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Proctitis facts

Learn about proctitis, its symptoms, how to treat it, how to protect yourself, and more.

What is proctitis

Proctitis is an infection or inflammation in the rectum. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses.

What causes proctitis

Proctitis can be caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia, mpox, herpes and other germs passed through anal sex.

Symptoms of proctitis

Rectal pain, bleeding, sores and/or discharge are all possible symptoms of proctitis. You might also notice a swollen, painful lymph node in your groin.

How serious is proctitis

Proctitis can be very painful and can increase your risk of getting infected with HIV, hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted infections. Untreated proctitis can cause scarring and other serious/painful long-term problems.

Some proctitis is caused by LGV (lymphogranuloma venereum). LGV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by specific strains of chlamydia.

How to treat proctitis

  • You will be given antibiotic medicines. It’s important to finish your medication to completely treat the infection.
  • If you have proctitis, we will send a test for LGV. The lab will do the LGV test only if your rectal chlamydia test is positive. Depending on the results of your tests, we may call you back in and ask you to take antibiotics for a longer course.
  • Your sex partners must be treated. If they aren’t treated, they could give the infection back to you, or infect others.
  • Don’t have sex while you are taking the antibiotic. Don’t have sex with your partner while you are both taking your medicine.
  • If your symptoms do not go away, return to the clinic for a further check-up.

How to avoid getting proctitis

If you’re thinking of having sex with a new partner:

  • Condoms are effective in reducing the risk of infection.
  • Ask your health care provider about doxy-PEP.
  • Do not have sex if you or a sexual partner has symptoms of an STI, including discharge, burning with urination, rash, or genital sores.
  • Proctitis can increase the risk of HIV infection. If you have proctitis and are HIV-negative, talk to your health care provider about PrEP.
This information is provided by San Francisco City Clinic.

Visit our homepage at sf.gov/cityclinic.
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Information last revised January 2024