Explainer

Shigella

Real talk:

Shigella is a stomach bug that is transmitted through anal play. Luckily, symptoms usually clear up within a week.

Myth-busting:

Myth: “I only have to worry about shigella if I’m having symptoms.”
Fact: Wrong. Some people don’t have noticeable symptoms with shigella, which puts them at higher risk of passing it to others.

Myth: “There’s nothing I can do to prevent shigella.”
Fact: Incorrect. You can use barriers and hygiene strategies to reduce the risk of shigella and get updates about shigella ‘outbreaks’ in your area.

Myth: “It’s fine to go to work with a shigella infection.”
Fact: Not necessarily. If you have shigella symptoms like diarrhoea, take some time off work – especially if you work with food, immunocompromised people (including children and older folks), or at a swimming pool.

What is shigella?

Shigella is a stomach bug – a bacterial infection that affects your gut.

How do you get shigella?

Shigella is passed when even the tiniest amount of poo gets into your mouth. It can be passed through sexual or non-sexual contact (such as eating contaminated food). Anyone who enjoys anal play – and activities such as rimming – can get it.

There are sometimes ‘outbreaks’ of shigella.

What are the symptoms of shigella?

Shigella can cause:

diarrhoea
fever
stomach cramps
nausea
blood or mucous in your poo.

The good news is symptoms usually get better within a week.

Some people with shigella don’t have any symptoms at all – which means there’s a higher risk of passing it on to others.

How is shigella prevented?

To reduce the risk of shigella, you can use barriers like condoms, gloves and dams during anal play. Make sure to wash your hands carefully after sex, and after handling used condoms, gloves, dams and toys. Check out our article on sex toys and how to clean them properly.

How do you test for shigella?

A routine STI screening doesn’t include a shigella test. Your healthcare provider may recommend testing if you’re having symptoms, or if a recent partner has been diagnosed with the infection.

Shigella is tested by stool sample. This means that you’ll collect a small sample of poo yourself, by using a small spoon and airtight container after a bowel movement, then return the sample to the clinic for testing.

How do you get treated for shigella?

If you’re diagnosed with shigella, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. It’s also essential to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and practice good hand hygiene, especially after a bowel movement.

It’s best to avoid sex until you’re better. If you’re on antibiotics, wait until you’ve finished them before you get into any anal play.

Avoid swimming pools for two weeks after diarrhoea has stopped.

When to see a healthcare professional

A healthcare professional can recommend the tests that are right for your body and your sexual practices. They can provide treatment straight away if you need it, check for any complications, and talk with you about re-testing or letting partners know. Regular checks are a simple way to look after yourself, your partners and your community.

See a healthcare provider if: