A rectal ulcer happens when one or more of the mucus layers that line the rectum are injured or damaged, resulting in a painful sore. Your rectum is the last few inches of your large intestine (colon) ...

Constipation and diarrhea can cause rectal pressure that may be relieved with OTC medicines or dietary changes. Adding fiber ...

Rectal discharge can be caused by infections, gastrointestinal issues, or certain medications. Treating rectal discharge may ...

Chronic anal fissures are tears in the tissue of the anal canal that last for more than 8 weeks. Unlike acute fissures that often heal on their own, chronic anal fissures require medical treatment.

The term fecal impaction refers to a collection of hardened stools in the colon or rectum. This obstruction can make it difficult for a person to pass stools and may cause symptoms such as abdominal ...

If you have ever been jolted awake by a sharp, stabbing pain in your rectum that disappeared just as suddenly as it arrived, you are not alone. It is a surprisingly common experience, yet most people ...

Jay N. Yepuri, MD, MS, FACG, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and member of the Digestive Health Associates of Texas Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Proctalgia fugax causes short ...

Constipation and blood in the stool can occur at the same time, due to many different reasons. For most people, blood in stool may occur due to issues with bowel movements, tears to the anus, or ...

Deaths from rectal cancer are increasing at 2 to 3 times the rate of deaths from colon cancer among younger adults — and researchers aren’t sure why.

An anal fistula is a tunnel that develops from the inside of the anus to the skin outside. It usually starts near blocked or infected anal glands and forms an abscess (a pus-filled pocket). Pus and ...

Discovering blood in your stool can trigger immediate anxiety and concern, but understanding what this symptom means helps distinguish between minor issues and serious conditions requiring prompt ...