Proctitis: Causes, Symptoms, and What Works Best

When your rectum hurts, burns, or bleeds without warning, it’s often proctitis, inflammation of the lining of the rectum that can stem from infections, autoimmune conditions, or radiation. Also known as rectal inflammation, it’s not just an annoyance—it can disrupt daily life, make sitting painful, and turn bowel movements into a stressful event. Many people mistake it for hemorrhoids or a simple stomach bug, but proctitis has distinct causes and needs the right approach to heal.

This condition often shows up alongside inflammatory bowel disease, a group of disorders including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease that trigger chronic gut inflammation. If you have ulcerative colitis, proctitis might be the first sign—limited just to the rectum but still demanding attention. It can also come from sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia, especially if unprotected anal sex is involved. Radiation therapy for prostate or cervical cancer is another common trigger, sometimes showing up months or years after treatment. Even certain antibiotics can throw off your gut bacteria and lead to anal discomfort, a symptom often linked to proctitis caused by C. diff infection.

What you feel matters: blood in stool, mucus discharge, a constant urge to go even when nothing comes out, or pain during bowel movements are all red flags. Some people get fever or weight loss if it’s severe. Diagnosis isn’t guesswork—it usually involves a scope exam, stool tests, and sometimes biopsies to rule out cancer or infections. Treatment depends on the root cause. Antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatory suppositories for IBD-related cases, or dietary tweaks to reduce irritation. Many find relief with sitz baths, avoiding spicy foods, and staying hydrated.

What you’ll find below are real, practical comparisons and guides based on actual patient experiences. From how proctitis connects to other gut conditions, to which treatments work better than others, to what to avoid when your rectum is already irritated—this collection cuts through the noise. No fluff. Just what helps, what doesn’t, and why.