Can You Get an STD from Anal Sex?

Looking to get tested? At Home Anal STD Test

Engaging in anal sex carries the risk of contracting several sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, and trichomoniasis (trich). These infections can be transmitted through rectal intercourse and often remain asymptomatic in their early stages, which can delay diagnosis.

Anal sex involves penetration of the anus with a penis, finger, or other objects, creating a pathway for STDs to spread. To ensure comprehensive protection, full panel STD testing is essential for detecting common infections.

In this article, we answer the question, “Can you get an STD from anal sex?” by examining common STIs transmitted through rectal intercourse, their signs and symptoms, how they spread, and the testing and treatment options available.

1. Chlamydia

Symptoms of Chlamydia in Women & Men

Chlamydia can be transmitted through anal, vaginal, or oral sex, with the risk of infection increasing when condoms are not used. Many individuals with chlamydia experience no symptoms, but when symptoms occur, they typically appear 1 to 3 months after exposure, though they may take longer in some cases.¹

Less commonly, chlamydia can affect the eyes, causing redness, pain, sensitivity to light, and discharge, or the joints, leading to swelling, redness, warmth, and significant discomfort. However, symptoms most often develop in the rectal, oral, or genital areas, depending on the site of exposure.

Signs of Chlamydia²

• Anal Chlamydia Symptoms
• Anal itching or soreness: Discomfort or irritation around the anus
• Rectal discharge or bleeding: Unusual discharge or bleeding from the rectum
• Painful bowel movements: Experiencing pain during defecation
• Pain during anal sex: Increased discomfort during rectal intercourse
• Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, body ache and/or fatigue
• Silent infection: Rectal chlamydia may not show symptoms but you can still transmit the infection

• Oral Chlamydia Symptoms
• Sore throat: Persistent painful, scratchy, or irritated feeling in the throat
• Redness or swelling: Inflamed or irritated throat tissue
• Difficulty swallowing: Trouble or pain when swallowing food or liquids
• Mouth pain: Swollen and painful gums, along with redness and inflammation in the mouth
• Sores: White patches or ulcers on the tongue, palate, or inside the cheeks
• Tender neck: Enlarged or tender lymph nodes
• Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, body ache and/or fatigue³
• Silent infection: Oral chlamydia may not present symptoms but you can still spread the infection

• Pelvic/Genital Chlamydia Symptoms
• Pelvic pain: Discomfort or ache in the lower abdomen or pelvis
• Pain or burning during urination: Stinging sensation while urinating
• Itching sensation in urethra: Uncomfortable irritation in the urethral opening
• Discharge from the vagina or penis: Unusual fluid coming from the genitals
• Vaginal bleeding between periods: Bleeding or spotting, often after vaginal intercourse
• Testicular pain or swelling: Discomfort or enlargement in typically in one of the testicles
• Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, body ache and/or fatigue
• Silent infection: Genital chlamydia may not show symptoms but you can still transmit the infection

How Do You Get Chlamydia

Chlamydia can be transmitted to the rectum through anal sex with a partner who has a genital or rectal infection. Similarly, infection can occur if a partner with a rectal infection engages in activities that expose another person to the bacteria. It’s possible to have chlamydia in multiple areas simultaneously, such as the rectum, genitals, or throat. Regular testing, including specialized anal STD testing, oral STD testing, and urine STD testing, helps ensure early detection and effective treatment.

Can You Get Chlamydia From Anal?

Yes, chlamydia can be transmitted through anal sex if one partner is infected. This STI spreads through unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex and can affect the rectum, genitals, throat, or even the eyes. It can also be transmitted by sharing unwashed sex toys or those not covered with a fresh condom for each use. Practicing safe sex and regular testing can help reduce the risk.⁴

Can You Get Chlamydia From Anal to Vaginal?

Yes, chlamydia can spread from the anus to the vagina. This can happen through sexual activity or if bacteria are transferred by fingers, toys, or other objects.⁵

How Do You Test for Chlamydia

Testing for chlamydia can be done easily using specialized at home health testing kits. Available tests for chlamydia include:

• Anal Chlamydia Home Test
• At Home Oral Chlamydia Test
• At Home Chlamydia Urine Test
• 3-Site Chlamydia Home Tests

Treatment

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is crucial to complete the full prescribed regimen, typically lasting 1 week, to ensure the infection is fully eliminated.⁶ Testing for a cure is recommended at least 2 weeks after treatment to allow your body enough time to clear the infection. For the most accurate results, many healthcare providers recommend retesting after 2 months to confirm the infection has been cleared and to rule out reinfection.⁷

2. Gonorrhea

Symptoms of Gonorrhea in Women & Men

Gonorrhea can be transmitted through anal, vaginal, or oral sex, with the risk of infection increasing when condoms are not used. Many individuals with gonorrhea experience no symptoms at all. When symptoms do develop, they typically emerge within 1 to 14 days after exposure, although in some instances, they may not appear until several weeks later. Although gonorrhea can affect the eyes—causing pain, sensitivity to light, and pus-like discharge—or the joints, leading to warmth, redness, swelling, and severe pain, it most commonly causes symptoms in the rectal, oral, or genital areas, depending on the site of infection.

