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Colorectal Diseases

Mucus in stool

12/29/2008

Question:

Hi I am a male, 18 years of age.

For a while now, my bowel movements have changed. Sometimes they are normal, other times they are small and pellet like. Sometimes they are thin, but not very thin. Worst of all is that there are visible amounts of mucous in my stools. Sometimes, its just straight mucous and no actual stool. I am embarrassed to go to the doctor because this is not a common topic and quite embarrassing. I am too young for cancer so what could be causing this mucous in my stool?? It is very annoying to deal with!

Thanks

Answer:

The mucus could be from colorectal inflammation, or infection. Please don't be embarrassed about discussing your colon health with your doctor- you need to be evaluated by a caring and qualified professional. No one dies of embarrassment!

For more information:

Go to the Colorectal Diseases health topic, where you can:

Response by:

Janice Frederick Rafferty, MD Janice Frederick Rafferty, MD
Professor of Surgery
Chief of Colorectal Surgery Division
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati