Hemorrhoids are dilated blood vessels in the anal canal and rectum and are very common. Risk factors for forming hemorrhoids include pregnancy, constipation and diarrhea, and straining with bowel movements. They can be asymptomatic, or cause anal itching, bleeding, or anal soreness. Treatment options

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain and abnormal stools. Unlike Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, there is no inflammation of the digestive tract. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but some people develop it after an infection of the

Ischemic colitis is an injury to the lining of a portion of the large intestine, typically caused by decreased blood flow to that area. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Severe cases may require surgery, but most patients can be treated conservatively with intravenous

Microscopic colitis is a mild chronic inflammation of the lining of the colon (large intestine). The most common symptom is nonbloody diarrhea. The exact cause is unknown but is sometimes associated with the use of certain medications. Microscopic colitis is diagnosed by taking tissue samples during

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles of the pelvis do not work in a coordinated way. Symptoms can include constipation and incontinence. Risk factors for developing this include pregnancy, obesity, and aging. Doctors can use a variety of studies to check the structure and function of the

Ulcerative colitis involves inflammation of part or all of the large intestine (colon and rectum). Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, fatigue, and weight loss. Ulcerative colitis can be diagnosed with the aid of colonoscopy, imaging studies such as a CT scan, blood tests,