Signs Of Gonorrhea⁸

• Anal Gonorrhea Symptoms
• Anal itching or soreness: Discomfort or irritation around the anus
• Rectal discharge or bleeding: Unusual discharge or bleeding from the rectum
• Painful bowel movements: Experiencing pain during defecation
• Pain during anal sex: Increased discomfort during rectal intercourse
• Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, body ache and/or fatigue
• Silent infection: Rectal gonorrhea may not show symptoms but you can still transmit the infection

• Oral Gonorrhea Symptoms
• Sore throat: Persistent painful, scratchy or burning feeling in the throat
• Redness or swelling: Inflammation or irritation in the throat area
• Difficulty swallowing: Trouble or pain when swallowing food or liquids
• Spots on the tonsils or throat: White or yellowish patches on the tonsils or throat lining
• Tender neck: Enlarged or tender lymph nodes
• Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, body ache and/or fatigue⁹
• Silent infection: Oral gonorrhea may not show symptoms but you can still transmit the infection

• Pelvic/Genital Gonorrhea Symptoms
• Pelvic pain: Discomfort or ache in the lower abdomen or pelvis
• Pain or burning during urination: Stinging sensation while urinating
• Itching sensation in urethra: Uncomfortable irritation in the urethral opening
• Discharge from the vagina or penis: Unusual fluid coming from the genitals
• Vaginal bleeding between periods: Bleeding or spotting, often after vaginal intercourse
• Testicular pain or swelling: Discomfort or enlargement in typically in one of the testicles
• Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, body ache and/or fatigue
• Silent infection: Genital gonorrhea may not show symptoms but you can still transmit the infection

How Is Gonorrhea Transmitted

Gonorrhea can be transmitted to the rectum through anal sex with a partner who has a genital or rectal infection. Similarly, receiving anal sex from a partner with a rectal infection can also result in transmission. It’s possible to have gonorrhea in multiple areas simultaneously, such as the rectum, genitals, or throat. Regular testing, including specialized rectal STD testing, STD throat swab tests, and urine test STD checks, helps ensure early detection and proper treatment.

Can You Get Gonorrhea From Anal Sex?

Yes, gonorrhea can be passed on through anal sex if one partner is infected. This sexually transmitted infection (STI) can be spread via unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex and may impact the rectum, genitals, throat, or eyes. It can also be transmitted when sharing sex toys that haven’t been cleaned or covered with a new condom before each use. Using protection and getting tested regularly can help reduce the risk.¹⁰

Can Anal Gonorrhea Spread to the Throat?

Yes, anal gonorrhea can spread to the throat through oral sex. If a person performs oral sex on someone with an anal gonorrhea infection, the bacteria can be transmitted to the throat, causing an infection.¹¹

How Do You Test for Gonorrhea

Testing for gonorrhea can be done easily with an at home health test. You can test for oral gonorrhea, rectal gonorrhea, genital gonorrhea or all 3 sites in one combo kit.

• Rectal Gonorrhea Swab Test
• At Home Oral Gonorrhea Test
• Urine Gonorrhea Test
• 3-Site Gonorrhea Tests

Treatment

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is essential to complete the entire prescribed regimen to fully eliminate the infection. Testing for a cure is recommended at least 2 weeks after treatment to ensure your body has had enough time to clear the infection. For the most accurate negative results, the CDC advises retesting at 3 months to confirm the infection has been cleared and to rule out reinfection.¹²

3. Herpes

Symptoms of Herpes in Men & Women

Herpes can be transmitted through anal, vaginal, or oral sex. Many individuals with herpes may not show any symptoms at all, or symptoms can be mild and go unnoticed. When symptoms do appear, they usually show up within 2 to 12 days after exposure.¹³ Herpes commonly causes sores or blisters, particularly in the genital area, though it can also affect the anus, mouth, and eyes. Some people may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes during an outbreak.

Signs of Herpes¹⁴

• Buttocks/Anal Herpes Symptoms
• Anal sores or blisters: Painful lesions in the anal region
• Itching or burning sensation: Irritation around the anus before sores appear
• Discomfort during bowel movements: Pain or irritation when using the restroom

• Oral Herpes Symptoms
• Cold sores: Painful blisters or sores around the lips or inside the mouth
• Itching or burning: Sensation around the mouth or lips before sores appear

• Genital Herpes Symptoms
• Genital sores or blisters: Painful lesions on or around the genital area
• Itching or burning: Sensation in the genital region before sores appear
• Painful urination: Discomfort or burning sensation when urinating
• Discomfort during sex: Pain during sexual intercourse due to sores

How Do You Get Herpes

Genital herpes (HSV-2) is typically transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area, most often during sexual activities, including anal, vaginal, or oral sex. Herpes can be transmitted even when sores are not visible, and individuals may be contagious during an outbreak or in the period before or after an outbreak when symptoms are mild or absent.

Oral herpes (HSV-1) spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact and exposure to infected sores or saliva. The highest risk of transmission occurs through kissing or direct contact with the saliva or sores of an infected individual.¹⁵

HSV-1 is typically associated with oral herpes (cold sores), while HSV-2 is usually linked to genital herpes. However, both can be transmitted to different parts of the body through oral sex. As a result, HSV-2 can cause cold sores, and HSV-1 can lead to genital herpes outbreaks.¹⁶

Can You Get Herpes From Anal Sex?

Yes, herpes can be transmitted through anal sex if one partner has the infection.¹⁷ You can also get herpes from vaginal and oral sex, or through contact with:

• A herpes sore
• Saliva from a partner with oral herpes
• Genital fluids from a partner with genital herpes
• Skin in the oral area of a partner with oral herpes
• Skin in the genital area of a partner with genital herpes

Be aware that oral herpes, typically caused by HSV-1, can be transmitted from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex. This is why HSV-1 is sometimes responsible for cases of genital herpes.¹⁸

Can Anal Herpes Spread to Vagina?

Yes, anal herpes can potentially spread to the vagina.¹⁹ Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV),
which can infect multiple areas of the body, including the anus, vagina, and surrounding genital regions.

Here’s how this can happen:

• Direct Contact: If the virus is present in the anal region during an outbreak, it can spread to the vaginal area through direct skin-to-skin contact.
• Self-Inoculation: Touching an infected area (e.g., anal sores) and then touching another area, such as the vagina, can transfer the virus.
• Sexual Activity: During sexual activity, friction and contact can cause the virus to spread from the anus to the vagina or vice versa.

To prevent the spread of herpes, consider these tips:

• Avoid Contact During Outbreaks: Refrain from sexual activity during an active herpes outbreak.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after touching any sores or lesions.
• Barrier Protection: Use condoms or dental dams during sexual activity to reduce the risk of transmission.
• Antiviral Medication: If you have herpes, taking antiviral medication can help suppress outbreaks and lower the risk of spreading the virus.

How Do You Test for Herpes

Testing for herpes can be done through blood tests or swabs from an active outbreak. At home health test kits provide an option to test for genital herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) and detect the infection early from the privacy of home.

• Herpes At Home Test
• Herpes HSV 2 Test + STD Test At Home

Treatment

Herpes has no cure, but antiviral medications prescribed by a healthcare provider can help manage symptoms and reduce outbreaks. It is important to follow the prescribed treatment plan to minimize symptoms and prevent transmission to others. Although antiviral treatment can reduce outbreaks, regular checkups are essential to ensure the virus is managed effectively.²⁰

4. HIV

Symptoms of HIV

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is primarily transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. HIV can be passed on through anal, vaginal, and oral sex with an infected person, especially if there are open sores or cuts. Early symptoms of HIV may resemble flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, sore throat, and body aches, but not everyone experiences these initial symptoms. If left untreated, HIV weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and certain cancers. The progression from HIV to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) can take several years, but with modern treatment, most people with HIV can live long, healthy lives.²¹

How Do You Contract HIV

HIV is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and rectal fluids. This can occur through anal or vaginal sex, sharing needles, or receiving contaminated blood products. Even people who appear healthy can still transmit HIV, especially in the early stages of infection when the viral load may be high.²² Using condoms during anal and vaginal sex, and taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce the risk of transmission.²³

Can You Get HIV From Anal Sex?

Yes, anal sex is one of the highest-risk activities for HIV transmission, as the rectal lining is thin and can tear easily, providing an entry point for the virus. HIV is more easily transmitted from an infected partner to the receptive partner (the one being penetrated), but the insertive partner is also at risk.²⁴

Does HIV Go Away?

