Rectal Problems: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have rectal itching?

See significance of rectal itching if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had leakage of stool (fecal incontinence) for longer than 24 hours?

Yes

Have you had other signs of illness, such as weight loss, rash, weakness, or increased thirst and urination, for longer than 1 week?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you continue to have rectal itching after 1 to 2 weeks of home treatment?

Note:

If you think your rectal itching may be caused by exposure to a sexually transmitted disease: Do not have sexual contact until you have been treated by a health professional. Your partner may need to be treated as well.

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	May 22, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer