QUESTION
I recently had anal pain and bleeding.  I assumed this was hemorrhoids but learned it may be an STD symptom. Is it possible to contract gonorrhea or syphilis from receiving a blowjob?  I have no unusual signs on my penis.

ANSWER
It is not possible to diagnose you over email. Anal pain and bleeding are worrisome and it’s important you get a check up if it continues. You are right that hemorrhoids are by far the most common cause of anal pain and bleeding. But various infections can cause anal pain, discomfort and bleeding, too. Also, having anal sex, particularly if it’s rough or forceful, can damage the rectum inside if you are not careful—anal tissue can rip or tear and small cuts can appear that may bleed. Using lots of lube and moving slowly at the pace of the one getting fucked are ways to prevent a painful experience. Practice, practice, practice.

Blowjobs can put you at risk for STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and syphilis of the penis (as the one who had the penis in the partner’s mouth) and STDs of the throat (as the one who sucked the penis). Blowjobs cannot cause anal infections, however. STDs generally occur at the site or organ where physical contact with another person’s mouth, genitals or anus happened. They don’t spread throughout the body and appear at another site. (Syphilis can, but that’s a complex disease.) Just because you don’t see any unusual signs on your body, doesn’t mean you couldn’t be infected. Most STDs show no symptoms or only some symptoms. Regardless, it sounds like it’s time for a check up.

For more information on STD testing, visit City Clinic for information about testing in San Francisco or visit InSpot.org and look for your city or State. If not there, try HIVtest.org or call the CDC National Hotline for places near you: 1-800-CDC-INFO.

To your health,
Dr. K