What should you know about anal gonorrhoea?

A rectal swab is usually the relevant test for infection at this site. A urine or genital test alone may not detect a rectal infection, so tell the clinician which body sites have been exposed.

When symptoms occur, they can include anal discharge, itching, soreness, bleeding, pain during bowel movements or a feeling of needing to pass stool. These symptoms have several possible causes and cannot diagnose gonorrhoea without a test.

Transmission can occur through condomless anal sex or contact with infected genital fluids and shared sex toys. Testing may also be offered for the throat, genitals and other sexually transmitted infections according to the types of contact reported. The discussion should be confidential and clinically focused.

Gonorrhoea is treated with prescribed antibiotics. Attend the clinic promptly, take treatment exactly as directed and complete any advised follow-up test. Do not use leftover antibiotics because the drug and dose must follow the clinical assessment.

Avoid sexual contact until the clinician says it is safe to resume and until relevant partners have been assessed and treated. Recent partners should be notified so they can arrange testing even if they feel well; a sexual-health service can explain confidential notification options.

Condoms and cleaning or covering shared sex toys reduce future exposure. Ask when repeat screening is appropriate, because treatment clears the current infection but does not prevent another exposure.

Arrange prompt assessment for rectal pain, discharge or bleeding after possible sexual exposure, even if symptoms are mild. Seek urgent care for severe rectal or abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, high fever, confusion, a swollen painful joint or a spreading rash with fever.

People with pelvic organs should obtain same-day advice for lower abdominal pain with fever, vomiting, unusual vaginal discharge or pain during sex, because an ascending genital infection needs timely assessment.

Confirm which sites will be swabbed, whether other infection tests are recommended, how partners can access care, how long to avoid sex and whether a follow-up test is required. Mention allergies, pregnancy possibility and antibiotics taken recently so treatment can be chosen safely.