The Worrying Increase in Sexually Transmitted Intestinal Infections in Men Who Have Sex with Men – Better2Know Blog

When most people think of sexually transmitted diseases, they often think of infections that affect the genitals. They don’t often think about infections that affect the intestines.

But a fascinating new one article in Clinical Microbiology draws attention to how closely infections of the intestines are sexually transmitted.

Keep reading to learn more.

STDs can seriously affect your health if left untreated. Book a Full Screen near you to safeguard your sexual health.

What does the article say?

The lead author of the article, Dr. Ferric C. Feng, professor of microbiology, laboratory medicine and pathology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, writes that “[global] The emergence of several multidrug-resistant enteric pathogens and the potential for crossover transmission between different at-risk populations underlines the importance of rapid diagnosis, appropriate treatment and the need to consider education and testing at the community level.”

The authors of the article drew particular attention to infections such as Shigella And Campylobacter among men who have sex with men. Sexual transmission of enteric infections (STEIs) among this group has been reported and recognized since the 1960s. The “public health response to these infections and the identification and identification of transmission networks fall between the traditional groupings of sexually transmitted and foodborne diseases.”

What does this mean?

Some infections, such as Shigella And Campylobacter, can be transmitted sexually or through contaminated food.

This mode of transmission also exists for many other infections. Scabiesfor example, it can be passed during sex, but it can also be passed through sharing bedding or prolonged physical touch, such as hugging or cuddling.

The authors of the article were initially concerned about this HIV or medications used to prevent or control HIV may contribute to the spread of these infections. However, there does not appear to be an increase in the rate of transmission of pathogens affecting HIV-positive or HIV-negative men.

Rather, Sexual behavior appears to be the driving force behind the transmission of these infections. Oral-anal contact, or rimmingis the main way these infections are passed on. Recent cultural changes make this type of behavior more likely.

Sexual encounters with new partners are easy to endure online dating and hookup sites and apps. The transfer is also aided by the decrease in the use of contraceptive barriers such as condomsas quick and effective treatments for infections such as Chlamydia And Gonorrhea become more readily available. Chem sex also plays a role in reducing inhibitions.

Men who have sex with men are at greater risk of contracting these infections and tend to be younger, urban, and travel internationally. They also tend to have broader sexual networks.

People who are homeless, live in unsanitary conditions and who trade sex for money are also at higher risk, as are people with weakened immune systems.

Which infections count as STEIs?

• Hepatitis A: A highly contagious viral liver infection spread through contaminated food or water or close contact.
  • Common symptoms: fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice and low-grade fever.
• Campylobacter: A bacterial infection often contracted from undercooked poultry or contaminated water.
  • Common symptoms: Diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
• E.Coli: A group of bacteria, some strains of which cause gastrointestinal disease through contaminated food or water.
  • Common symptoms: watery or bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, low-grade fever and vomiting.
• Salmonella: A bacterial infection usually spreads through contaminated food, especially raw meat and eggs.
  • Common symptoms: diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and headache.
• Shigella: A bacterial infection of the intestines spreads through contaminated food, water, or personal contact.
  • Common symptoms: bloody or mucus-filled diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, and nausea.
• Entamoeba histolytica: A parasitic infection acquired through contaminated food or water, especially in tropical areas.
  • Common symptoms: diarrhea, stomach pain, cramps; severe cases can cause bloody stools and liver abscesses.
• Giardia: A parasitic infection of the small intestine, often spread through contaminated water.
  • Common symptoms: watery or greasy stools, bloating, gas, stomach cramps, fatigue and weight loss.
• Strongyloides: A parasitic worm infection contracted through contact with contaminated soil.
  • Common symptoms: itchy rash, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and coughing; severe cases can be life-threatening in immunocompromised individuals.
• Cryptosporidium: A microscopic parasite that causes diarrhea, often spread through contaminated water.
  • Common symptoms: watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and sometimes fever.
• Cystoisospora: An intestinal parasite that causes infections mainly in tropical areas.
  • Common symptoms: watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and loss of appetite.
• Microsporidia: A group of parasitic fungal organisms that infect various tissues, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Common symptoms: diarrhea, weight loss and systemic symptoms depending on the organ affected.

How serious are STEIs?

STEIs are becoming increasingly difficult to treat and can persist for extended periods. Fang and his colleagues also note that many of these intestinal infections have become increasingly resistant to drugs in recent years. International travel has also made it easier for these infections to break free from national barriers, where they may have been isolated in the past.

Responses to STEIs are hampered because they are not clearly defined as a single, specific infection. Treatment and prevention initiatives tend to focus on traditional STDs, such as gonorrhea and STDs Syphilis.

Health professionals should not ask about the sexual history of people with these intestinal infections during consultations.

Final thoughts

STEIs can have serious consequences if not treated properly. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the symptoms listed above.

If you’re concerned about STDs, Better2Know can help. Book a sexual health test at a clinic near you by clicking the button below.

Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.