Overview

An object in your rectum can cause pain, infection, bleeding, constipation, or leaking of stool. The rectum is a muscular tube about 13 cm (5 in.) long that is at the end of the large intestine (colon). The rectum connects the colon to the anus, which is the opening where stool leaves the body.

Your rectum may feel tender or irritated after the object has been removed. It may hurt when you have to pass stool.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• If your doctor suggests it, sit in 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in.) of warm water (sitz bath) 3 times a day and after bowel movements. The warm water helps with pain and itching.
• Add fibre like bran or psyllium to your diet to help prevent constipation. Other good sources of fibre include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
• Don't put anything in your rectum that can break, leak, or cut you.