4 Months of Penile Pain, Irritation, Dribbling, Rash - No STD or Diagnosis. Help!
Posted , 234 users are following.
Hello, I am seeking advice! I am 32 years of age and situation has lasted over 4 months. It started when a female at a strip club slid her hands into my pants and rubbed / grabbed my erect penis near the urinary meatus (opening). I felt a sharp pain at the time (not sure why honestly). I feel like perhaps it was due to her rubbing near the meatus. The symptoms below started almost immediately from what I can recall.
Symptoms:
1. Slight rash on the top of the penis glans (head of penis). It is worse after a hot shower. It comes and goes, and can appear almost like a plaque covering, scaly at times. It sometimes starts at the top of the corona (where head meets shaft) and runs straight down to the urinary meatus (opening) like a stripe.
2. No visible lesions (or blisters) or warts on the exterior skin surface. Does not appear to be any internally as well and doctors have not been able to observe anything.
3. Slight purple on one side of urethra, when the meatus is opened to look inside. A small bump is near the top of the purple, or tip of the meatus; however, two urologists believe it is vein related.
4. After urinating, urine dribbles out of the bottom of the meatus. The meatus opens and closes (at the bottom) and urine drops drip / discharge. I have to wipe considerably. The glans around the meatus looks swollen (more one side) and when I press on it, urine will discharge. It is almost like urine gets stuck in the tip of the urethra.
5. No noticeable discharge, but the penis appears and feels “wet” inside, especially post urination. It seems that I am leaking / dribbling throughout the day, after urinating. Urine color is clear.
6. Pain consistently on the underside of the glans near the meatus. The pain can sometimes be very sharp and burn. I also feel a tickle or tingle sensation in the head of the penis that comes and goes. The entire glans is sensitive to touch. This is extremely irritating.
7. The meatus looks red and inflamed at times. It can be very sensitive or painful to the touch and irritated by clothing. This feeling comes and goes in intensity.
8. The bottom of the meatus opens wide (top remains closed) when the penis has increased blood flow and/or is erect. This is abnormal for my body. You can see directly into the urethra when this happens.
9. When erect, the glans / head region seems larger than it had previously and I would describe it as swollen. There is also an internal pain near the underside of the meatus, where it opens up near the bottom (as described). Feels like it is stretching / pins and needles.
10. The glans has a more prominent reddish rash, during and after an erection. The rash appears like I have scaly / dry skin. Post ejaculation my urethra appears red and inflamed as well, when looking inside the meatus. This subsides after some period of time.
11. Semen color seems to be more yellow that I remembered, prior to this incident. Sometimes I feel like there is pressure on the front of my testicles.
12. The pain and irritation increase throughout the day. When I wake up in the morning the symptoms are not as noticeable, besides a dull pain on the under-side of penis glans. Sometimes there is some redness on the top of the glans area.
Testing:
I have been well tested (multiple times) and am negative for the following STD's; HIV (RNA testing done as well), Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trich, HSV-2, Syphilis, Mycoplama & Ureaplasma, Hep A, Hep B, & Hep C. Again, all negative.
I found in this process that I am HSV-1 positive and likely have been for some period (so is a large % of the population). I have had blisters and a HSV like rash on the bottom of my nose in the past. I don’t think this is HSV-1 as there are no lesions in my genitals and this has gone on too long.
Due to viral load factors, I tested the viral infections (HIV, HSV-2, Hep) at 30 days and again at 95 days post exposure. I assume that I am in the clear based on statistics, but am certainly not a doctor. These tests were unlikely to be positive given the event as there was no intercourse.
Urine analysis looked okay. Red and white blood cell counts were okay, no bacteria infection or UTI found or diagnosed based on urine culture.
Treatment:
I have seen 5 urologists, 1 dermatologists and 1 family practice doctor. I have had 2 cystoscopies, and nothing was found (same urologist).
A family practice doctor thought it was due to some soap or lotion, but referred me to the 1st urologist. He thought nothing was visually wrong.
The 1st and 2nd urologist said they have no clue as there was nothing outside of normal visual tolerance. The 2nd urologist gave me the 2 cystoscopies (camera up the urethra to the bladder) and nothing abnormal was found.
2nd urologist thought it was contact dermatitis due to the rash as nothing surfaced in either cystoscopy. My prostate was examined physically and was ruled to be okay. He referred me to another urologist and also said I should see a dermatologist.
