substance other than formed feces or blood that seeps out of your rectum. It can result from many types of health conditions. Rectal discharge may or may not be accompanied by other GI symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, or constipation. Rectal mucus is 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 your colon, 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 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to 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_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? By Anna GiorgiGiorgi is a freelance writer with more than 25 years of experience writing health and wellness-related content. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an ErrorGonorrhea: Signs And Symptoms
Gonorrhea is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that you may hear referred to as "the clap" or "the drip." An infected person can pass it to a partner during vaginal, anal, and/or oral sex. It can also be spread via contaminated sex toys and close genital-to-genital contact, even if there's no penetration. You can also get it if the infection touches your eyes. If left untreated, it can cause serious complications, including:
Gonorrhea symptoms normally show up within 14 days after you get the infection. Some people don't experience any symptoms until after they've had the infection for months. Many people with gonorrhea — usually people with vaginas — never have symptoms at all.
Know the signs of this common STI so you'll have a better chance of recognizing and curing it quickly.
You get gonorrhea from a bacterium. This germ infects you when someone who has it passes it to you during sexual contact. The most common symptoms show up in the mucous membranes (the linings of certain openings in your body) involved in these types of intercourse. These include your genital tract, rectum, and throat.
Gonorrhea can also cause problems with other parts of your body, such as your joints, or even your eyes.
Often, gonorrhea has no symptoms. Symptoms typically don't start immediately, because the infection may not trigger your immune system for up to several weeks. Most people who contract gonorrhea will begin to have symptoms within 14 days.
It's possible for people with penises not to have any symptoms. But when they do have symptoms, they commonly include:
People with vaginas are more likely to not have symptoms of gonorrhea than people with penises. People with vaginas also tend to have milder symptoms. Its symptoms can be mistaken for those of a bladder infection. The symptoms include:
Pelvic pain can be a symptom of gonorrhea for women and those assigned female at birth. (Photo Credit: Moment/Getty Images)
Symptoms of gonorrhea can affect any infected area. It generally depends on what type of sex has spread the infection. You may experience symptoms in the following areas of your body:
Rectum
Gonorrhea in your rectum typically occurs following unprotected anal sex. However, if you have gonorrhea, you can spread the infection from your genitals to your rectum. For example, if you touch your rectum with infected toilet paper after wiping your vagina, you may spread the infection. Most of the time, you won't have any symptoms. Possible symptoms include:
Throat
Unprotected oral sex can lead to gonorrhea infection in your mouth and throat. Such infections usually don't cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
Eyes
If you touch your eyes after touching bodily fluids infected with gonorrhea, you could get gonococcal conjunctivitis, a contagious eye infection sometimes referred to as pink eye. Symptoms include:
Joints
If the bacteria that cause gonorrhea infect your joints, it's called septic arthritis. You'll notice the affected joints are painful, red, swollen, and warm to the touch. It'll hurt to move them.
Gonorrhea infections can lead to many complications if they go untreated. Some complications can be quite serious, even life-threatening. These complications and their symptoms include:
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
PID is a serious infection that develops in your uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or your ovaries. It can lead to infertility, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and potentially life-threatening abscesses called tubo-ovarian abscesses (TOA). Symptoms of PID include:
Epididymitis
This is inflammation of the epididymis, a tube that leads from each testicle to another tube called the vas deferens. Both the epididymis and the vas deferens are parts of male reproductive organs. The epididymis stores sperm as it matures, while the vas deferens moves that sperm along shortly before you ejaculate. If left untreated, epididymitis can become chronic. It can also lead to infertility and cause the death of tissue in your testicles. The symptoms of epididymitis include:
Prostatitis
This is an often painful swelling of the prostate gland, a part of the male reproductive system that helps make semen. It can lead to sexual dysfunction, inflammation in other parts of your reproductive system near your prostate, an abscess in your prostate, and dangerous bacterial infections of your bloodstream, called bacteremia, which can cause sepsis. The symptoms include:
Urethritis
This is swelling of the urethra, the tube that carries pee from your bladder to the outside of your body. If left untreated, it can cause blockages of the urethra, boosting your risk of infections in your bladder and kidneys. Urethritis may not cause symptoms, but if it does, they can include:
Sepsis
This is a life-threatening medical emergency. It occurs when your immune system goes haywire in response to an infection. Rather than continuing to fight that infection, your immune system begins to attack your organs and other parts of your body. This causes damaging inflammation. Sepsis can also trigger blood clots that can block the flow of blood to essential organs, leading to damage or organ failure. Gonorrhea infections, as well as infections that can occur when gonorrhea goes untreated, can result in sepsis. It requires immediate treatment and can be quickly fatal. Sepsis has many potential symptoms because it can affect many parts of the body. These symptoms include:
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, get tested for gonorrhea. You should also be tested if you're having sex with someone who has symptoms.
