Proctitis is a side effect of some medical treatments.  People who engage in anal sex more commonly contract proctitis, particularly if they have multiple sexual partners.

Proctitis typically affects male adults

Proctitis can be a one-time ailment or a chronic condition.  It can be cleared up with a simple treatment plan.  The treatment plan for Proctitis is dependent on what has caused it in the first place.

Symptoms of Proctitis include:

-   Frequent or continuous urge to have a bowel movement

-   Rectal bleeding

-   Passing mucous through the rectum

-   Anal and rectal pain

-   Pain in the lower left abdomen

-   A constant feeling of rectal fullness

-   Diarrhea, typically frequent, but in small amounts

-   Pain with bowel movements

Proctitis is most commonly contracted with sexually transmitted diseases.  Anal or oral-anal intercourse is the most common cause.  Gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, anal warts and Chlamydia are common causes of Proctitis.

Sometimes, a patient will contract Proctitis from a non-sexually transmitted bacterial infection.  It is a rare occurrence in children, but it can occur from the same organism that causes strep throat.  Food born illnesses and other bacteria may cause Proctitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease, also referred to as IBD, as associated with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, may also contribute to Proctitis.  Chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide enemas, medications or placing objects inside of the rectum may also cause Proctitis.

Other causes include:

-  Trauma to the anal-rectal area

-  Radiation therapy directed at or near the rectum, as with rectal cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer or uterine cancer

-  Antibiotic use, such as can destroy protective bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

People with the following are at a higher risk factor for Proctitis:

-  Being the recipient of anal or oral-anal sex

-  Having multiple sexual partners

-  Having anal sex with a partner who has an STD

-  Having anal sex without a condom

-  Having inflammatory bowel disease

-  Antibiotic use, as for another health condition or ailment

-  Radiation therapy directed near the rectum or anus

If you engage in high-risk sexual behavior or are experiencing symptoms of Proctitis, contact your doctor immediately for a medical evaluation.  Severe bleeding, anemia from blood loss and dehydration from diarrhea require immediate medical attention.