The 3rd urologist confirmed the inflammation in the glans. He suggested to try Quercetin (there are clinical trials which have shown it has helped the prostate) and then potentially Doxy over a longer period as a next step (can be anti-inflammatory). My fear is taking an antibiotic without having a bacteria pathogen diagnosis could be pointless.
The 4th urologist (who the 2nd urologist referred me to) believed that this was related to nerves in the penis. He is a pain specialist and put me on Nortriptyline.
The dermatologist (urologist said I should see one) also saw inflammation and diagnosed the rash as a non-infectious seborrheic dermatitis. He prescribed a topical antibiotic / corticosteroid, which I used. I also tried a steroid. It has reduced some of the redness but not relieve any of the described pain or urine dribble. I am concerned about the use of a topical for an extended period (skin thinning) and have stopped using it. I have a follow-up visit with him scheduled.
Medication:
1. Doxycycline 100mg x2 times a day for 10 days, initially when symptoms started. No relief.
2. Topical cream for rash: Ala-Quin initially for 4 weeks, then tried another steroid cream. Has somewhat resolved the rash issue (not totally).
3. Metronidazole (Flagyl) 2g, x 1 dose for Trich as there is not a great test for this (urine apparently has weak sensitivity). Trich can cause swelling, come and go symptoms, etc.
4. Nortriptyline 20mg every day to resolve nerve issue. I just started this.
5. Supplements currently taking: 1g of Quercetin daily (shown to reduce inflation in clinical trials), Multivitamin, AHCC, Folic Acid, Vitamin E and B12.
The symptoms continue to persist and these treatments have not worked.
My Questions:
1. Does this sound like an STD? Could it be another bacteria pathogen or NGU?
2. If this nerve related due to some trauma, would it cause the rash?
3. Are there any ideas regarding further testing or a diagnosis? I was considering a semen culture but don't know where to have this done.
4. Would a HPV virus cause these symptoms? In men, I believe the HPV virus is typically asymptomatic and/or presents itself with warts.
5. How can I test for HPV other than a biopsy of the penis or penis scrape (which most doctors don’t perform)?
6. Could this be yeast related based on the symptoms? I have noticed an increased coating on my tongue which scrapes off and dry mouth symptoms. I have also noticed the coating and dry mouth is much worse after drinking alcohol or eating sugar (yeast related).
I should mention that my anxiety over this is through the roof and am aware of some changes in my body as a result of it (anxious, no hunger at times, weight loss, etc.). I also think the dry mouth could be related to anxiety.
Please, I am looking for some help! I know there is someone out there that can help me as this has gone on for so long. This is such a struggle and always on my mind.
Further, I am terrified about infecting a new person who I just started dating. A couple doctors indicated that I was safe to have intercourse as I was well tested, but I don’t feel right about having intercourse with the symptoms persistent.
Thanks all for your help. - Steve
12 likes, 867 replies
biff82624 Guest
Posted
I am almost 100% positive that most of us posting here are dealing with some form of herpes infection. The reason I say this is because many of you have said this started after a a b*****b. Well, two days after I tried to have sex with a woman who is HSV2 positive, my nightmare began.
Tingling/annoying/ slight stinging in the penis tip/urethra area that would eventually turn into a full on burning sensation that comes and goes throughout the day and often shows itself after peeing, or ejaculation.
Constipated for weeks. Afterwards, my bowel movements have seemed to change.
Itchiness in anus.
Random burning sensations throughout body.
Random lower back pain.
Dull aching pain sometimes in testicles.
Itching in inner thighs that comes and goes.
I have tested negative for all the routine STDs, and have also tested negative on the IGG herpes blood test several times. But over these past months Ive come to find that I share many of the same symptoms as other herpes sufferers, and I know for certain the woman I tried to have sex with has HSV2.
I truly believe the herpes virus somehow has affected my body, but I am still searching for a diagnosis.
pete80031 biff82624
Posted
Biff, buddy, i can see the logic in your theory, but its still just a theory. I really dont want to stiffle and debate but all i can say is a world expert looked me in the eye and categorically told me this isn't herpes. He didn't say this could be an a-typical strain of mutant herpes or something, having said that neither would i rule it out the possibility (i had several small red spots on the shaft but pain didn't start until i put steroid cream into the urethra) but in the absence of a diagnosis i think the best we can do is try to manage symptoms and alleviate the suffering. not thinking about it is the best strategy in my
Lostknight biff82624
Posted
If you had a negative herpes test 6 months after exposure, then you can be sure that it is not herpes.
You should calm down a bit.
