Rectal Disorders
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
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
Symptoms, tests and care options
Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.
- Colonoscopy: MedlinePlus Health Topic · National Library of Medicine
- Lower GI Series (Barium Enema) · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Lower GI X-Ray (Barium Enema) · Radiological Society of North America
- Rectal prolapse repair - series · Medical Encyclopedia
- Understanding Rectal Bleeding · Department of Veterans Affairs
Questions for your care team
General prompts to help prepare for your appointment.
- How does this information apply to my situation?
- Which symptoms or results need evaluation?
- Which tests are useful, and what can they tell us?
- What care options, benefits, and risks should we discuss?
- When should I seek urgent help, and whom should I call?
- When is follow-up, and how will we know whether the plan is working?
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.
Browse all patient guides