[Question #12976] Chlamydia/Gonorrhea (self-infection of rectum)

3 months ago

I'm sorry to reach out again, but two potential exposures have been weighing on my mind, and I need support as I can’t resolve them alone.

Exposure 1: About 2–3 months ago, I did something very foolish and embarrassing. While showering, I inserted and removed a bathtub plug into my rectum a few times. I remember washing the bathtub plug with shampoo before inserting rectum However, I’m now worried I might have put the plug in my mouth and possibly spit on it before inserting it. My concern is: if I had pharyngeal chlamydia or gonorrhea, could I have transmitted it to my rectum this way? No one else uses this plug.

Exposure 2: Two days ago, I masturbated before showering. After that with water and washing my hair with shampoo, then I started worrying about anal warts (I had been treated with cryotherapy for them two years ago, I wanted to check if it could be inside.). I washed my hands thoroughly with shampoo, lubricated them with hair conditioner, and inserted my index and then middle finger into my rectum to check. I’m now concerned—if there were any bacteria on my hands from masturbation or contact with my genitals/throat, could I have transferred them into my rectum? I’m unsure whether shampoo disinfects as well as soap.

"In a previous question, you mentioned that hand contact wouldn't transmit anything to the rectum, but these exposures involved direct insertion into the rectum, which is why I became concerned."

Edward W. Hook M.D.

3 months ago

Welcome back to the Forum although I'm sorry you felt the need. These questions have been answered in responses to some of your prior question. Before I address your questions, I'm not sure why you are worried about gonorrhea, chlamydia or other STIs. There is nothing you say that suggests the presence of infection and in your question about a month ago you indicated your plans to test.

Irrespective however, you have been informed both that STIs are NEVER transmitted through transfer on inanimate objects (this would include the bathtub plug) or by transfer from one part of your body to another on your hands and fingers. These FACTS remain true. Nothing you describe suggests any risk for STI or other infection. If anything, the presence of shower water and/or soap would reduce any imagined risk for infection. There is nothing here to worry about and no reason to test. Please don't worry. EWH

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3 months ago

Thank you for your response, doctor. I’ll be taking the tests tomorrow, on day 55 after the exposure, and I’ll share the results.

Two years ago, I had unprotected receptive anal and oral sex (MSM). About a year later, I experienced anal symptoms and took doxycycline (2x/day for 14 days). The symptoms resolved quickly, and about a year later, I also received ceftriaxone for possible gonorrhea. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get rectal or pharyngeal testing due to limited access.

I’m concerned that the doxycycline may not have been fully effective. One of the boxes was newly prescribed, but the other had been stored at home and I didn’t check its expiration date at the time—most likely it hadn’t expired, but I can’t say for certain. It was also stored in a shaded, enclosed place, but since I live in a hot area in summer, indoor temperatures may exceed exceeded 25°C by a few degrees, though there was no direct sunlight exposure.

I’ve read that chlamydia and gonorrhea can resistant in the throat. So if I still had a throat infection from that encounter, and 2–3 months ago I put a bathtub plug in my mouth or spat on it before inserting it into my rectum, could that have transmitted the infection via saliva?

Is this kind of transmission possible?

3 months ago

Also, in the incident I experienced 2 days ago, I washed my hands with shampoo instead of soap and put my finger into my rectum. Would that have made a difference?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

3 months ago

Thanks for the additional information. It in no way changes my assessment or recommendations. In addition, it suggests to me that you are searching the Internet for information regarding your risk. I urge you not to do that. Much of the information found there is incorrect and with all due respect, you have no way of telling what is correct and what is not.

As I’ve already told you passive transmission on your bathtub plug is a scientific possibility. You need to relax.

Shampoo is soap. It has the same effect and the same mechanisms. Once again, you are worrying entirely too much.

I’ll have nothing more to say until you post your results. EWH.

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