Genital herpes masquerading as anal fissures

Sexually transmitted genital infections in women may affect the vulva, vagina, cervix and urethra, or more rarely the rectum. Proctitis, a common finding in surgical clinics, can be caused by sexually transmitted infections including gonococcal and chlamydial. This possibility should be considered by coloproctologists and general surgeons when sexually active young women present to them with relevant anorectal symptoms, particularly if the symptoms are of a relapsing nature. Unless specifically questioned, the patient may fail to see the relevance of a history of an anogenital infection. The case reported provides an example.