Recommendations
We do not recommend testing for rectal STIs today.
Based on your answers, we recommend testing for rectal STIs today.
Based on your answers, there are two reasonable options—you can test today or test in the future
What are rectal STIs?
Rectal STIs are infections of the anus. The most common ones are gonorrhea and chlamydia. They can present with pain when you poop, bleeding when going to the bathroom, fluid, itching, or no symptoms at all.
How is testing performed?
The collection swab is inserted a short distance into the anus and placed into a collection tube. Your doctor can collect the sample for you or you can do it yourself!
You can have an STI in your rectum without symptoms and even without having it in your urine.
Did you know...
15% of women had a positive test for gonorrhea or chlamydia in the rectum. 40% of those cases were positive in the rectum only, meaning the urine test was negative.*
Female
Male
*Among women presenting to a local STI clinic worried about having an STI.
You can have an STI in your rectum without symptoms and even without having it in your urine.
Did you know...
12% of men had a positive test for gonorrhea or chlamydia in the rectum. 85% of those cases were positive in the rectum only, meaning the urine test was negative.*
Female
Male
*Among men presenting to a local STI clinic worried about having an STI.
Next: Oral STIs
