Verdict: FALSE.
A little mucus may be normal.
The anus and rectum naturally produce small amounts of mucus. This makes it easier to pass stools.
On the other hand, when the secretions become abnormally abundant, purulent, bloody or mixed, their presence can indicate inflammation, infection or lesion.
The symptom then merits medical advice.
Several diseases can cause this discharge
Some forms of hemorrhoids may be accompanied by mucus or, when they become infected, pus.
But other causes exist. An anorectal fistula can, for example, create an abnormal path between the inside of the rectum and the skin and lead to a chronic flow of pus and infected secretions.
Certain sexually transmitted infections can also cause proctitis with purulent discharge. The document cites in particular gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes and syphilis.
Finally, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, can be accompanied by muco-purulent discharge.
A symptom that should not be hidden
Discomfort is understandable, but it should not prevent consultation. The chapter recalls that anorectal symptoms are often minimized or treated with self-medication while they can, more rarely, reveal significant pathologies.
What to remember
Anal discharge is not a hygiene issue. A small amount of mucus may be physiological, but abundant, purulent, bloody or persistent discharge merits medical advice.
The advice of Doctor Gérald Kierzek:
Do not resort to a cream until you have identified the cause. If an STI is suspected, complete screening and, if necessary, information from the partner. In case of fever and painful discharge, a consultation is necessary within 24-48 hours. Be careful, repeated showers can weaken the skin. Better to avoid them.