At your appointment, your doctor will ask about your sex life to get a better idea of your risk for this STI. They'll also ask what symptoms you are having and when they started.
To test you for the infection, they'll take a sample from or swab one or more of the following places:
Your doctor will send the sample to a lab, where it'll be tested for the bacterium that causes gonorrhea. Having it increases your chances of getting other STIs (such as chlamydia), so your doctor may recommend that the lab test your sample for those, too.
If you're a woman or AFAB, there are also home test kits that you can use to check for gonorrhea. These come with swabs you use on your vagina to collect a sample. You mail the sample to a lab. The lab will contact you with your results.
Gonorrhea is a common and serious sexually transmitted infection (STI). For many people, it does not cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, some of those will depend on whether you have a penis or vagina. If you have symptoms or think that you may have gonorrhea, see a doctor right away. The infection usually can be treated with a single dose of antibiotics. Without treatment, it can cause potentially life-threatening complications, such as sepsis.
How serious is gonorrhea?
It can be very serious. If untreated, gonorrhea can lead to a long list of complications, including infertility, liver, heart, and brain damage, and sepsis.
Can gonorrhea be cured?
Most of the time, gonorrhea can be cured by a single injection of antibiotics. However, antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea is becoming more common. That makes it even more important to avoid the infection in the first place. Practice safe sex and avoid sex with people who have gonorrhea or symptoms of gonorrhea.
What is the 7-day antibiotic for gonorrhea?
The antibiotic is called ceftriaxone. It's given once, by injection. You should avoid sex for at least 7 days after your injection to keep the infection from spreading. The CDC recommends that you get tested for gonorrhea 3 months after treatment to be sure you have not been reinfected. Your sexual partner or partners also should be treated.
How transmissible is gonorrhea from women to men?
There's about a 1 in 5, or 20%, chance of an infected woman passing gonorrhea to a male partner if they did not use a condom during sex.
Seven Hidden Warning Signs Of Killer Cancer No One Ever Talks About
Anal cancer is not one of the most common cancers in the UK but it is still responsible for the deaths of around 440 people every year - here's everything you need to know
Cases of anal cancer are expected to increase in the coming years (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)
Anal cancer is a rare form of cancer that not many know of, despite it impacting around 1,600 people in the UK every year.
While it is not among the 20 most common cancers in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK, around 440 people die from anal cancer every year. People aged 80 and over are more likely to be diagnosed with anal cancer, although it can affect any gender and any age.
Worryingly, anal cancer incidence rates are projected to rise by 14 per cent in the UK between 2023-2025 and 2038-2040. This means it is crucial that we all know the symptoms and warning signs to look out for so they can be treated in the early stages.
Around 1,600 people in the UK are diagnosed with anal cancer every year (Image:
Getty Images)Anal cancer can start in any part of the anus, according to the NHS, and it's usually caused by an infection called human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is extremely common and affects 80 per cent of people at some point in their lives, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, reports Daily Star.
Getting the HPV vaccine can help prevent anal cancer, although it is usually very hard to detect as one in five people experience no symptoms. However, there are seven hidden warning signs you should look out for:
If you experience any of these symptoms it does not necessarily mean you have anal cancer. Some of the symptoms are also associated with conditions such as piles so it's important to book an appointment with a doctor to get yourself checked.
"These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions," the NHS says. "Having them does not definitely mean you have anal cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early means treatment is more likely to be successful."
Smoking, having a weakened immune system and a history of genital warts are all factors which increase your risk of developing anal cancer. The main type of treatment for anal cancer is a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, however, surgery may also be required.
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