Proctitis is an inflammatory process occurring in the rectum and anus. It typically presents with anorectal pain, tenesmus, and rectal discharge. Symptoms can vary in intensity and continuity, often related to the underlying etiology. If untreated, patients can develop persistent bleeding and anemia, perianal abscesses, ulcerations, or fistulas.

Proctitis often occurs in adults with receptive anal exposures (oral, digital, or genital to anal). Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis (including lymphogranuloma venereum [LGV] serovars), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and Treponema pallidum are the most common sexually transmitted pathogens. Proctitis can also be caused by nonsexually transmitted infections, autoimmune diseases, ischemia, vasculitis, trauma, radiation (see radiation proctitis), or medication side effects. In addition, it can affect adults with inflammatory bowel disease (eg, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis).

Treatment depends on the cause and ranges from antibiotic or antiviral therapy to anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapy.