Anal itching - possibility of an STD?

[Roch1982]

I apologize for typing this up, but didn't find anything in the Forums that specifically applied - mostly it just gave me more questions than anwsers.

I'm 23 years old and when I was much younger (10+ years earlier) I experimented with anal sex.  It was for several years and without protection.  Ever since then - though i can't remember exactly when it ever became an issue - I've had an anal itch.  

Nothing severe or always occuring, simply something that I'll often have to itch.  When I'm going to the bathroom often I'll see flecks of blood, especially when I rub because I often itch after going to the bathroom.  

Just a few questions.

1) Given the length of time I don't imagine I have an STD (since I've never seen any secondary symptoms) but is there any way to check? - also any recommendations on a way to inspect yourself since it's a difficult area to check on your own

2) I've also seen people say rather than an STD there's simply a dermitological cause of this itch - is that more likely?

3) I've always assumed that I've simply hurt the skin in that area and, because of an inability to stop the itching (and of course the counter-productive act of rubbing to alieve the itch) it's never healted - is that also likely?

Just looking for some advice, and very thankful there's a site like this where I can ask a question and get some advice.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You don't say your sex, but I'm assuming you're a woman.  A single episode of anal sex many years ago is unlikely to be associated in any way with your current symtpoms, which are pretty common on their own--and usually aren't caused by STD.

Puritus ani is the classic name for itchy anus (which is exactly what the latin means) of unknown cause.  Everybody has it from time to time and some people have it a lot.  Or you could have a small anal fissure, which would explain the blood from time to time.  Or hemorrhoids, which also can cause both itching and bleeding.

There is a very slim chance the bleeding is important, and anybody with occasional anal bleeding with defecation, or blood on toilet paper, should see a health care provider.  And you should do so anyway, for peace of mind; and likely for treatment to relieve the itching.  It's no big deal; this is one of the common things people go to doctors about and you don't even need to mention your episode of anal sex.  IN the meantime, don't lose sleep over it.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[imscrewed]

i used a used dildo for anal penatration but they hadn't used it for weeks and about 4-6 months later mayb even longer i started to get an itchy anus and when i **** it itches a bit after but goes away the itch is mild but it gets a little more intense i also expirienced pain while peein only twice though and i had to pee freguently but little came out and it burned no dishcharged from anywhere though masterbation (masturbation) feels fine my thighs itch and i also had a mark on my abdomen and it looks like a few pimples on my butt cheecks about 5 not clustered together though could i have gotten herpes from then and just missed the first episode and this is a milder reacurrence? but it hasnt gone away since i've noticed it?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your symptoms don't sound much like herpes, but it's possible. But if you have it, you dind't get it from the dildo after that much time.  Genitally acquired herpes often recurs away from the genitals, eg buttocks, anus, etc.

HHH, MD

[Mr SB]

I have been trying for a week to get a question onto this bulletin board and was wondeirng if you might make an exception in answering my question.

I recently had a rough lap dance with a stripper that turned into a hand job and her using her saliva to help things along.  I feel ashamed that I let myself succumb to this situation.  I have had a lot of work related stress and was trying to unwind probably not the best way to unwind.  A day after the rough hand job and dance I started to feel anxiety and pain started in my abdominal region and then into my genitals almost two weeks later it still persists.  I have also had some pain in the penis after urinating or before but I have not noticed any burning.  The pain in the abdomen is persistent and comes and goes throughout the day.

What do you think it is?

Can you please help?  I would appreciate any comment.  Thanks.

[paul1730]

A related discussion, anal gonorrhea was started.

[Tyler3969]

A related discussion, Very scared was started.