No, HIV does not go away. There is currently no cure for HIV, but with antiretroviral therapy (ART), the virus can be controlled and the progression to AIDS can be prevented. ART works by reducing the viral load in the blood to undetectable levels, making it harder for the virus to be transmitted and reducing the likelihood of developing HIV-related illnesses.²⁵

How To Test for HIV

HIV testing is an essential part of prevention and care. Testing can detect HIV early, even before symptoms appear. There are different types of HIV tests, including blood tests and oral swab tests, which can be done at home or through a healthcare provider. Testing regularly, especially for individuals at high risk, can help manage and reduce the spread of HIV.²⁶

• At Home HIV Test
• HIV Test Kit + Complete STD Panel
• PrEP STD Test

Treatment

There is no cure for HIV, but it can be managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART involves taking a combination of HIV medicines that help reduce the viral load to undetectable levels, meaning the virus is not transmissible to others (undetectable = untransmissible, or U=U). With ART, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives, and the risk of transmitting HIV to others is significantly reduced.²⁷

5. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Symptoms of HPV in Women? & Men

HPV can be transmitted through anal, vaginal, or oral sex with an infected person, even if they show no signs or symptoms. Most individuals with HPV do not experience any symptoms. In fact, the virus can remain dormant in the body for years without causing noticeable signs.²⁸ However, some strains of HPV can cause visible warts, which may appear on the anal, genital, oral, face or limb areas of the body. Other high-risk strains of HPV can lead to more serious conditions, such as cancer. Although most HPV infections do not result in cancer, certain types of genital HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Other cancers, including those of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and the back of the throat (oropharyngeal), have also been associated with HPV infection.²⁹ This is why HPV types are typically classified as “non-oncogenic” (wart-causing) or “oncogenic” (cancer-causing), depending on whether they increase the risk of cancer.

How Do You Get HPV

HPV is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, including anal sex, vaginal sex, and oral sex. Even individuals without visible warts or symptoms can transmit the infection.³⁰ Using barrier methods, such as condoms, during anal and vaginal sex can reduce the risk of transmission. Regular testing and vaccination can help manage the risks associated with HPV.

Can You Get HPV From Anal Sex?

Yes, HPV can be transmitted through anal sex. High-risk strains of HPV can lead to cancers in the anus, while low-risk strains can cause warts. Practicing safe sex and getting the HPV vaccine can reduce the risk of infection.³¹

Does HPV Go Away?

Yes, human papillomavirus (HPV) infections typically resolve on their own. In fact, about 70% of HPV infections are naturally cleared by the body within one year, and 90% within two years.³² In females with high-risk HPV infection, yearly Pap smears are recommended for surveillance to screen for cervical cancers, allowing for early detection and management if necessary.

How To Test for HPV

HPV testing is available for individuals with symptoms or those at risk of developing related complications. The HPV test typically looks for evidence of 14 high-risk strains of the virus known to cause cancer in women. This test can be performed using a self-collected vaginal swab sample provided by 4U Health, a trusted provider of home health tests.

• HPV Test At Home, HPV Test for Women
• HPV Test At Home + Full STD Panel

Treatment

There is no cure for HPV itself, but treatments are available for symptoms, such as warts or precancerous changes. Genital warts can be removed through various methods, including topical treatments, cryotherapy, or surgical removal. For women, regular Pap smears are essential to detect early changes in the cervix caused by high-risk HPV. However, most high-risk HPV infections do not cause problems and are cleared by the body within two years.³³

6. Syphilis

Symptoms of Syphilis in Men & Women

Syphilis is primarily transmitted through direct contact with syphilis sores during anal, oral, or vaginal sex. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that progresses in stages. The first stage typically begins 2–12 weeks after exposure with a painless ulcer or sore (called a chancre) at the site of infection. This initial stage lasts 3 to 6 weeks and the chancre typically heals on its own, even without treatment. However, if left untreated, syphilis can advance to more serious stages, leading to symptoms like rashes, fever, and potentially severe damage to organs such as the heart and brain.³⁴

Primary Syphilis Stage³⁵

During the primary stage of syphilis, you may observe one or more sores at the site where the bacteria entered your body. These sores typically appear on, around, or in the affected area:

• Anus or rectum
• Lips or in the mouth
• Penis
• Vagina

Secondary Syphilis Stage

During the secondary stage, you may experience skin rashes and/or sores in areas such as the mouth, vagina, or anus. This stage typically begins with a rash appearing on one or more parts of your body. The rash may develop while the primary sore is healing or several weeks after it has healed. It can appear on the palms of your hands and/or the soles of your feet and may look rough, red or reddish-brown. The rash typically does not cause itching, and it may be so mild that it goes unnoticed. Additional symptoms that may occur include:

• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Patchy hair loss
• Headaches
• Unexplained weight loss
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue (feeling unusually tired)

The symptoms of this stage will likely resolve on their own, even without treatment. However, without proper treatment, the infection may progress to the latent and potentially tertiary stages of syphilis.

