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In a way, yes. The anal region is generally not designed to be used for any means other than defecation. Despite its mucosal surfaces, it is highly prone to damage – resulting in microtears and abrasions when anal sex is performed. These abrasions and openings are now susceptible to the potential pathogens present in either their partner’s genitalia or in the excrement itself – making it easier for the pathogen to reach the systemic circulation, thus causing an infection more easily.

Unfortunately, the only way to resolve any physical damages is through physical reconstruction and surgeries. Medications are only effective in preventing the proliferation of the condition and killing the causative microorganism. Any physical damage left behind by the infection is often irreversible unless managed by an invasive procedure that will most likely cost thousands to perform without guaranteeing functional restoration.

A nucleic acid amplification test is a laboratory procedure that professionals often perform to make detecting a particular nucleic acid or gene being targeted easier and more convenient while still ensuring that the sample being collected is relatively minimal. Nucleic acid amplification tests, or NAATs, are usually the mainstay diagnostic test for most STDs due to their ability to detect the presence of pathogenic nucleic acids and genes in the patient sample with utmost accuracy and speed. NAATs depends on their ability to replicate the target RNA and DNA to create numerous copies – resulting in an increased convenience in the detection of the desired molecules instead of trying to either blindly look for one strand in a minuscule sample or collecting a large sample that could make the patient uncomfortable throughout the process. Although NAATs are often preferred for a more conclusive diagnosis of STDs, certain exceptions such as the availability of resources and instances of intermittent viral shedding could make NAATs less desirable than other tests. Fret not, however, as your physician is knowledgeable regarding these instances and would often request the best diagnostic procedure for your instances.

Considering that a different pathogenic microorganism causes each sexually transmitted condition, it is safe to assume that the incubation period or the time elapsed before a specific condition results in a particular manifestation will vary on a case-to-case basis. While some conditions become apparent immediately after being infected (1 to 2 weeks), some stay asymptomatic for extended periods (years to even decades) due to how their mechanism prevents its symptomatic presentations unless the pathogen is already able to increase sufficiently to cause evident symptoms in the body of the patient.