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
bryan12030 Guest
Posted
Out of curiosity does anyone here have a history with the EPSTEIN BAR VIRUS? I have just found out that mono can cause some of these symptoms later in life
gunz93052 bryan12030
Posted
do you have link to a study that says that? I've had EBV according to the blood tests but no longer infected.
sid27097 bryan12030
Posted
I had it back in high school.
jays28 Guest
Posted
does any of you have extreme premature ejaculation along with this? tip super sensitive (stings when flacid) to touch that i finish in 2-3 strokes
sid27097 jays28
Posted
Shorter than usual, but not that bad. I'm lucky if I can get there due to the pain on the glans after rubbing/friction.
Steves8012 Guest
Posted
Hi all
Looking for some help as running out of ideas and this is becoming a nightmare. Seems like others may have some similar experiences. I have some severe penis pain. Generally focused around the base of the head of the penis and theres what looks like a crack that runs around the base of the head. It feels like a throbbing or like someone squeezing the head. No discharge. A small blister appeared under foreskin but was swapped and nothing untoward returned. I've been fully tested both privately twice and have had numerous blood tests and a couple of urine tests at doctors and told negative for all. I've been given topical steroid cream which made the crack bleed so stopped. Two rounds of Doxycycline one for 7 days and one for 14 days. Still symptoms persist. Currently using Caneston cream to see if any help but no improvement so far. Any ideas?
john67336 Guest
Posted
has anyone figured this out? having the same issues ans starting to get extremely nervous and worried. any insight would be greatly appreciated
Steves8012 Guest
Posted
So met with a new doctor who's field was viralology. Stated it didn't look anything like HPV but conceded there was something going on due to the red inflammation and marking. She didnt however think it was any form of STI which was encouraging. Due to the dry skin and flaking/peeling after masturbation said something was causing the cells to replicate but was under the skin. Back on the steroid cream to deal with the inflammation and she has said may be CPPS so suggested pelvic stretches. Not convinced quite yet as would explain pain but not sure how that would cause the colouration but right now open to any suggestions so going to give a shot. Next stage is a dermatologist and a biopsy if this doesn't work 😦
jays28 Steves8012
Posted
thanks for sharing with us. having the same issue myself. have u tried not masturbating to see if the inflamation will reduce? many people on other forums say that could be the reason for the redness. i havent tried myself but if anyone has tried pls let us know. also on a side note have u been experiencing premature ejaculation if your glans are very sensitive because of this inflammation? good luck mate!
Steves8012 jays28
Posted
Haven't been much due to the issues so seems to not make a huge difference either way. Still not massively comfortable to do so (lots of tiny red dots under skin when do, been told its normal). No issues with premature ejaculation thankfully, got enough to contend with sorting this!
Erickson7 Steves8012
Posted
BIOPSY FOR WHAT?
ken29973 Steves8012
Posted
I have the same exact symptoms as you right down to the flaking/peeling after masturbation. About month ago I would also get the red dots after masturbation and went to a doctor and was told it was nothing to worry about, haven't had them show up in a while thankfully but I still get the flaking and peeling/dry skin. Constant discomfort from the tip of the penis and the opening looks swollen after sex/masturbation. Also feel the need to urinate far more often then I used too. I don't have any answers for ya but hopefully one of us figures it out
Steves8012 ken29973
Posted
So its currently a process of elimination. I've accepted the doctors comments (and the various tests I've had that say I'm negative) that i don't have an STI however in some respects would be easier as could sort it. I've been told I have a syndrome of sorts but that basically just means a collection of unexplained symptoms. Not sold on the CPPS piece although nothing to lose so doing the exercises anyway. The only pictures I can find that come close are Balanitis or Balanoposthitis. The latter is as close as I can describe the symptoms I have.
jake39738 Guest
Posted
So I'm 17 and I'm still a virgin. I've gotten this problem around 7 months ago, and my symptoms are the same like everybody else's. I didn't get tested for any STDs, but I used some antifugal and steroid cremes, as well as coconut oil and some antifugal pills. Nothing really helped me. Symptoms were always the same. So I wondered, if this is a skin problem, has any of you tried 90 days of nofap? Some people who have tried it claim that their skin heals and restores.