Latent Syphilis Stage

The latent stage of syphilis is characterized by the absence of noticeable symptoms. If left untreated, the infection can remain in your body for years.

Tertiary Syphilis Stage

Although most individuals with untreated syphilis do not progress to tertiary syphilis, it can occur and impact various organ systems, including the heart, blood vessels, brain, and nervous system. Tertiary syphilis is a severe condition that may develop 15 to 49 years after the initial infection.³⁶ It causes damage to internal organs and can be fatal. A healthcare provider can typically diagnose tertiary syphilis through a combination of tests.

How Do You Get Syphilis

Syphilis is primarily transmitted through direct contact with a syphilis sore, which can appear on the genitals, anus, or mouth. This can occur during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It is highly contagious during the primary and secondary stages, but can also be transmitted during latent syphilis if sores are present.³⁷

Can You Catch Syphilis From Anal Sex?

Yes, syphilis can be spread by giving or receiving anal sex if one partner has a sore in or around the anal area. These sores can easily transmit the bacteria that cause syphilis.³⁸

Is Syphilis Contagious?

If one person has a syphilis sore, it is possible to get syphilis through kissing, oral sex, anal sex or vaginal sex. Close contact with an infected sore can lead to transmission.³⁹

How To Get Tested for Syphilis

Syphilis testing is typically done through a blood test or a swab of a syphilis sore. Regular testing is recommended for individuals at high risk or those engaging in unprotected sex. You can screen for syphilis using home STD tests.

• Syphilis Home Test, Syphilis At Home Test
• Test for Syphilis + STD Testing Kit Panel

Treatment

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, typically penicillin.⁴⁰ It is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics to fully eradicate the infection. After treatment, retesting is recommended to ensure the infection is gone and to monitor for reinfection.

7. Trichomoniasis (Trich)

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be transmitted through anal, vaginal, or oral sex. It is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. While many people with trichomoniasis show no symptoms, those who do typically experience symptoms within 5 to 28 days of exposure.⁴¹

Infections may be asymptomatic or cause discomfort in the genital area, including irritation, abnormal discharge, and pain during sex. Men may also experience irritation in the urethra, difficulty urinating, and painful ejaculation.

Signs of Trichomoniasis⁴²

• Pelvic/Genital Trichomoniasis Symptoms
• Itching or discomfort in the genital area: Itchy, burning, or irritation in the vaginal or penile area
• Unusual vaginal or penile discharge: Discharge that may be frothy or have an unpleasant odor
• Painful urination: A burning sensation when urinating
• Pain during intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sexual activity
• Silent infection: Many people may not notice any symptoms, but can still transmit the infection

How Do You Get Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is primarily transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex with an infected partner. The infection can also be spread by sharing sex toys that have not been properly cleaned. Because many individuals with trichomoniasis do not show symptoms, regular testing is important for early detection.⁴³

You can get trich from:

• Vaginal-penile or vaginal-vaginal intercourse
• Anal sex
• Oral
• Skin-to-skin contact in the genital area without ejaculation

Can You Get Trichomoniasis From Anal?

Yes, trichomoniasis can be transmitted through anal, oral, or vaginal sex, as well as genital-to-genital contact without ejaculation. If left untreated, trichomoniasis can increase your risk of contracting HIV.⁴⁴

How Do You Test for Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis can be diagnosed using laboratory tests, including a sample of vaginal or penile discharge or a urine test. STD tests online are available for convenient testing. Regular testing for STIs, including trichomoniasis, helps detect infections early and reduce the risk of transmission.

• Trichomoniasis Test At Home
• Trichomoniasis Urine Test + At Home STD Check

Treatment

Trichomoniasis is treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider, typically in the form of metronidazole or tinidazole. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is fully cleared. Both partners should be treated at the same time to avoid reinfection.⁴⁵

Conclusion Can you get an STD from anal sex?

Now you know the answer to “Can you get an STD from anal sex?”—yes! Practicing safe sex, including the use of barriers like condoms during anal sex, is essential to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading sexually transmitted diseases. Regular testing is also crucial, especially if you are sexually active with multiple partners or unsure of a partner’s STI status. For a convenient and private way to monitor your sexual health, consider STD tests at home. Early detection and treatment can help manage infections effectively and protect your overall health.