Rectal Discharge: Symptoms

What other symptoms might occur with rectal discharge?

Rectal discharge may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.

Gastrointestinal symptoms that may occur along with rectal discharge

Rectal discharge may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Abdominal swelling, distention or bloating
• Bloody stool (blood may be red, black, or tarry in texture)
• Burning feeling
• Change in bowel habits
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fecal incontinence (inability to control stools)
• Flatulence
• Pain, which may be severe, in the abdomen, pelvis, or lower back
• Urgent need to pass stool
• Watery diarrhea including multiple episodes

Other symptoms that may occur along with rectal discharge

Rectal discharge may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

• Fever
• Joint pain
• Malaise
• Rash

Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition

In some cases, rectal discharge may occur with other symptoms that might indicate a serious condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have rectal discharge along with other serious symptoms including:

• Bloody stools (blood may be red, black, or tarry in texture)
• Drainage of pus from the rectum
• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Recurring bouts of watery diarrhea that may include blood or pus in the stool
• Watery diarrhea including multiple episodes