caleb04109 jake39738
Posted
ive tried no masturbation and sex and it didnt seem to help me. Swollen meatus is still there. Are you circumcised?
jake39738 caleb04109
Posted
I'm not circumcised, and my foreskin is also inflamed. The thing is that whenever I'm mastrubating my the rash is more visible, and while I'm ejaculating the whole glans becomes extremely irritated. So I figured out I'll try to go 90 days without mastrubating. I also have one question for you. How much time did you go without sex and mastrubating?
caleb04109 jake39738
Posted
if masturbation makes your worse then yeah try to restrain yourself from doing it. the longest i made it was 3 weeks and i didnt notice a major difference. 90 days could prove something different. have you ever had phimosis where you cant retract your foreskin to wash properly under the hood? i had that when i was your age and i believe thats how i got mine. mines more charactirised by swollen red lips that never go away. the only pain i ever have is during urination if i dont drink a heap of water. But yes i have also seen sort of like a rash that can come and go. Been tested multiple times and nothing has ever come back except for mycoplasm genitalium. Been told that it was "normal" which is bs... i think its some hard to get rid of fungus or something. btw i have had the same partner for 4 years and she has not contracted anything
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/is-this-balanitis-i-m-21-had-it-most-of-my-whole-life-no-treatment-has-worked-604272?order=latest&page=2#topic-replies
my penis looks almost exactly like this ij this guys picture minus the purple around the head. but the swollen lips and "rash" almost identical.
jays28 caleb04109
Posted
yes same here. i also had phimosis and was only able to retract my foreskin at the age of 17. i think you are right that it is some sort of bacteria which cant be detected as of now or could be weak pelvic muscles. i wonder how circumcised guys with this problem go about their daily activities without extra skin protecting the rash like we do. especially at night when they sleep because i tried laying down exposing the glans in my undies and i couldnt stand the stinging pain at the tip.
jake39738 caleb04109
Posted
Yeah mine looks the same. I don't have any problems while urinating though, the biggest problem for me is mastrubating. I mean it's kind of hard talking to my parents about these things, but I already visited a urologist and she thinks it is some kind of a yeast infection. The problem is that most of the symptoms that I have right now didn't appear immediately. First thing that I got is the purple bump on the left side of my meatus ( and I thought it was a urinary infection). A month later one small red patch appeared on my glans ( it was barely visible). Then after 2 weeks a lot of small red patches stared appearing after I mastrubated. Then I went to a dermatologist and he prescribed me a cortico steroid creme. After a week of use I went on a trip and everything seemed normal. While on the trip I stopped by to go to a toilet, and when I looked ad my glans it was REALLY inflamed, and my foreskin was swollen. The problem is that 7 months later, my foreskin is still kinda swollen. The second problem is that I completely stopped producing smegma. I know that a lot of people hate smegma, but it keeps you glans skin healthy and elastic.
jays28 jake39738
Posted
have u noticed anything change in your urine? i for one experience a weak stream when urinating and difficulty emptying the bladder. in addition i noted foul smell while urinating.
caleb04109 jays28
Posted
i have noticed a huge change in my urine stream. its very weak because the end is swollen. I actually had a bladder scan done years ago and they didnt find much except for minor thickening of the bladder wall possibly from infection. also when i voided my urine i was only able to void 80% of urine. If i dont keep hydrated it hurts to urinate and thats generally when i have trouble emptying my bladder as it hurts.
my "lips" also block in the middle part from opening so urine only comes out from the top and bottom of my uretha. is this the same for you guys?
im not 100% sure exactly when i got it as when i finally stopped my phismosis i saw the red lips.
its probably some crazy hard to get rid of yeast.
jays28 caleb04109
Posted
yes i have the exact same issue regarding voiding urine as well as the lips being swollen so the urine sprays in a few directions. I noticed that the pain during urination was not always consistent as there are times when it does not burn. I have not gotten my bladder or kidneys checked i hope they are ok since i am very young.
jays28 caleb04109
Posted
also do this also happen when u ejaculate? because when i do it burns after ejaculation and i also feel like most of the semen does not come out completely similar to the urine not emptying fully. is this the same for you?