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Proctitis means soreness and swelling (inflammation) of the rectum, which is the passage that carries faeces (poo) out of the body. It is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) but can be caused by STIs.
Proctitis can occur in anyone, and is more common in people who have anal sex.
Proctitis symptoms may be temporary or longer-term and may include:
There are many causes of proctitis but sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes, genital warts and chlamydia are the most common.
Other causes may include:
Proctitis diagnosis will depend on what is suspected to have caused it. If it’s not caused by a STI, you may require further tests with a specialist.
This may include a procedure that involves inserting a camera into the rectum to examine the surface. As part of this, the doctor may take a small piece of tissue from your rectum or a sample of discharge for testing.
Please be aware that you can be tested and treated for proctitis at your nearest GP surgery or at GUM or sexual health clinics. Find your nearest clinic using our find a service tool.
Because proctitis is generally caused by STIs, treatment will focus on dealing with the STI.
Although not all cases of proctitis are caused by an STI, it is possible to pass it on during sex so it is recommended that you don’t have sex until it has cleared up.
Tell your sexual partners
It is important that you tell any recent sexual partners (in the last six months) if you have proctitis as it is usually caused by an STI so it’s important they get tested.
Some clinics may also offer to contact your partner using partner notification. This will warn them they may have been exposed to an STI and to recommend they get tested, but it doesn’t mention your name.
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