So many people are HSV-1 positive but still engage in oral sex and almost all of their partners have any issues.
I acknowledge that there are symptoms and it may be due to an Infection, but we really should not keep running after totally improbable diagnosis.
dan19568 Lostknight
Posted
Lostknight, I do not mean to sound rude but you are completely incorrect in your assertion that he "can be sure" its not HSV-1 or HSV-2. The IGG blood tests for this virus are quite poor and their sensitivity leave much to be desired. For example, the HSV-1 blood test will only detect the antibodies to the virus 90% of the time. That means that 1-10 people will show negative on the blood test but actually indeed have the virus. There are many documented cases of people testing negative on the blood test for HSV-1/2 but actually do indeed have the virus. I would absolutely not rule out the virus causing our issues. While you are correct a large portion of the population had either HSV-1 or HSV-2 and does not cause much of a problem, there are quite a few documented cases of the virus causing neuralgia, meningitis, and other major issues.
I for example, know I had exposure to the virus many times with one woman. I have had many troubling neuropathic symptoms which cannot be explained. My symptoms are directly related to all areas influenced by the pudendal nerve. I would like to write more but just got into work. I will follow up.
dan19568 biff82624
Posted
Biff, I am in complete agreement. I will write you more later and we can compare/contrast our experiences. Maybe... just maybe we can find a commonality between us which may ultimately help treat our symptoms.
tim09015 biff82624
Posted
You guys that are 100% sure you have herpes... go take valtrex and move on with your life. It cant be cured if it's true, so what is the best outcome you are hoping for? Obsessing on it doesn't help. If it's true, then get it treated and be thankful you know what you've got. They honestly don't even test for HSV it in porn because so many people have it and it has very little effect on your life once treatment is admisitered to keep the viral load under control. Derek Jeter has herpes and he still hooks up with like all the hottest girls in the world. Whatever your goals in life are, there is nothing in this world herpes prevents you from doing.
In my particular case I've seen like 6 physicians (3 STD clinicians) as well as 2 dermatoligists all saying I do not have an STD/herpes. I've had all the tests and bloodwork drawn multiple times at all the relevant time intervals.
My symptoms are going on 7 months now. I've been awoken many sleepless nights due to the pain in my meatus. I just want relief from the symptoms, I don't really care what the diagnosis ends up being.
I also noticed my symptoms began after a bj. But it's not us randomly ruling out herpes... a lot of us have been referred to and've been seen by the specialist leaders in our geographical area for sexual health, who have ruled out herpes. And THEN also went and got second and third opinions who continually rule out herpes.
At some point even if you truly believe you have some rare non-diagnosable, non-testable secret form of herpes that all doctors say it isn't... you have to figure out how is your life different in any way with that knowledge and figure out what your next steps are.
biff82624 tim09015
Posted
Believe me when I tell you, I do not want this to be herpes. I've spent countless hours trying to find some other cause of all my symptoms on Google. I've been at it for 5 months now.
I also have been told by doctors, nurses, and a urologist that I do not have herpes. I've been tested at various intervals between 11 days and 16 weeks and all came back negative.
All I'm offering you all is the facts of my situation. All my problems started directly after I tried to have sex with someone who has HSV2. That's the fact that scares me the most.
In my search to find some other cause, the other most likely reason is chronic prostatitis. It certainly would explain certain symptoms such as the burning in my penis tip and the back aches, but it wouldn't explain the random anus itching I get from time to time. And I'm not even sure that it would account for the nerve burning throughout my body that I have felt.
I'm going to see another urologist in a month and a half. I am hoping he will be of greater help than the last and plan on trying my best to get him to help me find a solution.
Tim, unfortunately, they won't prescribe you valtrex unless they diagnose you with herpes and until they can actually diagnose me with it, I'm not really sure I would want to take it just yet. My main goal is to find out exactly what went wrong with my body. Lostknight is right: what I'm suggesting is just a theory, but it isn't one that I came to without much thought and research behind it. My starting point is that it all began when I went inside a HSV2 vagina. That's all I have to work with right now. Considering that herpes is a nerve virus, and that I've come across one too many stories of people testing positive with swabs only to then test negative by blood, it worries me.
Dan, I'm glad you see what I'm saying, and hopefully we are wrong and this isn't actually herpes at all. I would prefer we keep most of out chat on here instead of private, so that it can maybe help someone in the future if we ever do solve our issues.
To those who disagree, I only ask that you don't cross herpes out just yet until your completely back to normal and you've found the culprit. Because I very well could be wrong, and hopefully this is something we can get rid of and it isn't contagious. But then again I could be right.
