When most people think of STDs, they tend to think of infections that affect the genitals. However, one of the lesser known aspects of some STDs is that they can infect many parts of the body.
An STD that can infect many parts of the body is gonorrhea, which can infect the genitals, eyes, throat, and even the rectum.
But how does this happen?
If you are concerned that you may have a rectal gonorrhea infection, keep reading to learn more. The more knowledge you have, the more effectively you can respond.
Worried about STDs? Make an appointment at a sexual health clinic today.
What is anal gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STD) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea can infect men and women. Occasionally, the infection can also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth.
Gonorrhea infections are site-specific, meaning that the bacteria tend to infect the area at the site of infection. So, if you get a rectal infection, it means that the gonorrhea bacteria has infected the mucous membranes in your rectum.
How do you get anal gonorrhea?
Anal gonorrhea is usually transmitted through anal sex, but it is not the only way of transmission. If contaminated genital fluids come into contact with the anus, either through sexual activity or other means, they can cause infection. Here’s how:
- Anal sex without protection: This is the most common way anal gonorrhea is transmitted. If a person has unprotected anal sex with someone who has gonorrhea, they are at risk of contracting the infection. This applies to both men and women.
- Sharing sex toys: If sex toys are shared and not properly cleaned between uses, they can spread gonorrhea. This is because bacteria can live on the surface of toys and be passed on to the next user.
- Touching the anus after touching the genitals: If a person with a genital gonorrhea infection touches their genitals and then their anus, they can transfer the bacteria to the anus.
What are the symptoms of anal gonorrhea?
Anal gonorrhea can often be difficult to diagnose because it may not always cause symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Discomfort in the anus area
- Rectal discharge
- Bleeding from the anus
- Itching around the anus
- Painful bowel movements
How do you test for anal gonorrhea?
The only way to test for anal gonorrhoea is to take a swab of the affected area.
Better2Know provides a simple, immediate home test kit for rectal infections. He will also test you for a chlamydia infection in your anus at the same time.
If you think you have a rectal infection, click the button below to order your home test kit.
How can I avoid anal gonorrhea?
Prevention of anal gonorrhea involves taking steps to protect yourself and others during sexual activity. Here are some key strategies:
- Use condoms: Using condoms during anal sex is one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of gonorrhea and other STDs. Make sure you use a new condom after every sexual act.
- Contact your partners: Open communication about sexual health can help ensure that all parties are aware of any potential risks. If you or your partner have an STD, it’s important to discuss it before engaging in sexual activity.
- Clean your sex toys and cover them with condoms: If you use sex toys, wash them with soap and water (or whatever cleaning instructions the manufacturer provides) after each use, and cover them with a new condom after each act of sex.
How do I treat anal gonorrhea?
If you are diagnosed with gonorrhea, you will usually be prescribed antibiotics. As some types of gonorrhea are resistant to antibiotics, you may be prescribed two different antibiotics to take at the same time. It is important to have another test two weeks after finishing your medication to check that it has worked, so that a different treatment can be tried if the infection has not cleared.
When you’re tested with Better2know, we’ll connect you with a doctor who will help you access the medications you’ll need.
Final thoughts
While gonorrhea infections of the anus are relatively uncommon, they can cause a lot of discomfort. If left untreated, they can also lead to serious health complications.
If you think you may have a vaginal yeast infection, call the number at the top of this page to speak to one of our trained sexual health advisors. You can also book an appointment now by clicking on the link below and starting your online booking process.
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