Can rectal foreign bodies cause internal injury or infection?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Rectal foreign bodies can cause serious internal injury or infection if not treated properly. Potential complications include tears in the rectal or colon wall (perforation), bleeding, bacterial infections, abscesses, sepsis, and long-term damage to the anal sphincter, which may result in incontinence. Delayed removal or attempts to remove objects at home significantly increase these risks.

Because symptoms like pain, bleeding, or discomfort can indicate anything from a minor issue to a medical emergency, it's important to assess your situation quickly and accurately. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be causing your symptoms, gauge the urgency, and determine the right next steps—whether that's self-care or seeking immediate medical attention.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of rectal pain or bleeding Learn if your rectal symptoms need urgent care Find out if rectal injury could be serious See OTC options for rectal pain relief Find a doctor for rectal injuries Understand safe home care for rectal injury Discover if your symptoms need a symptom check

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Explanation

Rectal foreign bodies can indeed lead to internal injuries and infections. When something is inserted into the rectum, it can damage the delicate tissues inside, which might cause bleeding or other injuries. If the object is not clean or causes a tear, it can introduce bacteria, leading to infections.

Risks of Infection

The risk of infection is significant, especially if the object is not sterile. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream, which might cause serious infections. This is similar to how infections can occur with medical equipment if not cleaned properly, as noted in the references.

Prevention and Care

To prevent these complications, it is crucial to avoid inserting objects into the rectum. If an object is inserted and causes discomfort or cannot be removed, medical attention should be sought immediately to prevent further injury or infection. You can also check your symptoms with our free AI symptom checker to better understand your condition and determine if immediate care is needed.

(References)

Falcone M, Tiseo G, Galfo V, Giordano C, Leonildi A, Marciano E, et al. (2022). Bloodstream infections in patients with rectal colonization .... Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 34197935.
Lessa F, Tak S, Devader SR, Goswami R, Anderson M, Williams I, et al. (2008). Risk of infections associated with improperly reprocessed .... Infection control and hospital epidemiology, 18462138.
Souverein D, Euser SM, Herpers BL, Kluytmans J, Rossen JWA, & Den Boer JW. (2019). Association between rectal colonization with Highly .... PloS one, 30682095.

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