If your doctor says you have ulcerative colitis (UC), it means you have a long-term disease that inflames the lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. Most folks find out they have it between the ages of 15 and 30.
With this condition, you may get symptoms like bloody bowel movements or diarrhea. You may alternate between periods of flare-ups -- when the symptoms are active -- and remission -- when they disappear. The remission periods can last from weeks to years.