4 Months of Penile Pain, Irritation, Dribbling, Rash - No STD or Diagnosis. Help!
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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
pistonhead Guest
Edited
Thank you for posting this, it is very reassuring to know I am not alone. I have been suffering from similar symptoms for 18 months now. Red penis tip, discomfort when urinating, ejaculating, general soreness of the end of the penis. I also have pain which feels like its inside the end of my urethra. I have seen 2 x urologists and had every test under the sun. I have had MRI scans, CT scans, 2 x cystoscopy's, prostate massage and I have lost count of the number of blood tests and STI tests I have had (all negative)
Antibiotics I have been prescribed: Doxycycline, Trimethoprim, Ciprofloxin, Ofloxin and Nitrofurantoin, all made no difference. The Ofloxin made me ill but I took the whole course as I am determined to beat this.
I have also tried diets I went Vegan for a month, I have tried cutting out alcohol, caffeine and spicy food all together. I have tried cutting out dairy. I did all these diets for at least a month, most 6-8 weeks with no difference.
All the medical professionals I see keep telling me there is nothing wrong and everything looks normal, but I know that's not the case. The colour of the tip has definitely changed and so has the skin.
I do suffer with some other skin problems, nothing major but I get eczema or psoriasis (the doctors cant agree which it is) around my eyes and on my scalp. It is cured round my eyes with hydrocortisone creme. I also get a similar thing in between my fingers but that seems to be an allergic reaction to the Polytar shampoo that I was using to care the psoriasis on my scalp.
Otherwise I am extremely fit and healthy, not over weight and someone who goes to the gym 5 times a week.
Now on to creams. I have tried them all on my penis. The one that soothes things the most is "dream creme" which can be purchased from the "lush" outlets. I saw and advert that said it was good for eczema so tried it. It works the best in terms of soothing the problem, it does not cure it. I have also tried steroid creme prescribed by the doctor. This does seem to have an effect, but I don't dare use it more than 5 days as prescribed as I don't want to make things worse. I have tried canistan, daktacort, hydrocortisone, savlon, sudocreme and Flucidin with no improvement. One of the urologists gave me some extra instillagel, I am trying that at the moment, I suspect as its an anaesthetic it is just masking the problem.
If anyone finds a cure, a doctor that knows about this condition or anything that can help please post. I don't mind paying to go private.
The latest suggestion of 'lichen planus' seems very plausible and I will be going to see my GP about it asap.
Once again, thank you for this thread it really has helped my mental state which is extremely low at the moment.
john64602 pistonhead
Edited
Seems we are in a similar boat....
Here is an update and a recap of what is going on with my current situation
So far i have been prescribed the following
So far I have had the following exams/test
I have had a swollen meatus that comes and goes, urethritis, frequent urination that comes and goes and sometimes a burning sensations after urination. My prostate is definitely inflamed and I can feel it when I sit down.
From 3 months ago when symptoms started I can definitely say i have improved and the doctors believe it will continue to improve.
I had a check up with my primary today and as a last resort she is prescribe me Flucanozole to rule out a fungal infection and we will have a follow up in two wks. At that point she said she will refer me out to a specialist.
Just for some background on myself Ill just add that I am a perfectly healthy male that is fit and in shape. Im a big time climber, skydiver and outdoorsman. I have summited 2 of the 7 summits!!!. Just trying to paint a picture for you all of who I am. I know this is a struggle for us all and a damn hard one when your man-hood is on the line.
I know if I do some self reflection I have been living a pretty hard life. Lots of traveling and lots of partying and drinking that probably has taken a toll on my body. If any of us want to heal we have to get radical, so I to am giving up alcohol and going to get on a strict lifestyle and start taking care of myself physically, spiritually and nutritionally. I am not saying I am going to give up on searching for a solution but don't underestimate the power of your mind and your body working together in harmony. The body can heal itself. This is an issue that the big pharma world cant fix with a magic pill.
So hang in there and the highs and lows are sure to keep coming.
It would be nice if I saw some post from people just saying that they had cured themselves. You know, some motivation for us all!
Talk soon
pistonhead john64602
Edited
Hi John thanks for posting,
I also had one of my urine cultures come back with 1 type of bacteria which the doctors were not convinced was an issue. But that's when I was prescribed the Nitrofurantoin which was a large dose over a long period and it made no difference. I also tried Flucanozole which made no difference. I have tried so many things now its actually easier to say what I have not tried.
