Infections of the perianal region

The proximity of gynecologic and urologic organs to the colon, rectum and a nus, can result in a disease process, or complication originating in one or gan system and affecting the other. The perianal skin tends to itch. Skin c hanges may be characteristic and may be masked by excoriation caused by scr atching and secondary infection. Pruritus ani has many causes (eg, dermatol ogic disorders, allergic reactions, diabetes mellitus, proctologic disorder s, etc.). Sexually transmitted disease (STD) incidence rates remain high in most of t he world. In 1995, worldwide incidence of gonorrhea was estimated at >250 m illion cases. Non-specific urethritis, trichomoniasis, chlamydial infection s, genital and anorectal herpes and warts, pediculosis pubis, and molluscum contagiosum are probably more prevalent than the five historically defined venereal diseases: syphilis, gonorrhea, chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereu m, and granuloma inguinale. However, the latter diseases are more consisten tly reported, and reliable incidence rates for the others are not available . Accurate diagnosis and therapy of STDs of the anorectum are difficult due to the fact that patients often harbor more than one organism. A strong as sociation between cervical cancer and sexually transmitted papillomaviruses exists.