Poop Decoder · mucus
Mucus in stool: what's normal and what isn't
A little is normal. A lot, or with blood, isn't. Your gut makes mucus to keep things moving, so a thin clear or white film on your poop is nothing to worry about. More than usual, mucus that keeps showing up, or mucus with blood or belly pain is worth seeing a doctor about.
Normal or not?
It's there on purpose
Stool normally carries a little mucus. It's a jelly-like substance your intestines make to keep the lining of your colon moist and slippery.
Bugs and IBS
A lot of mucus with diarrhea can come from a gut infection. Whitish mucus is also a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), along with belly pain and changes in how often you go.
With blood or pain is different
Mucus with blood, or with belly pain, can point to something more serious, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or even cancer. Passing mucus or pus with stool is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, Mucus in stool: A concern?; NIDDK, Symptoms & causes of irritable bowel syndrome; NIDDK, Symptoms & causes of ulcerative colitis.