I do not want to find out because I infected some innocent female. The medical world needs to help us solve this. We shouldn't have to do it ourselves.
allan64188 tim09015
Posted
I second this. I had the obsession with herpes for a while but I've taken every test that I can take for it (several times) and they've all been negative. No reason to obsess over something that no doctor can help you with because they'll never believe your internet theories (not that I'm saying it's 100% wrong, there's just nothing to back it). Better use of time is to explore other avenues if there are any.
Also Biff, there's definitely a doctor out there that will prescribe it given the length of persistent symptoms. Mine has offered but I just haven't got to that treatment yet (or felt like it would do anything).
biff82624 allan64188
Posted
I agree allan that would should be exploring other avenues, and I plan on it when I go to see this next urologist. But in my case, and I'm only speaking for myself here, I can't cross herpes off the list until I know what is causing this. The timing and sudden onset of all these symptoms after an HSV2 exposure just won't let me. And no valtrex for me just yet. Not until at least all other avenues have been crossed out.
peter10286 biff82624
Posted
When you all said that you've tested negative for STD, does the STD test include Trichomoniasis Vaginalis? I've done many reading and they say that the test is difficult to pick up due to less sensitivity of the test available in men...The symptoms we all had seems to mimic the symptoms of Trichomoniasis if it flares up even though most of the men shows no symptom. Moreover, the only antibiotic effective for this type of STD is Metronidazole/Tinidazole. I'm suffering the same thing and i'm really desperate to try out whatever available out there to get rid of this. Guys, I sincerely need your feedback if you all had run the STD test with the inclusion of Trichomoniasis?
allan64188 peter10286
Posted
i think most of us have. I was tested for it and was negative and treated for it anyway just in case - nothing changed. That was 11 months ago for me.
Guest peter10286
Posted
i understand that it is pretty rare to get trich. more common in females. i understand that the urine test for men has some challenges and is not perfect. physicians will often just give the antibiotic if they suspect it and treat both partners.
i was tested 2x (panel test) and was negative both times.
danielle55208 Guest
Posted
Has anyone try a pill for dribbling? I read there are many pills for that but I never tried. my next appointment is in two months.
Mr.snow Guest
Posted
Hi all,
I want to start by saying thanks to you that are engaged at this forum and don't drop off after a few posts! Great job this far.
I am a male in lower 20s which suffers from same symptoms as the major part of you all, and have been doing that for the past 3 months. Thought I had hit the jackpot when finding this topic but the more I read I started to get terrified that no solution were found yet.
I am tested for all std's except HIV, with negative results. Chlamydia x 4, Gonorrhea x 4, Mycoplasma x 3, Trichomonas x 2, Herpes x 1. My urine and urethra has been checked for bacteria and also in microscope with good results and my prostate has been examined.
First doctor I went to was sure that I suffered from yeast infection. Two different unctions (not sure of this word. balm/cream) were tested. When no results showed I was sent to the sex specialist department at the hospital.
Second doctor were sure that I suffered from Herpes. Valaciclovir was prescribed while waiting for test results to come back, but it showed negative and the medication did not succeed.
After this visit I got a flu with severe throat and ear pain. For that I were given AMOX-CLAV and DEXAMETHASONE, which I actually hoped would cure my lower part problems as well. But of course it did not.
From this point my contact with the hospital have been through phone. Doctor number two prescribed me doxycycline and said that I might suffer from non-specific urethritis.
It did not help so after a full treatment I once again took contact, and now met doctor number three.
Third doctor said that "there is nothing we can do since you do not show positive for any std's. I can send you for a cystoscopy but that is not anything we suggest since your problems are mainly in the meatus". She suggested to try a third yeast unction with cortisone, which I am now on.
First days I felt that this changed my symptoms a little bit towards less pain and more a weird feeling in the meatus/urethra but this might also be because of changed personal routines lately. Because now it is pretty much the same again.
I will be in contact with the hospital this week again to decide on how to proceed. I will talk to them about this forum since it seems like they never have heard of this problem before.
****I am very positive that my problems started after hitting my girlfriends coil during sex.
Have never posted on a forum before and don't often speak medical terms in English so in case something is wrong please overlook it!
Mr.snow
Posted
Apparently my dividers and the bold texture did not apply.. Sorry about that.
Guest Mr.snow
Posted
what are your specific symptoms?
when you say hitting the coil - was there a moment when you felt a sharp pain, etc?