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Proctitis

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Proctitis

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:
Inflammation - rectum; Rectal inflammation

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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Proctitis is an inflammatory condition involving the anus and rectum. There are many causes of proctitis, but they can be grouped in the following categories:

• Sexually-transmitted disease
• Non-sexually-transmitted infection
• Autoimmune disease
• Noxious agents

Proctitis caused by sexually-transmitted disease occurs with high frequency among persons who engage in anal intercourse. Sexually-transmitted diseases which can cause proctitis include gonorrhea, herpes, chlamydia, and lymphogranuloma venereum. Amebiasis is another disease that can cause proctitis, and can be transmitted by ano-oral sex.

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 beta-hemolytic streptococcus, the same organism which causes strep throat. Autoimmune proctitis is associated with diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

Proctitis may also be caused by physical agents including chemicals inserted into the rectum, medications and radiation. Radiation proctitis is seen in association with radiotherapy as part of cancer treatment.

Risk factors include high-risk sexual practices such as anal sex, and autoimmune disorders.

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