It can be passed on during sex with an infected person in the same way as gonorrhoea. This is a bacterial infection of the intestine that causes severe diarrhoea and stomach cramps. It can be passed on during sex, including anal-oral sex ('rimming') and giving oral sex after anal sex. It is spread very easily – all it takes is a tiny amount of infected poo getting into your mouth.Ī person with shigella can be infectious for up to a month. Men who suspect they have shigella should visit a sexual health clinic or their GP to get tested. Men can avoid getting shigella by washing their hands after sex (bottom, groin and penis too by taking a shower, if you can), and changing condoms between anal and oral sex. Using latex or non-latex gloves for fingering or fisting offers protection. And do not share sex toys or douching equipment.
