If you’ve noticed mucus in your stool or when wiping after a bowel movement, you might be feeling unsure or concerned. While small amounts of mucus in the stool can be completely normal, visible mucus or mucus alongside other bowel symptoms can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition. At The The Midlands Bowel Clinic, we’re here to help you understand what’s going on and offer the right investigations and support.
What is mucus in stool?
Mucus is a clear, jelly-like substance that’s naturally produced by your intestines. It helps lubricate and protect the lining of your bowel. In small, occasional amounts, it usually isn’t anything to worry about. However, if you start seeing mucus regularly, in larger quantities, or combined with symptoms like blood, pain, or changes in bowel habits, it’s a good idea to get checked by a bowel specialist.
You may notice mucus:
- On the surface of the stool
- Mixed in with the stool
- On the toilet paper when wiping
- Accompanied by diarrhoea, constipation, bloating or urgency
Common causes of mucus in stool
Several conditions can lead to increased mucus in your bowel movements. These include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – a functional bowel disorder often associated with bloating, cramping, and changes in stool consistency, which may include mucus
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, where inflammation of the bowel lining leads to mucus, blood, and diarrhoea
- Infections – bacterial infections of the bowel, such as Campylobacter or Salmonella, can cause mucus and diarrhoea
- Constipation or straining – increased pressure on the bowel can cause excess mucus to be passed
- Rectal conditions – such as haemorrhoids or anal fissures
- Polyps or bowel cancer – in rare cases, especially if mucus is seen with blood or changes in your bowel habits
When to see a bowel specialist
If you’re noticing mucus in your stool regularly, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to speak to a bowel specialist. You should book an appointment if you experience:
- Persistent or large amounts of mucus in your stool
- Mucus with blood
- Ongoing diarrhoea or constipation
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Urgency or incontinence
- Unexplained weight loss
- A change in your usual bowel pattern
- A family history of bowel conditions or bowel cancer
Getting checked early gives you peace of mind – and helps catch any potential problems early on.
How we investigate mucus in stool
At The Midlands Bowel Clinic, we’ll start with a detailed consultation and examination to understand your symptoms. We may recommend:
- Blood tests – to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or anaemia
- Stool tests – including tests for infection, inflammation (calprotectin), and hidden blood
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy – to look inside your bowel and assess the lining directly
- Imaging – such as MRI or CT scans, if needed to investigate deeper bowel or pelvic structures
We tailor investigations based on your symptoms, age, and risk factors.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms. We may recommend:
- Dietary and lifestyle advice – especially for IBS-related symptoms
- Medication – to reduce inflammation, manage infection or relieve bowel irritation
- Treatment for haemorrhoids or fissures – including creams, procedures or surgery if needed
- Management of chronic conditions – such as IBD, with personalised treatment plans and ongoing monitoring
- Referral to a dietitian – if food intolerance or specific dietary factors are involved
Our goal is to improve your bowel health and help you feel more confident and comfortable.
Why choose The Midlands Bowel Clinic?
Our dedicated team of colorectal specialists offers expert care for all bowel-related symptoms, including unusual or unexplained changes in your stool. We provide fast access to high-quality investigations and personalised treatment in a calm, discreet environment.
Contact us
If you’ve seen mucus in your stool or have other bowel concerns, don’t ignore it. Contact The Midlands Bowel Clinic today to arrange a consultation with one of our expert consultants. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
