Learn More
See, Play and Learn
- No links available
Research
Resources
For You
Summary
The rectum is the lower part of your large intestine where your body stores stool. Problems with the rectum are common. They include hemorrhoids, abscesses, incontinence and cancer.
Many people are embarrassed to talk about rectal troubles. But seeing your doctor about problems in this area is important. This is especially true if you have pain or bleeding. Treatments vary depending on the particular problem.
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Diagnosis and Tests
- Colonoscopy: MedlinePlus Health Topic (National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
- Lower GI Series (Barium Enema) (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) Also in Spanish
- Lower GI X-Ray (Barium Enema) (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
- Rectal Bleeding (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
- Testing of the Anorectal and Pelvic Floor Area (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders)
- Understanding Minor Rectal Bleeding (American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) Also in Spanish
Treatments and Therapies
- How to Use Rectal Suppositories (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists)
- Rectal prolapse repair - series (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
Related Issues
- How to Get More Fiber in Your Diet (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
Specifics
- Levator Syndrome (Merck & Co., Inc.) Also in Spanish
- Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders)
- Polyps of the Colon and Rectum (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons) Also in Spanish
- Proctitis (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
- Proctitis (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
- Rectal Prolapse Expanded Information (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons)
- Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome - Symptoms and causes (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Proctitis (National Institutes of Health)
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Rectal Diseases (National Institutes of Health)
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Rectal Prolapse (National Institutes of Health)
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Rectocele (National Institutes of Health)
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Rectocele (National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Role of prolonged packing in postoperative anorectal abscess management: a systematic...
- Article: Evaluating the safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for rectal endometriosis:...
- Article: Current Status and Role of Artificial Intelligence in Anorectal Diseases and...
- Rectal Disorders -- see more articles
Find an Expert
Women
- Posterior Vaginal Prolapse (Rectocele) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
- Rectal Problems in Women (American College of Gastroenterology)
Patient Handouts
- Anorectal abscess (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Digital rectal exam (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Proctitis (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Rectal biopsy (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Rectal prolapse (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Rectal prolapse repair (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish