Dear Dr Mitchell,

My husband said that he was tipsy and it was an “accident” that he tried to insert his penis in my rectum during intercourse, and while I have moved on from that, it’s what he did afterwards that worries me. Immediately afterwards he resumed vaginal intercourse, and the entire time all I could worry about was getting an infection. The next morning I did a soak in apple cider vinegar and warm water, and it’s been a few weeks with no issues, only this pain in my lower abdomen. I have not been to the doctor because I have no strange symptoms, but I’d like to know what are the possible consequences for my health after what happened.

The problem with anal sexual intercourse is the risk of developing overwhelming vaginal and pelvic infection. The anus is filled with bacteria from stool and this type of bacteria is not supposed to enter the vagina. This can cause infection in the vagina and can also spread up to the Fallopian tubes and cause the entire lower abdomen and pelvis to be inflamed.

Soaking in apple cider vinegar will not prevent the infection from moving upwards to the Fallopian tubes and uterus, so you will need to be properly examined by your doctor who will also do a swab to determine the type of bacterial infection that is present. The fact that you are now experiencing lower abdominal pain may be definite symptoms of pelvic inflammation. This can damage your Fallopian tubes and in the long-term cause blockage of the tubes and subsequent inability to become pregnant.

You should go to your doctor or nearest health centre and get a proper check done, in addition to getting a Pap smear if you have not done one within the last year. It would also be in your best interest to ask your doctor about getting the human papilloma virus vaccine to prevent anal and cervical cancer. It also gives you significant protection from throat cancer. It is given in three doses. The first one is followed by the second dose in two months and the third dose is given six months from the first dose.

Cervical cancer is a sexually transmitted disease and vaccination alongside regular Pap smears will significantly reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer in women.

You should try to encourage your husband to use condoms to reduce your risk of exposure to infection.

Best regards.

Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Send questions via e-mail to allwoman@jamaicaobserver.com; write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5 or fax to 876-968-2025. All responses are published. Dr Mitchell cannot provide personal responses.

DISCLAIMER:

The contents of this article are for informational purposes only, and must not be relied upon as an alternative to medical advice or treatment from your own doctor.