Studies are required to determine the effectiveness of ASE for syphilis detection. Almost two-thirds of MSM who had never performed ASE were willing to adopt ASE practice in the future. Among 66% (374) who had never performed ASE, 68% (250) would consider performing ASE in the future with a preferred median frequency of 2 times per 4 weeks (IQR 1–4), whilst men who were already performing ASE were performing it at median 1 per 4 weeks (IQR 0.2–3). A total of 568 MSM completed the survey (median age: 34 ): 32% (183) had previously performed ASE. An online anonymous cross-sectional survey among MSM over 18 years of age living in Australia, was conducted between July and November 2020 and recruitment was from a sexual health clinic and social media. We aimed to explore the attitudes of MSM on performing ASE to detect primary anorectal syphilis.
If men could detect anorectal lesions in the primary stage by regular anal self-examination (ASE), transmission could be reduced by early diagnosis and treatment. Studies suggest men who have sex with men (MSM) practising receptive anal sex are more likely to present with secondary syphilis, implying primary anorectal lesions are likely to be missed.
