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

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

• Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
• Non-sexually transmitted infection
• Autoimmune disease
• Harmful substances

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:

• Autoimmune disorders
• High-risk sexual practices such as anal sex

• Bloody stools
• Constipation
• Rectal bleeding
• Rectal discharge, pus
• Rectal pain or discomfort
• Tenesmus (pain with bowel movement)

• Proctoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Rectal culture
• Examination of stool sample