First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

Chest Pain
Difficulty Breathing
Severe Bleeding

Sudden Weakness or Numbness
A Medical Emergency

Font Size

Rectal Problems Caused by Abuse

Signs of abuse may not be apparent without an examination of the genital area. These signs include:

Bruises, scars, chafing, or bite marks in the genital area.
Discharge from the vagina or penis.
Rectal or genital bleeding.
Anal tears or dilation.
Symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, or HIV.

Rectal problems, including constipation, pain, leaking of stool, or anal injury, may be caused by physical or sexual abuse that injures the abdominal or rectal area. An injury to the vagina or rectum, or injury to the abdomen, back, or lower spine can prevent normal bowel movements.

Home treatment is not appropriate for rectal problems that are caused by abuse. Unreported abuse is likely to continue and will usually get worse. You may feel uneasy if your doctor brings up the issue of abuse. Health professionals have a professional duty and legal obligation to evaluate the possibility of abuse.

If you think your child has been abused, there are resources available to help. Adults need to protect young children because children cannot protect themselves.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	David Messenger, MD
Last Revised	April 14, 2011

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 14, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.