Doctor reveals symptoms of new sexually transmitted diarrhea strain on the rise

It's not unusual to get a dodgy stomach every now and then. Many things could be to blame including contaminated food, water, or stress. However, diarrhoea can sometimes be caused by a sexually transmitted infection.

Shigella is said to infect around 450,000 people in the United States every year. It can be spread through contaminated food and water, but also sexual contact.

"Shigella is the bacteria behind the emergence of sexually transmitted diarrhea being reported in both the US and UK," Dr. Andi Toufexis, a board-certified family medicine physician specializing in sexual health and the creator of Your Doctor Bestie, tells UNILAD.

Some strains of Shigella transmitted through sexual contact have also developed resistance to antibiotics, making these infections more difficult to treat.

How does Shigella spread?

'The infection represents a serious public health concern,' doctors say (Getty Stock)

Although it is 'not considered to be typical sexual transmitted infection,' Dr. Toufexis explains that 'gastrointestinal bacteria can be spread through sex when one partner comes into contact with the other's fecal matter.'

In simpler terms, it spreads when someone swallows microscopic amounts of fecal material. During the act of sex, this can be spread 'through oral-anal contact, contaminated fingers, or shared toys.' Dr. Andi Toufexis explains.

Although a new strain is on the rise, the infection is not new, as the expert explains it has been around since the 1970s.

However, now 'certain strains of Shigella are becoming resistant to standard treatment regimens,' she explains.

Although the doctor says 'the overall incidence of treatment-resistant sexually transmitted Shigella is low,' the infection represents a serious public health concern due to the fact that it is spreads easily and is becoming harder to treat.

What are the symptoms of Shigella?

According to the expert, people should look for:

• Diarrhea (which is sometimes bloody along with a fever)
• Abdominal cramping
• The feeling of needing that you need to have a bowel movement even though your bowels are empty.

The incubation period is relatively short, with symptoms starting one to two days after exposure. The illness usually lasts around five to seven days.

"Many infections resolve without antibiotics so lack of antibiotic treatment does not automatically mean complications will develop," the doctor adds.

However, she does warn that in some cases, the illness can lead to 'complications of dehydration and, less commonly, a bloodstream infection.'

"Rare toxin-producing strains can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a rare but serious complication involving blood cells and the kidneys," he adds.

Most people who acquire treatment-resistant Shigella recover with antibiotics, and the doctor says 'hydration is paramount.'

She also recommends avoiding antidiarrheal medications while undergoing treatment.

"I tell my patients that the diarrhea is the body's method of eliminating the infectious agent and slowing down the diarrheal process can prolong the length of illness," she says.

Those with diarrhea should wait two weeks before having intercourse again (Getty Stock)

How to prevent the spread of Shigella

To help prevent the spread, the expert advises people to wash their hands, genitals, and the anal area with soap and water both before and after sex.

Sex toys should also be cleaned after each use, and he recommends condoms and dental dams during sex.

Those who are suffering from diarrhea should avoid intercourse for at least two weeks after it ends.

"Feeling better does not always mean that an infection is completely gone," she adds.