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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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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

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:

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