Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

This form of IBD causes chronic inflammation in the large intestine.

By SELF Staffers

August 30, 2023

Ulcerative Colitis

Here’s Exactly What to Expect After an Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis

So you can start feeling better ASAP.

By Rebecca Joy StanboroughMedically reviewed by Kerri Glassner, DO

Ulcerative Colitis

11 Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

No, bloody poop isn’t normal.

By Tria WenMedically reviewed by Kerri Glassner, DO

Ulcerative Colitis

Everything You Need to Know About Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Ups

Put flare-ups in your rearview.

By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNAReviewed by Kerri Glassner, DO

Ulcerative Colitis

Here’s Exactly What to Know About Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

How to treat and manage ulcerative colitis.

By Jennifer LarsonReviewed by Kerri Glassner, DO

Ulcerative Colitis

Are There Certain Foods to Avoid With Ulcerative Colitis?

Changing your diet isn’t totally straightforward.

By Kathryn Watson and Natasha LavenderMedically reviewed by Rabia de Latour, MD

Ulcerative Colitis

How to Make Traveling With Ulcerative Colitis a Little Less Stressful

Here’s how one person makes it work and still has fun exploring.

By Amy NortonMedically reviewed by Brijen J. Shah, MD, AGAF

Ulcerative Colitis

I Have Ulcerative Colitis and Used to Go to the Bathroom 20 Times a Day

“I’ve pooped my pants in public.”

By Theresa TamkinsMedically reviewed by Ugo Iroku, MD, MHS

Health

I’m a Long-Distance Hiker With Ulcerative Colitis—Here’s How I Manage On and Off the Trail

Shawna Reeve shares how self-advocacy and self-compassion prepare her for her 900K goal.

By Pam Moore, MS, C.P.T., OTR/L

Ulcerative Colitis

How to Tell If Your Poop Smells Regular-Bad or Concerningly Bad

How funky is too funky?

By Jessica ToscanoMedically reviewed by Kerri Glassner, DO

Ulcerative Colitis

Brian Austin Green Opens Up About Living With Ulcerative Colitis

The actor revealed he was bedridden with symptoms.

By Maggie O'Neill

Ulcerative Colitis

5 Ways People With Ulcerative Colitis Plan for Events

It’s not as simple as just marking your calendar.

By Korin Miller

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Could IBS or IBD Be Causing Your Gut Issues?

Here’s how to tell.

By Ashley Abramson and Korin MillerMedically reviewed by Kerri Glassner, DO

Digestive Health

Here’s What to Expect Before, During, and After a Colonoscopy

It could save your life.

By Kathryn WatsonMedically reviewed by Kerri Glassner, DO

Digestive Health

Here’s How Pancolitis Really Affects Your Digestive System

It can wreak havoc on your gut.

By Kathryn WatsonMedically reviewed by Brijen J. Shah, MD, AGAF

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

What Could Be Causing Your Weird Stomach Problems?

Take this quiz to explore the possibilities.

By Alisa Hrustic

Constipation

This Is What Straining to Poop Can Do to Your Butt

It’s pretty gnarly.

By Rozalynn S. Frazier, C.P.T. and Zahra ThompsonMedically reviewed by Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS

Crohn's Disease

Here’s the Difference Between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease

They can look and feel really similar.

By Demetria WambiaMedically reviewed by Kerri Glassner, DO

Crohn's Disease

Here’s How to Find Relief for Your Crohn’s Disease Symptoms

The right treatment plan can be life-changing.

By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.Medically reviewed by Kerri Glassner, DO

Digestive Health

7 Digestive Symptoms You Should Definitely Tell Your Doctor About

You might need to get a bit personal.

By Korin MillerMedically reviewed by Kerri Glassner, DO

Ulcerative Colitis

Here’s How Your Gut Health Plays a Role in Ulcerative Colitis

Inside the possible causes of IBD.

By Jill Seladi-SchulmanMedically reviewed by Kerri Glassner, DO

Crohn's Disease

Why You May Need Numerous Tests for a Crohn’s Disease Diagnosis

A colonoscopy isn’t the only thing to prepare for.

By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.Medically reviewed by Brijen J. Shah, MD, AGAF

Ulcerative Colitis

Everything You Need to Know About Ulcerative Proctitis

Including how it differs from ulcerative colitis.

By Ann PietrangeloReviewed by Kerri Glassner, DO

Diarrhea

12 Possible Reasons Your Poop Is a Strange Shade of Green

Let’s get to the bottom of this.

By Korin MillerMedically reviewed by Rabia de Latour, MD

Ulcerative Colitis

The Best Foods to Eat on an Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan

It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

By Natalie Rizzo, R.D.Reviewed by Rabia de Latour, MD

Psoriasis

9 Health Conditions You Should Watch For If You Have Psoriasis

The disease can affect more than your skin.

By Sara Gaynes LevyMedically reviewed by Diane C. Madfes, MD

Here’s Exactly What to Expect After an Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis

11 Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Everything You Need to Know About Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Ups

Here’s Exactly What to Know About Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Are There Certain Foods to Avoid With Ulcerative Colitis?

How to Make Traveling With Ulcerative Colitis a Little Less Stressful

I Have Ulcerative Colitis and Used to Go to the Bathroom 20 Times a Day

I’m a Long-Distance Hiker With Ulcerative Colitis—Here’s How I Manage On and Off the Trail

How to Tell If Your Poop Smells Regular-Bad or Concerningly Bad

Brian Austin Green Opens Up About Living With Ulcerative Colitis

5 Ways People With Ulcerative Colitis Plan for Events

SELF Daily

Could IBS or IBD Be Causing Your Gut Issues?

Here’s What to Expect Before, During, and After a Colonoscopy

Here’s How Pancolitis Really Affects Your Digestive System

What Could Be Causing Your Weird Stomach Problems?

This Is What Straining to Poop Can Do to Your Butt

Here’s the Difference Between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease

Here’s How to Find Relief for Your Crohn’s Disease Symptoms

7 Digestive Symptoms You Should Definitely Tell Your Doctor About

Here’s How Your Gut Health Plays a Role in Ulcerative Colitis

Why You May Need Numerous Tests for a Crohn’s Disease Diagnosis

Everything You Need to Know About Ulcerative Proctitis

12 Possible Reasons Your Poop Is a Strange Shade of Green

The Best Foods to Eat on an Ulcerative Colitis Diet Plan

9 Health Conditions You Should Watch For If You Have Psoriasis

A-Z CONDITION FINDER