Have you ever wondered what happens to the food we eat after it enters our stomach? It's like a long journey. The last stop on this journey is the anus. We all have this organ in our bodies, but it's a bit of a shameful topic that we don't like to talk about much, but it's a very important organ for our health. So today, let's talk about it openly and honestly.
What exactly is the rectum?
Simply put, the rectum is the last part of your large intestine. Our large intestine is a long tube-like part. The last 6 inches of this is the rectum. After the food we eat is digested, the remaining waste is collected here before it leaves the body. It's like a bus stop where people gather before a bus leaves. When feces accumulates here, our nervous system sends a signal to the brain, saying, "I need to go to the toilet now."
What is the difference between the colon and the rectum?
Although both are parts of the same system, there are slight differences.
- Colon: This is very long. Even as food waste passes through it, some of the digestive process still takes place, such as the absorption of water and nutrients into the body.
- Rectum: When waste from the large intestine reaches here, it has already turned into solid stool. The main function of the rectum is to hold the stool for a while and absorb any remaining water from it into the body. Then it is expelled from the body.
What is the difference between the rectum and the anus?
The last few centimeters after the rectum are called the anus. This is where the very important muscles (anal sphincters) that help us control the passage of stool are located. These muscles are what allow us to stop and pass stool when we want.
What is the shape and location of the rectum?
The rectum is located below our abdomen, inside the pelvic cavity. It is usually about 10-15 centimeters (5-6 inches) long. It also has two small "S"-shaped curves. The way these curves are located also helps us control our bowel movements.
The last part of the rectum is slightly wider. It is called the `rectal ampulla`. The stool comes and collects here. When this part is filled with stool, its walls stretch. Then the nerves there (`stretch receptors`) tell the brain that. That's when we get the feeling that we need to go to the toilet .
What are the common conditions that affect the rectum?
Without further ado, there are various health problems that can arise in the rectum. Some of these can be quite uncomfortable and painful. Let's take a look at a few of them.
| Condition | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Proctitis | Swelling and redness of the lining of the rectum. This can be caused by some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other conditions that affect the intestines. |
| Rectal ulcers | These are painful wounds. Sometimes they can bleed. |
| Perianal abscess | Painful, pus-filled lumps that form under the skin around the anus. |
| Colorectal polyps | Small growths that form on the inner wall of the rectum or large intestine. Some of these can become cancerous over time. |
| Rectal prolapse | When the muscles that hold the rectum in place weaken, the rectum protrudes through the anus. |
| Inability to control stool (Fecal incontinence) | Involuntary bowel movements. This can be caused by a problem with the muscles or nerves in the rectum. |
| Constipation and fecal impaction | Difficulty passing stool, stool becoming hard like stones, and rectal blockage. |
What are the symptoms that suggest a rectal problem?
If you have these symptoms, it is very important to see a doctor and seek advice without being embarrassed.
Remember, these symptoms aren't always a sign of a serious illness. However, it's best to talk to a doctor about it to find out exactly what's wrong.
| Symptom | What you should be careful about |
|---|---|
| Rectal bleeding | Seeing blood stains on underwear, toilet paper, or in the toilet. |
| Pain | Pain in the rectum, anus, or lower abdominal area. |
| Itching or signs of infection | Persistent itching, redness, or swelling around the anus. |
| Change in bowel habits | A sudden change in the color, texture (liquid, stone-like) of your stools, or the number of times you pass them per day. |
| Unusual feelings | Feeling like your stomach is not completely empty after going to the toilet (tenesmus) or having a bowel movement that is very difficult and painful (dyschezia). |
| Something jumping out | Feeling or seeing something like a lump of flesh coming out of the end of the anus. |
How does a doctor check the health of the rectum?
When you go to see a doctor with a problem like this, he or she may perform various tests to diagnose the condition. Knowing about these in advance can help reduce your anxiety.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): In this, the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to check for any lumps or abnormalities inside.
- Stool test: A sample of your stool is taken and checked in a laboratory for blood, germs, or other problems.
- Proctoscopy / Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached into the rectum and viewing the inside through a screen. If necessary, a sample of tissue (biopsy) may be taken at this time. Your doctor may recommend a bowel prep before the procedure.
- Barium enema: This is a special X-ray test. A special liquid is inserted into the rectum and X-ray images of the colon are taken.
- Anorectal manometry: This measures how well the muscles and nerves in the anus are working.
What can we do to keep the rectum healthy?
There are simple things we can do to prevent many diseases.
- Healthy diet: Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains). Drink plenty of water. This can help prevent constipation. Constipation is the root cause of many rectal diseases.
- Safe sex practices: Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also affect the anus, so it's important to practice safe sex.
- Don't skip medical checkups: Especially after the age of 45-50, get tests like ``(Colonoscopy)`` if your doctor recommends it. This can detect and remove things like polyps before they become cancerous.
- Don't ignore symptoms: If you have persistent pain, a change in bowel habits, or other discomfort, don't just wait and see if it's "okay." See a doctor as soon as possible.
The rectum is an important bridge between our digestive system and the process of defecation. Although the problems associated with it can be uncomfortable, there are good treatments for them. So put aside the embarrassment, think about your health and seek the necessary medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- The rectum is a vital and important part of our digestive system. It is very important to take care of its health.
- Never ignore symptoms such as blood in the stool, persistent pain, or a sudden change in bowel habits.
- Don't put off seeing a doctor because you're embarrassed or afraid to talk about a problem like this. Getting treatment early can prevent serious conditions.
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly are very beneficial for colon health.
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