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
pete80031 Guest
Posted
Ok where do I even start....so I can relate with alot of what you're describing Steven, basically I've been battling a rash on scrotum (but also hands, toes, chin) for 7months, it occurred 6 weeks after a highly risky sexual encounter so I freaked out and started pursuing treatments, 2 GP visits that resulted in steroid creams, I went to an STD clinic and thankfully past all tests (though HIV was at 10.5 weeks and in theory needs to be 12 for all clear but like it's 99.7% or something) I continued with an array of OTC moistures etc all to no avail, finally a dermatologist (female, very sexist to say but don't feel can relate to penis probs as a man could? Vice versa too obvs) who didn't seem at all concerned but allergy patch testing ruled out contact dermatitis... basically I think all the stuff both medicated and not made it all worse so I just learned to accept and try to de-stress (my life is extremely stressful) I've recently began a sexual relationship and although it's normally protected sex we did initiate intercourse non-protected..very stupid but hey heat of moment etc anyway 2 weeks ago I noticed a small red dot on penis glans so I figured I'd put some of the cream i used on scrotum on the head...this had resulted in an inflamed meatus horrible internal burning fragile feeling penis that also aches internally down to perianum. Naturally I've freaked out now and went to GP who wasn't worried but did agree to a urine Chlamydia test just to appease me, I have the same urination and clothing material problems you've described and a rash like discoloration and strange scally texture all over the glans. My partner is worried incase she gave me something as her former boyfriend cheated on her but I haven't Chlamydia results yet. I'm back in with STD clinicians in 2 weeks, given my problems with scrotum skin I'm really concerned this is going to be a chronic problem, either I've caught an STD or I've caused the reaction from putting cream in a highly sensitive area but it's been about 10 days now no relief (like you say feels ok early morning and when exercising) my throat has so got quite sore last few days and yes I did perform oral so that's feeding my anxiety but could be incidental, I don't know if I have the fight in me to start running round various specialist doctors but can't see an alternative at the minute as I'm in regular agony I could almost chop it off (I'm only partly joking lol) what used to be my favourite body part is now my worst! Any suggestions welcome from anyone and I'll gladly update on my progress, thanks
Guest pete80031
Posted
pete80031 Guest
Posted
Sure did, I have at my disposal half tubes of hydrocortisone, bethamasone (poor spelling) fucidin (anti bacterial) as well as versions of these with clontrimazole added (antifungal). Now I should say I'm a bit of a hypochondriac and I work as a clinical coder; worst possible combination as I read about diseases all-day and diagnose myself, as the old saying goes the man who has himself as a doctor has an idiot for a doctor. However of the 6 doctors who have inspected my privates thus far not one has even offered a diagnosis! The derm would only commit to some type of dermatitis as I pushed her to give me something to work with. I never applied anything to the glans until recently as stated previously, as that wasn't my initial issue although there was some discoloration, now I can't say for sure if I was already getting the discomfort sensation and then applied the cream or if it was merely the raised red mark that I covered thus contaminating the meatus/urethra. Interestingly the first cream i used on the glans is called elidel/primecolimus which the derm gave me when I expressed concern at damaging skin or getting red sack syndrome from constant potent steroids, I had read it was a miracle cream but hasn't worked for me and indeed may have made everything worse if it has caused current diseased glans as don't think it's supposed to go in mucous membranes! I get my Chlamydia results today; never thought I'd ever by praying that I have Chlamydia lol so you have my entire history now so future posts won't be so long, ofcourse I'll get in touch after I finally see the STD guys again in 12 days, thanks again
Guest pete80031
Posted
my thoughts... i dont have a diagnosis either, after multiple visits and tests. time is the only thing that seems to making it somewhat better.
"...derm would only commit to some type of dermatitis..." - it is a generic diagnosis and does not mean anything. it is likely because they did not know and i would go see another derm.
"...read it was a miracle cream but hasn't worked for me and indeed may have made everything worse." - this is one of my concerns, steroids. i had a red area only in a small region, but now it seems larger after the steroid use. i cant confirm it, but i could have made it worse.
pete80031
Posted
Std screen all clear, as I figured it probably would be, this included urine bloods and swabs...they swabbed my throat too but it is still quite sore and it's 3 weeks tomorrow so I've no idea what it could be, didn't respond to abx anyway, also said glans looked normal but typical it wasn't particularly symptomatic at that exact moment, I tried reducing my sugar intake buy struggled after 3days, psychologically drained by this at this stage
marc-2961 Guest
Edited
Guest marc-2961
Posted
The hardest part is that I have seen 6-7 doctors and they do not know what is wrong with me.
allan64188 Guest
Posted
Steven just curious - how soon after that stripper thing did you start having symptoms? Minutes? Hours? Next day? Also did they all come on at once, or were the symptoms more like a chain of events that kept on coming.
danielle55208 Guest
Posted
In the few recent days I stopped drinking coffee / tea completely, stopped taking vetamins and put vaseline twice a day + bought new underwear. I must say I feel much better, i still have the dribbling issue but I clean everytime I pee. Please try these actions and let me know if you feel any improvement.
