When to Seek Medical Care

If you have any of the symptoms—especially if you have a history of high-risk sexual behavior that may lead to proctitis—you should contact your health care provider to be checked.  Other minor conditions such as hemorrhoids also can cause similar symptoms.  Your doctor can tell the difference and provide the right treatment.

If you have bleeding and mucus in a bowel movement, severe pain, and diarrhea, seek treatment at a hospital’s emergency department. Complications such as severe bleeding and anemia need immediate medical attention.  As a result of diarrhea, you also may be dehydrated. Symptoms indicating severe disease include weakness, dizziness, irritability, shortness of breath, and headaches.