7 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Sexually Transmitted Intestinal Infections

Intestinal infections that cause diarrhea can sometimes spread through sexual contact, especially when activities expose a person to tiny amounts of infected stool. A good example is Shigella, a bacterium that can cause diarrhea, stomach pain and fever.

These infections are not all classified as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and they can spread through contaminated food, water or surfaces. However, practising safer sex and maintaining good hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection.

1. Wash Your Hands Before and After Sexual Activity

Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is a very important way to reduce the spread of intestinal germs. This is particularly important after using the toilet, touching the anal area or handling things that may be contaminated.

2. Use Barriers During Sexual Activity

Condoms and other appropriate barriers can help reduce exposure to infectious material during sexual activity.

For oral-anal contact, a dental dam or a condom cut open to form a barrier can reduce direct contact with the anal area. Barriers do not eliminate every risk, so combine their use with good hygiene and other preventive measures.

3. Clean Sex Toys Before and After Use

Sex toys can transfer germs between people or between different parts of the body if they are not properly cleaned.

4. Avoid Sexual Contact When You or Your Partner Has Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be a sign of an intestinal infection, although many non-infectious conditions can also cause it. Having sex while someone has an intestinal infection can increase the likelihood of passing germs to a partner.

5. Get Tested When Symptoms or Exposure Raise Concerns

Persistent diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps or bloody stools requires medical evaluation. If symptoms begin after sexual contact, tell the healthcare professional about the type of contact and any possible exposure to contaminated stool.

Depending on the symptoms, a clinician may recommend a stool test, STI testing or both. The tests depend on the suspected infection, and not every STI screening includes tests for intestinal pathogens.

6. Practise Good Food and Water Hygiene

Some intestinal infections can spread through contaminated food, drinking water or surfaces, even when sexual contact is not involved.

These precautions can reduce exposure to pathogens such as Shigella and Giardia, although the specific transmission routes differ between organisms.

7. Follow Medical Advice and Avoid Spreading Infection

If you are diagnosed with any intestinal infection, follow the treatment and prevention advice given by your healthcare professional. Avoid preparing food for others while you are sick, wash your hands carefully after using the toilet and follow any public-health instructions about returning to work or other activities.

Do not try to assume that symptoms have disappeared simply because the risk of transmission has ended. Shigella, for example, can continue to be present in stool after diarrhea stops.

Final Thoughts

Sexually transmitted intestinal infections can be very uncomfortable sometimes, but many risks can be reduced through good hygiene, appropriate barriers, safer handling of sex toys and prompt medical attention when symptoms occur.

Diarrhea does not automatically mean someone has an STI, and the cause cannot be identified from symptoms alone. Anyone experiencing bloody or prolonged diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, fever or signs of dehydration should seek medical care.

Sources: CDC: Preventing Shigella Infection Among Sexually Active People; CDC: Preventing Shigella Infection.