What are the common causes of mucus in bowels?

The bowels create mucus on a regular basis to keep the lining of the colon lubricated and moist, according to the Mayo Clinic. A small amount of mucus in a bowel movement is normal and no reason for concern.

Larger amounts of mucus that occur regularly or accompany bleeding in the stool is a reason to talk with a doctor, warns Mayo Clinic. Mucus that accompanies changes in bowel habits is also a cause for concern. An increase in the amount of mucus is sometimes an indicator of an infection, while bloody mucus or abdominal pain with mucus can indicate a serious condition, such as ulcerative colitis, Crone’s disease or cancer.