I have not really had the same prostate issues as you, I have had mine checked twice and its apparently normal. Has anyone suggested viral prostatitis to you. My doctor said that normally resolves itself in 3-6 months which is why it was ruled out in my case.
It sounds like we live similar lifestyles. My job means I hard and party hard. Like you I am fit and partake at quite a high level of sport. This corona virus outbreak has given me time at home where I have been relaxing and trying different diets. I have also not been drinking alcohol or caffeine, but if anything the issue is worse now rather than better.
I have been looking into auto immune issues and how to solve them. It is very out of character for me, but I am going to try CBD oil as the next step. I have read this can help autoimmune conditions. So I am going to try pure CBD first and then if that does not work I will try a mixture of CBD and THC. I am very anti drugs, but its getting to the point where I would try cocaine if it solved this issue, that's how desperate it's become.
Good luck to you, I hope your problem is resolved soon.
caleb04109 john64602
Posted
John have you looked into pelvic floor relaxation? you mentioned that your fit and active. Lots of men get "prostatis" this after heavy spells of weight training etc as it tightens their pelvic floor which is attached to lots of nerves etc.
john64602 caleb04109
Posted
i have heard of this. you make a good point though so I will definitely be looking into it. ill post any updates. thanks
noah1836 pistonhead
Posted
Hey Mate, Any update on your condition? I've posted a discussion on my account. I'm 3 months into experiencing these symptoms similar to many of you here. Hope to hear from you
steven42176 Guest
Posted
any news on this? having the same issues
simon71818 Guest
Posted
Hey I've got exactly the same symptoms, did you ever find out what it was?!
simon71818 Guest
Edited
these are my symptoms do they sound familiar?
Pain in meatus
Redness on left side of meatus
Pain on urination
Dribbling on urination
Pain in anus
Pain & tenderness in testicles
Lower right abdomen pain
Bleeding in anus when wiping
Erection pain
Erectile dysfunction
Meatus going very wide when erect
caleb04109 simon71818
Posted
hey simon i mainly post on this thread now.
have you seen a specialist yet?
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/is-this-balanitis-i-m-21-had-it-most-of-my-whole-life-no-treatment-has-worked-604272?page=21&utm_source=forum&utm_campaign=comment-notification&utm_medium=email%AppendToUrl%#3715881
chris61007 simon71818
Posted
I had these exact same symptoms I'm glad to hear I am not the only one that had blood when whipping.
chris61007 simon71818
Posted
Did the blood happen only one time?
simon71818 Guest
Edited
Doctor reckons I've got Prostitits is putting me on a months antibiotics, has anyone else had this diagnosis / treatment and did it work?
pistonhead simon71818
Edited
Yes I did 3 weeks of ciprofloxin and nothing changed. To be honest mine was not a diagnosis. It was a urologist who did not know what was wrong with me, so tried this. Stupid thing about it was he checked my prostate and said it was fine. Then decided to prescribe the antibiotics. After that I went a saw a different urologist who was much better, but still could not give me a diagnosis after just about every test you can imagine.
If you have had a genuine diagnosis then they should work for you. Good luck
simon71818 pistonhead
Posted
no it's just the same they think that's it
pistonhead simon71818
Posted
Did the doctor check your prostate?
if you have any sort of bacterial infection the antibiotics should clear it up as they are usually quite strong and broad spectrum for prostititis.
simon71818 pistonhead
Posted
He did but said it felt ok, but in an ultrasound it came up as being large. Fingers crossed this will work as this is really getting me down. Not excited to be taking antibiotics for 3 weeks but if it helps it's worth it.
jake39738 simon71818
Edited
keep us posted
simon71818 jake39738
Posted
will do! Got to be honest I do really rate my doctor but who knows, watch this space.....
pistonhead simon71818
Edited
it sounds like your doctor knows what he is doing. The antibiotics wont hurt you. i would look at taking some probiotics once your course has finished.
I hope this solves your issue.
simon71818 pistonhead
Posted
Thanks dude, fingers crossed!
john64602 simon71818
Posted
simon has any urine cultures or post prostate urine samples shown any bacteria at all?
i just got done taking ciprofloxin 500mg twice daily for 14 days a while back. what antibiotics are you being subscribed and how much.
it was recommended to me to take a probiotic while on the antibiotic. i just took mine 4hrs apart from the antibiotic. just something to consider.
also a little update for you all. I have been improving, very slow process. i got another urine test back this wk, all negative again. the swelling on my meatus comes and goes still but is not as frequent. every few days it flares up.