What may increase the seriousness of a rectal problem?

Many conditions, lifestyle choices, medications, and diseases interfere with your ability to heal or fight infection. You may be at risk for a more serious problem from your symptoms if you have any of the following. Be sure to tell your health professional.

Conditions

• Older than age 60
• Episiotomy following vaginal delivery
• History of radiation to the rectum or pelvis
• Pregnancy
• Previous surgery of the anus or rectum
• Previous surgical removal of the spleen
• A recent surgery, such as a hysterectomy or back surgery
• Spinal cord injury

Lifestyle choices

• Alcohol abuse or withdrawal
• Drug abuse or withdrawal
• Engaged in high-risk sexual behaviors
• Receptive anal intercourse or foreign body insertion

Medications

• Anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
• Medications to prevent organ transplant rejection
• Medications used to treat cancer (chemotherapy)
• Radiation therapy

Diseases

• Anal fissures
• Anemia
• Cancer
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Diabetes
• Diverticular disease
• Gallbladder disease
• Hemorrhoids
• History of a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura
• Kidney disease
• Leukemia and lymphoma
• Lumbar disc herniation
• Skin diseases, such as:
  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Eczema
  • Lichen planus
  • Psoriasis
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
• A spinal cord disorder
• A personal or family history of:
  • Colon cancer
  • Crohn's disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Polyps
  • Ulcerative colitis
• Von Willebrand's disease