A proctologist is a surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the lower digestive tract, which includes the colon, rectum, and anus. Currently, proctologists are referred to as, “colorectal surgeons” or “colon and rectal surgeons.” Read more: What Type of Doctor Is A Proctologist? Article
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Types, Causes, and Treatments
Learn how to get rid of hemorrhoids, the difference between internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids, what causes...
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Genital Herpes: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
What's going on down there? WebMD shows you pictures of genital herpes symptoms and treatments -- and how to avoid getting the...
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Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) Symptoms, Diet, Treatment
Diverticulitis (diverticulosis) is a condition in which the diverticulum or diverticula rupture in the colon, causing infection....
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Colon Cancer: How Your Diet Can Affect Colorectal Cancer
Diet, including nutrient, antioxidant, and vitamin intake, affects colon cancer risk. Certain dietary factors either decrease or...
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
What is inflammatory bowel disease? IBD can include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Learn more about testing, treatments,...
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Genital Herpes Quiz: What is Genital Herpes?
What is genital herpes? Learn the causes, symptoms in men and women, and treatments for this common sexually transmitted skin...
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Hemorrhoids Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ of Piles
Does everyone have hemorrhoids? Test your knowledge of this and many other facts about Hemorrhoids.
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Picture of Syphilis
A sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum, a microscopic organism called a spirochete. See a picture of...
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Picture of Chlamydia
A type of bacteria which causes an infection very similar to gonorrhea in the way that it is spread, the symptoms it produces,...
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Picture of Colon Cancer
Most, if not all, of these cancers develop from colonic polyps. Removal of these precancerous polyps can prevent colon cancer....
QUESTION
Pancreatitis is inflammation of an organ in the abdomen called the pancreas. See AnswerRelated Disease Conditions
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Hemorrhoids (Internal and External)
Hemorrhoids (piles) are swollen veins in the rectum and anus. Causes include pregnancy, obesity, diarrhea, low-fiber diet, and prolonged sitting on the toilet. Treatment varies depending upon the severity of the hemorrhoids. Some treatment options include over-the-counter creams and suppositories, stool softeners, warm sitz baths, and hemorrhoidectomies.
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Boils (Skin Abscesses)
A boil is a skin abscess, a collection of pus localized deep in the skin. There are several different types of boils. Among them are the following: furuncle or carbuncle, cystic acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, and pilonidal cyst.
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Colon Polyps
Colon polyps are fleshy growths inside the colon lining that may become cancerous. Symptoms include rectal bleeding. Learn about causes, signs, treatment, and how to prevent colon cancer.
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Syphilis in Women
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a spiral-shaped type of bacteria known as a spirochete. There are three stages of syphilis with distinct symptoms. During the first stage of syphilis, a painless ulcer is known as a chancre form. Irreversible organ damage can occur during the late stage of syphilis. Special blood tests are used to diagnose syphilis. Syphilis infection is treated with penicillin. Condom use can often prevent syphilis.
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Gonorrhea In Women
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection transmitted during sexual contact. In women, symptoms include a yellow vaginal discharge, burning or frequent urination, and redness, swelling, burning, and itching of the vaginal area. Gonorrhea can be treated with injectable (penicillin) or oral medications.
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How Long Do Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids Last?
Many thrombosed external hemorrhoids may go away within a few weeks. Pain may improve within 7-10 days without surgery and may disappear within 2-3 weeks.
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Colon Cancer: 8 Early Warning Signs & 4 Stages
Colon cancer usually does not cause signs or symptoms in the early stages. As the cancer grows, signs may include blood in the stool, bowel habit changes, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Learn about stages and treatment of colon cancer.
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Indigestion (Dyspepsia, Upset Stomach Pain)
Indigestion (dyspepsia, upset stomach) can be caused by problems related to, or not related to the gastrointestinal tract. Signs and symptoms are upper abdominal pain, belching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and abdominal distention. Treatment depends upon the cause.
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Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis)
Most people with diverticulosis have few if any symptoms at all. When people do experience signs and symptoms of diverticulosis (diverticular disease) they may include abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticula in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the tissues that surround the colon. Treatment methods for diverticulitis include prescription medications, and in some cases, diverticulitis surgery.
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Anal Fissure
An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the skin lining of the anus. Pain and/or rectal bleeding during bowel movements are common symptoms of anal fissures. Treatment includes increasing liquid intake, using stool softeners, prescription medications, and surgery.
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How Long Does It Take To Treat and Cure Syphilis?
Learn what medical treatments can help you treat syphilis and how long it takes to treat the infection to speed up your recovery.
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Colon Cancer (Colorectal Cancer)
Colon Cancer (Colorectal Cancer) is a malignancy that arises from the inner lining of the colon. Most, if not all, of these cancers, develop from colonic polyps. Removal of these precancerous polyps can prevent colon cancer.
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The Digestion Process (Parts, Organs, and Functions)
Digestion is the complex process of turning the food you eat into the energy you need to survive. The digestive process also involves creating waste to be eliminated, and is made of a series of muscles that coordinate the movement of food. Learn more about digestion and the body parts that make it possible, including the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, anus, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.
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Should I See a Gastroenterologist or Proctologist for Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, commonly called piles, are swollen, inflamed veins around the anus or the lower part of the rectum (the terminal part of the large bowel). They may be felt as tiny lumps in and around the anus. Hemorrhoids may often get better on their own within a few days, but some may need medications and even surgery to go away.
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Do I Have Hemorrhoids or Rectal Prolapse?
Learn more about the major differences between hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse and the kinds of treatment available.
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What Is Genital Herpes in Women?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Symptoms of genital herpes include painful blisters and often fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes for the first outbreak. Genital herpes is diagnosed with lab tests to test for the presence of the virus. Treatment for genital herpes includes antiviral medications to shorten the duration of the outbreak or reduce the risk of future outbreaks. There is no cure for genital herpes. Condoms may help prevent the spread of genital herpes.
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Is Chlamydia Contagious?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is contagious. Chlaymida is spread through sexual contact. (You cannot get chlamyidia from kissing or sharing utensils or drinks.) Chlamydia is the most common STD in the U.S. The incubation period for chlamydia ranges from days to months, and the contagious period ends seven days after patients begin treatment. Chlamydia signs and symptoms may include painful urination, rectal irritation (proctitis), eye infections, and infertility. Women can also develop chronic pelvic pain, salpingitis, and endometritis.
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When Should You Go to the Doctor for Hemorrhoids?
If you're dealing with painful or bleeding hemorrhoids, you're not alone. About one in 20 Americans have hemorrhoids, and that includes half of all adults over age 50.
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How Long Does It Take for Gonorrhea To Show up in Males?
What is gonorrhea and how do you know if you have it? Learn the signs of gonorrhea and what to do if you're dating someone who has it.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The intestinal complications of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis differ because of the characteristically dissimilar behaviors of the intestinal inflammation in these two diseases.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Diet
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a name for a group of diseases in which there is inflammation of the digestive tract (gastrointestinal tract). Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the most common types of inflammatory bowel disease. While there is no specific recommended diet for a person with IBD, doctors and specialists recommend a low-residue (low fiber) diet for people with inflammatory bowel disease. Nutritionists, registered dieticians, and other health-care professionals can recommend specific foods, create meal plans, and recommend vitamins and other nutritional supplements.Foods to avoid with IBDExamples of foods to avoid that may trigger symptoms include if you have IBD include products alcohol, diary products, fatty, fried, and spicy foods, beans, and creamy sauces. Foods to eat with IBD Examples of a low-residue (low-fiber) diet that may help relieve symptoms after a flares of the disease are plain cereals, canned fruit, rice, oatmeal, and bananas.
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What Foods Should You Avoid if You Have Diverticulitis?
What is diverticulitis? Learn what foods to avoid if you have diverticulitis.
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Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. Signs and symptoms of chlamydia, a bacterial infection, include vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, burning with urination, blood in the urine, and feelings of urinary urgency and frequency. Untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Chlamydia is diagnosed with a culture or by identification of the genetic material of the bacteria. Treatment of chlamydia consists of a course of antibiotics.
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How Long Does it Take for Gonorrhea to Show Up in Females?
What is gonorrhea and what are the symptoms of it? Learn the signs of gonorrhea and what to do if you have it.
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Can Diverticulitis Cause Urinary Symptoms?
Diverticular disease and diverticulitis both affect the large intestine (bowel). Nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and bladder symptoms such as pain or burning when peeing or the desire to urinate frequently are possible symptoms.
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Early Signs of Colon Cancer
Colon or colorectal cancer may not cause any symptoms during the early stages of the disease. A person may have polyps or colon cancer but may not have any symptoms till the late stages of the disease.
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Can Diverticulitis Go Away on Its Own?
Yes, an attack of uncomplicated diverticulitis can go away on its own. However, you must visit your doctor for a thorough evaluation of the episode. Most attacks of uncomplicated diverticulitis are not life-threatening and usually resolve within a week. Complicated diverticulitis needs medical attention because it can cause serious complications.
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How Long Does it Take Hemorrhoids to Heal?
If you've ever had hemorrhoids, you know that they can be very painful and irritating. Learn what hemorrhoids are, how doctors treat them, and what you can do to speed up their healing.
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How Do I Know if I Have Piles (Hemorrhoids)?
Piles (hemorrhoids) are a common condition that you may not even notice you have. Learn what the signs of piles are and how to treat them.
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What Happens If Syphilis Is Left Untreated?
Untreated syphilis can lead to permanent damage to multiple body systems such as the brain, heart, and eyes and result in life-threatening complications.
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How Long Does It Take to Show Signs of Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis. You can get it on your penis, vagina, anus, or in your throat. In rare cases, chlamydia can also infect the eyes.
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How Do Hemorrhoids Go Away?
Hemorrhoid symptoms may go away with diet and lifestyle modifications. You must, however, seek immediate medical care if your symptoms do not go away in a week or you experience symptoms.
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Rigid and Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Apart from the length, the flexible sigmoidoscope is more flexible to maneuver. Thus, it produces less discomfort. The rigid sigmoidoscopy has a lesser diagnostic yield than the flexible sigmoidoscopy.
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What is the best treatment for diverticulitis?
The best treatment for diverticulitis varies depending on the severity of the disease. Mild cases are often managed through diet, lifestyle changes, and medications.
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Which Is Worse: Diverticulitis or Diverticulosis?
What’s the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis? Learn what these conditions are and how to treat them.
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How Do You Get Syphilis and What Does It Look Like?
What is syphilis, and how do you get it? Syphilis is a highly contagious disease. Learn about the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of this sexually transmitted infection,
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Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis
In many cases, diverticulosis is asymptomatic. The condition may go undiagnosed till a routine colonoscopy is done. However, in a few individuals, diverticulitis causes symptoms - referred to as a diverticulitis attack or flare-up.
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Colon Cancer Prevention
Colorectal cancer is both curable and preventable if it is detected early and completely removed before the cancerous cells metastasize to other parts of the body. Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy (along with digital rectal examination and stool occult blood testing) are both effective at preventing colo-rectal cancers and detecting early colo-rectal cancers.
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What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact. It is caused by the spirochete bacterium, Treponema pallidum. The first sign of syphilis is most commonly a painless sore, called a chancre, which develops where the bacteria enters the body.
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What Helps Pain After Surgery?
After surgery, it's important to work with your healthcare team to make your recovery as pain-free as possible. Communicate with your doctor and nurses to help them adjust your pain management plan.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Sigmoidoscopy vs. Colonoscopy
- Is an Anoscopy Painful?
- Is A Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Painful?
- Colon and Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Bowel Diversion Surgery: Ileostomy, Colostomy, Ileoanal Reservoir, and Continent Ileostomy
- What Is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?
- What Are Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) and Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS)?
- What Is an Ileoanal Anastomosis (J-Pouch) Surgery?
- Genital Herpes FAQs
- Hemorrhoids Piles FAQs
- Stage IV Colon Cancer That Has Spread to the Liver
- Colon Cancer Prevention And Fiber?
- Colon Cancer and Polyp Screening Guidelines
- Colon Cancer Silences Howard Keel
- Colon Cancer, The Genetic Factor
- Gonorrhea Treatment Recommendations Update
- How Long Do You Live After Being Diagnosed with Colon Cancer?
- What Are the Early Signs of Colon Cancer?
- Doctors Answer Digestion Questions
- What Is the Best Way to Prevent Colon Cancer?
- What Is the Survival Rate for Colon Cancer?
- What Is the Treatment for Anal Fissures?
- Can You Have Anal Fissures Externally?
- How Does Colon Cancer Affect a Person's Body?
- Oral Gonorrhea Symptoms
Prevention & Wellness
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