Sexual Health STIs Diagnosis Why Anal STI Testing Is Important Even Without Symptoms By Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 18, 2020 Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD LinkedIn Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Anal sex poses a high risk for numerous sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Furthermore, anal STIs are not easily detected during regular STI testing. That's why it's important to tell your healthcare provider if you're having anal sex so you can be tested accordingly. Caiaimage / Agnieszka Wozniak / Getty Images How to Test for Anal STIs Not all STI tests work in the same way. Some tests, like the ones for HIV, test your blood for signs your body has been exposed to the virus. You don't need to have a special anal STI test to detect HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis. In contrast, common tests for STIs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia look for the presence of the bacteria that causes the STIs. They do not test for your body's response to it. These tests can't always detect an STI you have contracted through anal sex. That's because they only test in the locations that they sample. Standard STI testing will not always detect an anal STI. It's important to tell your healthcare provider if you are having receptive anal sex so they can conduct the proper tests. This testing may include an anal Pap smear. Testing may also include swabs of the rectum to look for specific bacterial STIs that are frequently transmitted when individuals don't practice safe anal sex. Risks of Anal Sex All sexually active adults should be aware of the possibility of anal STIs and know that these STIs require separate testing. There may also be specific treatment concerns for anal STIs, such as rectal chlamydia and gonorrhea. Detecting anal STIs is difficult during a standard screening exam if healthcare providers don't know their patients are at risk. Healthcare providers should ask their patients if they are having anal sex and encourage them to have safer anal sex as part of their sexual health discussions. A Word From Verywell Don't be embarrassed to discuss your sex practices with your healthcare provider. If you are having anal sex, talk to your healthcare provider. Let them know that you're interested in getting special tests to check for anal STIs. Most healthcare providers will appreciate your being upfront about your habits. It's the only way that they can give you the best care possible. The Best At-Home STI Tests 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Assi R, Hashim PW, Reddy VB, Einarsdottir H, Longo WE. Sexually transmitted infections of the anus and rectum. World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(41):15262–15268. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i41.15262 Jenness SM, Begier EM, Neaigus A, Murrill CS, Wendel T, Hagan H. Unprotected anal intercourse and sexually transmitted diseases in high-risk heterosexual women. Am J Public Health. 2011;101(4):745–750. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2009.181883 Additional Reading Drummond F, Ryder N, Wand H, Guy R, Read P, McNulty AM, Wray L, Donovan B. Is Azithromycin Adequate Treatment for Asymptomatic Rectal Chlamydia? Int J STD AIDS. 2011 Aug;22(8):478-80. doi: 10.1258/ijsa.2011.010490. Hoover KW, Butler M, Workowski K, Carpio F, Follansbee S, Gratzer B, Hare B, Johnston B, Theodore JL, Wohlfeiler M, Tao G, Brooks JT, Chorba T, Irwin K, Kent CK; Evaluation Group for Adherence to STD and Hepatitis Screening: STD Screening of HIV-Infected MSM in HIV Clinics. Sex Transm Dis. 2010 Dec;37(12):771-6. doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0b013e3181e50058. Leeds IL, Fang SH. Anal Cancer and Intraepithelial Neoplasia Screening: A Review. World J Gastrointest Surg. 2016 Jan 27;8(1):41-51. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v8.i1.41. Tao G, Hoover KW, Nye MB, Peters P, Gift TL, Peruvemba R, Body BA. Rectal Infection With Neisseria Gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia Trachomatis in Men in the United States. Clin Infect Dis. 2016 Nov 15;63(10):1325-1331. By Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit