What are the main signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    The main symptom of ulcerative colitis is bloody diarrhea, which may occur with or without mucus. Other symptoms include an increased urge to defecate, abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, anemia, and fatigue, with periods of remission and relapse.

    The most common symptom of UC is bloody diarrhea with or without mucus. People may also experience an increased urge to defecate, abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, anemia, and fatigue. Symptoms can wax and wane: people can experience periods free of symptoms (known as remission), followed by flare-ups (known as relapse).