Chronic Abdominal Pain and Rectal Bleeding: A Missed Opportunity

Abdominal pain and rectal bleeding among men who have sex with men are common complaints treated in primary and urgent care settings. These common primary care complaints—often vague and recurrent—require a comprehensive and thorough investigation of the patient’s history and lifestyle to ensure an accurate diagnosis and treatment. This case highlights the importance of removing barriers to care from the patient’s and provider’s perspectives to more accurately diagnose and effectively treat common symptoms experienced among men who have sex with men. •Patients presenting with vague, recurrent symptoms are common in primary care and urgent care settings.•A comprehensive history and physical is necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment.