How to Treat Proctitis

Identifying the Cause of Your Proctitis

Get tested for sexually transmitted infections. STIs are among a number of causes that can lead to proctitis. Talk to your doctor about getting tested for common STIs including chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. STI tests may include urine or blood tests, or getting a sample of discharge from your rectum or urethra. Anal intercourse is a top risk factor for proctitis. Practice safe sex to prevent it.

Ask about a blood test. How you treat your proctitis will depend in part on what is causing it. Getting a blood test can help detect infections and blood loss that may cause inflammation around the colon. Talk to your doctor to see if a blood test may be necessary. In addition to a blood test, your doctor may request a stool test. This may help determine if a bacterial infection is causing your proctitis. Your doctor may also test for syphilis, amoebae, and lymphogranuloma venereum.

Talk to your doctor about a scope exam. A sigmoidoscopy, a scope of the final portion of your colon, or a colonoscopy, a scope of your whole colon, can help determine the cause of your proctitis. During this exam, your doctor will use a flexible, thin, lighted tube to look in your colon for obstructions and irregularities. Usually, patients receive conscious sedation prior to a scope exam. In addition to a scope exam, your doctor may also choose to take a biopsy during your scope exam.

Managing Proctitis Symptoms at Home

Take acetaminophen to manage discomfort. Acetaminophen, better known by its brand name Tylenol, can help manage the inflammation and discomfort caused by proctitis. Simply take the tablets as instructed by your doctor or by the packing dosage instructions. You can buy Tylenol without a prescription at most pharmacies and drug stores. Other over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen may make proctitis worse. Always ask your doctor before trying one of these treatments.

Eat at least 2-3 hours before bed. Eating right before bedtime can cause bowel movements and discomfort at night. Try to eat your last meal at least 2-3 hours before you plan to go to sleep to avoid any additional discomfort.

Use a sitz bath and warm water to manage pain. A sitz bath is a soaker tub for your rear end that fits over your toilet. These are available from most pharmacies and drug stores. Fill your sitz bath with water that is a little bit above room temperature, and soak your rear for 10 to 15 minutes to help relieve pain and itching. While salt or other additives can be used in a sitz bath for other conditions, you shouldn’t use these without your doctor’s recommendation, as they may further irritation.

Using Medical Treatments

Try a daily suppository to treat proctitis caused by IBD. Initial treatment for mild or moderate proctitis generally consists of a daily suppository. These are typically prescribed by your doctor, and self-administered on a daily basis for the course of one week to a few weeks. Talk to your doctor about directions for your suppository. They can walk you through your first round and let you know how the medication should be administered. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe an enema instead of suppository. Your doctor will walk you through this process if necessary.

Apply a topical steroid. Topical steroids come in many forms, such as hydrocortisone enemas, suppositories, or oral tablets. Ask your doctor about which option will work best for you and see if it is an option you can use.

Take your antibiotics as prescribed if you have a bacterial infection. If your proctitis is caused by a bacterial infection or STI, your doctor may also prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat the underlying infection. Take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Even if your symptoms clear up before your antibiotics are finished, you should complete your full course. This will help completely eliminate the bacterial infection. Let your doctor know in advance if you are allergic to any antibiotics.

Seek treatment for any underlying STIs. If your proctitis is caused by an STI, you will need to seek treatment directly for that STI. In the case of syphilis and gonorrhea, this will require an antibiotic. For herpes or HPV, this will require an antiviral medication, such as oral acyclovir. In most cases, you will only need to take a single prescribed course of your medication. However, herpes and other viruses that can’t be treated will instead need to be managed over the course of a lifetime with antiviral medications.

Ask your doctor if surgery is necessary. In some severe cases, such as ulcerative colitis, surgical therapy may be necessary. Your doctor will recommend you to a specialist who will be able to finalize the details of your procedure.

Preventing Proctitis

Practice safe sex. Safer sex practices can help prevent the STIs that commonly cause proctitis. This includes wearing a condom during each sexual encounter. Using lubrication for anal sex activities can also help reduce tearing and inflammation that may cause proctitis. Having one sexual partner at a time can also help minimize the chances of getting an STI. Always talk to a new partner about their sexual history. Ask them about the last time they were tested, and if they have had any new partners since their last test.

Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber. A healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables can help promote overall colon health. In addition, adding regular servings of nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and other fiber-rich foods can help keep your colon healthy and reduce the risk of proctitis. Generally speaking, adult men under the age of 50 should get 38 grams of fiber, while women should get 25 g. Over the age of 50, men should aim for 30 g, and women should get 21 g. Minimizing the amount of high-fat foods, caffeine, and alcohol can also help keep your colon healthy.

Drink plenty of water. Drinking water whenever you are thirsty helps protect your bowel health. Avoid sugary drinks like soda and fruit juices, and opt for water whenever you are thirsty.

Practice stress reduction to help manage IBD. Irritated bowel disorder (IBD) can contribute to both acute and chronic proctitis. Daily use of stress management techniques like yoga, tai chi, and meditation can help reduce your risk of IBD.