Avoiding sexual intercourse due to rectal pain

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A 51-year-old man with HIV infection well controlled with antiretroviral medications has been suffering from rectal pain and intermittent episodes of hematochezia for 6 months. He also reports tenesmus and a recent weight loss of 6.8 kg. He has had no fever, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. In addition, he has not noted any significant oral, genital, or anorectal ulcerations in the past few months.

The patient has sexual intercourse with men and prefers receptive anal intercourse. However, he has not been sexually active for the past 12 months due to cramping pain in the rectal area.

He is taking bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide for his HIV infection. His other significant medical history includes syphilis, for which he was treated 6 months previously. He does not use illicit drugs, smoke tobacco, or drink alcohol. His family history includes cancer of the left ovary in his mother and pancreatic cancer in his sister.

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Quote this: Avoiding sexual intercourse due to rectal pain – Medscape – 21 June 2024.