Proctitis

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment Prevention Self-care

Introduction

Proctitis is an inflammation of the lining of your rectum. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the most common cause, but other causes include inflammatory bowel diseases and non-sexually transmitted infections.

Proctitis may also be a side effect of some medical treatments, including radiation therapy, or antibiotic use.

Sexually transmitted proctitis is most common in people who engage in anal or oral-anal intercourse, particularly if they have multiple partners. Proctitis in general mainly affects adult males.

You may find proctitis to be short-lived, or it may become chronic. In most cases, though, you'll be able to clear up proctitis with treatment. Treatment for proctitis depends on the cause.

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Signs and symptoms