Itchy Rectum
Dear Dr. Dick,
I'm a bit embarrassed to ask you--thank heavens for email though--but, [pun intended] I started dating this guy I met online, you know--one of those free personal ad websites, and we met face to face after a week of chatting--had a nice date, coffee & chat, and went to my place for "dessert." We didn't have sex--well, at least not butt sex--and just made out...I gave him a nice blowjob, and he rimmed me. So, I'm gonna see him again. Thing is--about a couple days later [and I haven't seen anyone but him], my hole's been really itchy, and I can't really tell, but there might be some weird discharge, too. But, it's hard to tell when I poop and stuff--and it's been hurtin' lately! Should I tell the guy? What if it's not him? I don't want to embarrass myself further. Oh, what to do?
--Embarrassed Bung Hole
Dear EBH,
It can be embarrassing to tell some you just met about intimate details even though you've made out with him already. But, better safe than sorry... Let's start with you: it sounds like you "might" have symptoms of rectal gonorrhea, because your symptoms are compatible with that infection, even though it probably doesn't get transmitted to the anal area by rimming very often.
Symptoms usually develop 2 days to 10 days after catching the infection. These are the main symptoms from anal infection, shown from most common to less common:
- Discharge from the anus
- Painful bowel movements
- Anal itching
- Blood or mucus on the feces
Gonorrhea is generally transmitted through anal sex, and sometimes oral sex--such as rimming. Go to your doctor or nearest clinic, such as the STD Clinic at Harborview (HIV/STD Hotline: 206-205-STDS) to get tested & treated immediately. The infection may spread inside the body if it is not treated. There, it can cause epididymitis in men, a very serious illness. Rarely, the gonococcus can get into the blood and cause a kind of arthritis and other problems.
Gonorrhea usually is treated with a single dose of an antibiotic. Treatment usually can be given by mouth, but sometimes an injection is required. Because gonorrhea and Chlamydia often occur together, persons with gonorrhea usually are also treated with an antibiotic against Chlamydia.
*Important: Many common antibiotics do not work against gonorrhea. Never treat yourself with an antibiotic left over from another prescription.
People should not have sex for 7 days after treatment is completed. Recent sex partners must also be treated, since there is a high likelihood that they also have gonorrhea, and many people with gonorrhea have few or no symptoms, but could continue to be at risk for complications and spreading the infection to others. Sex partners must not have sex until both have completed treatment; otherwise they may re-infect one another.
Follow-up: Everyone with gonorrhea should be re-tested 3-4 months after treatment. Public Health routinely contacts patients or their health care providers after three months to remind them about repeat testing.
It would be wise to let him know of your situation, so he can get tested & treated right away, too. Who knows, this could be a really nice ice-breaker for you both and the start of a great relationship of honesty and caring. I hear autumn's going be pretty cold this year... better make reservations for a nice bear hug! And have a nice tasty & safe dessert!
Sweetly yours,
-Dr. Dick