of the mucous membranes. It also causes ulcers (small sores) that can bleed and produce pus that appears as rectal discharge.

It may be blood-tinged, too. There's some evidence to suggest that mucus in the colon, where stool passes, may help to prevent injury or inflammation. But it could be a sign of a health concern ...

Several conditions can cause increased amounts of mucus in the stool. These include infection, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, proctitis, food sensitivity ...