Definition

Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum that causes discomfort, bleeding, and occasionally, a discharge of mucus or pus.

Alternative Names

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

There are many causes of proctitis, but they can be grouped in the following categories:

• Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
• Non-sexually transmitted infection
• Autoimmune disease
• Harmful substances

Proctitis caused by STD occurs with high frequency among persons who engage in anal intercourse. STDs that can cause proctitis include gonorrhea, herpes, chlamydia, lymphogranuloma venereum , and amebiasis.

Non-sexually transmitted infections causing proctitis are seen less frequently than STD proctitis. The classical example of non-sexually transmitted infection occurs in children and is caused by the same bacteria that causes strep throat.

Autoimmune proctitis is associated with diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

Proctitis may also be caused by certain medications, radiotherapy, and inserting harmful substances into the rectum.

Risk factors include:

• Autoimmune disorders
• High-risk sexual practices such as anal sex

Symptoms

• Bloody stools
• Constipation
• Rectal bleeding
• Rectal discharge, pus
• Rectal pain or discomfort
• Tenesmus (pain with bowel movement)

Signs and tests

• Proctoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Rectal culture
• Examination of stool sample

Treatment

Successful treatment of the underlying cause usually cures the problem. Proctitis caused by infection is treated with antibiotics. Corticosteroids or mesalamine suppositories may relieve symptoms of proctitis in persons with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Expectations (prognosis)

The probable outcome is good with treatment.

Complications

• Severe bleeding
• Anemia
• Recto-vaginal fistula (women)
• Anal fistula

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of proctitis develop.

Prevention

Safer sex behaviors may prevent the disease from being spread by sexual transmission.

Images

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process, and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch.)

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. ©1997-2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.