Hope it helps as it does for me, I really miss coffee though.
Guest allan64188
Posted
Allan, how did your situation start?
Yes, I agree that whatever is going on (there are a few of us on this thread that seem to be dealing with the same issue) is rare. Can't change the past.. but I understand your point of view.
I did not really notice my symptoms until the next day after the event (it is all hazy at this point as i was fueled with anxiety). There was redness and swelling, but also pain. I was focused on the pain, The pain seemed to get worse over time for the first few months, then resolved somewhat. It seemed like it was chain of events, meaning that symptoms appeared over time, such as urine dripping. It may have just took me a while to notice all of the symptoms as well.
I am also not sure if the scopes to check out the urethra and steroid creams did not cause further issues as well. I am debating this in my head.
Guest danielle55208
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danielle55208 Guest
Posted
allan64188 Guest
Posted
I do think that I am typically better off when I stay away from caffeine and alcohol. With that being said, abstaining from both is definitely not a cure for me.
Mine started up when I began dating this girl I had recently met. I've never once had even the slightest bit of increased white blood cells or any type of STD and had urine and blood tested many many times. While it is possible that I could have some strain of HPV, I somewhat doubt it as I got the vaccine when I was a teenager and the girl has had zero issues (from my understanding, HPV is typically more problematic for women).
After taking so many different antibiotics, I doubt this is bacterial in any way. I'm thinking more along the lines of this having been something viral (non-std) that has cleared and left tons of inflammation after the fact OR caused by physical trauma. I am generally an overly cautious person in regards to sex and definitely always use a condom. I noticed that a few times it seemed to be drying up "down there" and ultimately had 2 condoms break within a week. A third time, I noticed the same dryness and looked down to see my meatus being completely pulled open by the condom which was pressing down tightly against the tip of my penis. It's very possible that this caused some tearing of the meatus itself or small tears on the inside of the meatus. This might be in line with your strip club story (perhaps a small cut from a fingernail that is constantly aggravated from underwear? or perhaps even some kind of non-std infection getting in there? strip clubs aren't exactly the cleanest place). My doctors have said how you can have pain at the penis and urethral issues due to prostate problems as it is all essentially the same tissue. Is it possible that inflammation and issues could track backwards similarly?
I think there's also always the possibility of some type of fungal issue (though my doctors don't really seem to agree at all with this and won't even entertain the idea).
Obviously I'm stretching with a lot of this, but traditional thinking clearly isn't getting us anywhere.
Guest allan64188
Posted
Every doctor I spoke to has said that HPV does not present itself with the pain and swelling. It presents itself as either warts or subclinical, with no observable symptoms. In my situation, the chances of HPV transmission is low, but it can be one of the only STDs passed skin to skin. This is why I don’t know if I can rule it out. Plus there is no test for it, other than a biopsy.
So, you point about viruses seem also likely. It is possible to have viral damage to nerve cells. Which would be the “inflammation” that we are both referencing. I don’t know how a doctor would diagnose this - but one of the doctors I spoke with indicated he thought my pain could be possible due to nerves. He also indicate that it could also cause a rash.
If it was fungal I think it would be easier to identify. Urine would be cloudy and fungal skin rashes are fairly easy to identify and respond to topicals pretty well.
mac1985 Guest
Posted
Guest mac1985
Posted
luke42747 Guest
Posted
Just another guy with near identical circumstances. I was adamant i had an STD but my test after 12 days of contact was negative. I have since done a home test that you send off for the two main stds and been back for another full test at a private doctors. They didn't test for HSV-2, which i mentioed id like, the nurse said that I dont have it and I would know by now if I did as the symptoms have been going on for too long with new blisters etc. All results have been negative.I was stupid on the second full test as I had been taking doxcy for 4 days so this probably screwed up the results.
My only difference is that I am getting very thin and clear discharge. All symptoms pointed to balanitis but I have no idea what is causing it. Just want to keep getting std tests which is annoying. Making life very tough at the moment.
allan64188 luke42747
Posted
Lostknight luke42747
Posted
It can be tested with urine sample.