Can sexually transmitted infections cause rectal itching?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/art...us-itching-std
Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Veronica Zambon on November 27, 2020
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as anal herpes or gonorrhea, can cause rectal itching. However, it is also possible that the itching results from other conditions, such as anal fissures or hemorrhoids.
In this article, we will discuss which STIs can cause rectal itching, and how to treat them. We also look at other conditions that can cause rectal itching.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is the result of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gonorrhea is a very common STI, affecting around 1.14 million people in the United States every year.
People can contract it via sexual contact with the genitals, mouth, or anus of a person who has gonorrhea.
Symptoms of rectal gonorrhea include:
anal discharge
anal itching
soreness and bleeding
painful bowel movements
However, not everyone with rectal gonorrhea will have symptoms. That is why it is important to have regular STI screenings.
Learn more about gonorrhea here.
Treatment
Treatment for gonorrhea involves a combination of ceftriaxone and azithromycin, which are antibiotics.
It is important that a person abstains from sexual activity for 1 week after treatment. This helps prevent passing the infection on to others.
Anal herpes
Anal herpes is the result of herpes simplex virus type 1 or herpes simplex virus type 2.
People can contract herpes if they come into contact with:
herpes lesions
mucosal surfaces, such as the vagina or rectum
genital and oral secretions
Symptoms of anal herpes include:
small blisters that burst, leaving inflamed and open sores
tingling, burning, or itching sensation
pain while urinating
The CDC note that most people who have herpes are asymptomatic, meaning that they do not have any symptoms. Others may only experience very mild symptoms.
If symptoms do appear, the first outbreak of herpes lasts for approximately 2–4 weeks, and a person may also experience flu-like symptoms.
Learn more about anal herpes here.
Treatment
To diagnose herpes, doctors will take a culture of a sore or perform a blood test.
There is currently no cure for herpes. However, doctors can prescribe antiviral medications.
These can shorten the amount of time an outbreak lasts and reduce the chance of passing this infection on to others.
Anal warts
Anal warts are the result of the human papillomavirus (HPV). One 2020 article notes that approximately 10% of people who have HPV will develop genital warts.
Symptoms of anal warts include:
individual or large masses of warts around the anal area
warts that may bleed
itching or discomfort
Learn more about anal warts here.
Treatment
There is no cure for anal warts. However, the article states that 80% of people will spontaneously clear the infection within 18–24 months.
A doctor can surgically remove the warts or prescribe topical agents.
What else can cause rectal itching?
Rectal itching may not be the result of an STI.
The following can also cause a person to experience an itchy anus. However, the list is not exhaustive, and therefore a person should contact a doctor if they are experiencing rectal itching.
Yeast infection
An anal yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of the Candida bacteria.
One 2016 article notes that Candida infections are present in approximately 10% of those experiencing an itchy anus.
Although an anal yeast infection is not an STI, a person can transmit or develop it via anal sex without the use of a condom or other barrier method.
Alongside itching, a person may experience:
burning
anal discharge
flushed or irritated skin
soreness
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins that appear inside and around the anus.
Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include:
itching, bleeding, pain, or burning in the anus
mucous discharge from the anus
swelling
Anal fissure
Anal fissures are tears in the skin in the rectum and anus. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) note that the majority of cases typically occur due to constipation or large stools that tear the lining of the anal canal.
However, anal fissures may occasionally occur due to STIs, such as syphilis or herpes. This is because they can infect and damage the anal canal.
Some anal fissures can last for more than 6 weeks.
Symptoms of anal fissures include:
bleeding when passing a bowel movement
itching around the anus
intermittent pain while passing a bowel movement
Pinworms
Pinworms are small thin white roundworms called Enterobius vermicularis. The CDC state that pinworm infection is the most common worm infection in the U.S.
People can contract pinworms after ingesting pinworm eggs. This can happen after swallowing the eggs that may be present on fingers, clothing, food, and other contaminated objects.
While a person sleeps, the female pinworm travels to the anal area and lays its eggs around the anus.
Symptoms can be mild, and some people do not experience any. However, the most common symptom is rectal itching. Other symptoms may include:
redness and swelling
watery diarrhea
abdominal pain
A person may also be able to see the worms and their eggs on the skin near the anus approximately 2–3 hours after a person falls asleep.
Irritants
Certain irritants can lead to skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. This can lead to anal itching, inflammation, swelling, and pain.
The most common irritants that may cause anal itching include:
soaps
shampoos
recycled toilet paper
intimate hygiene wipes
certain foods, especially those that contain nickel
Home management
A person should always contact a doctor if they are concerned that they have contracted an STI.
However, according to the NHS, a person can try the following to provide relief from the itching:
gently washing and drying the anus after having a bowel movement, and before bed
wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear
bathing or showering in lukewarm water
eating plenty of fiber, such as fruit and vegetables and pasta
avoiding wiping after having a bowel movement, and instead washing with water or using moist toilet paper and patting dry
avoiding scratching on and around the anus
avoiding fragranced products, such as soaps
avoiding eating spicy food and drinking alcohol and caffeine
When to contact a doctor
It is important to contact a doctor if a person is concerned that they have contracted an STI or if a sexual partner informs them that they have an STI.
People should also consult a doctor if any rectal itching does not resolve.
Summary
Several STIs can cause anal itching, such as herpes, anal warts, and gonorrhea. However, with medical treatment, people can manage the symptoms or cure the infection.
Rectal itching can also occur due to other conditions, such as anal fissures, irritants, or hemorrhoids.
Although a person may be able to manage the itching at home, it is important to contact a doctor if they are concerned or if the itching does not resolve.