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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThe causes of proctitis fall into several categories:
- Sexually transmitted infections. The most common type, sexually transmitted proctitis, is contracted through anal or oral-anal intercourse. STDs that can cause proctitis include gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, anal warts and chlamydia.
- Non-sexually transmitted bacterial infections. Proctitis is rare in children, but it can occur as a result of the same organism that causes strep throat (streptococcus). Salmonella, shigella and campylobacter, which are usually associated with food-borne illnesses, are other bacteria that can cause proctitis.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If you have ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, you may be more vulnerable to proctitis. Ulcerative colitis involves inflammation of the inner lining of your large intestine, including your rectum, the lowest portion of your colon. Crohn's disease involves chronic inflammation of any part of your gastrointestinal tract.
Other causes
Proctitis can result from a number of agents that can damage the lining of the rectum (rectal mucosa). These may include:
- Chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide enemas, medications or objects placed inside your rectum
- Trauma to your anal-rectal area
- Radiation therapy directed at or near your rectum, such as for treatment of rectal cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer or uterine cancer
- Antibiotic use for another ailment, which can destroy protective bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract
