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
john58680 Guest
Edited
I have good news, I teared my glans and I've been dealing with this condition for 2 months this forum helped me a lot I thank all of you, some of us started having problems after friction, tearing and damage from a b*****b or rough sex . Some of us don't so i don't know if this will help the ones without friction or damage.
IN CONTINENCE-ASSOCIATED DERMATITISIAD is also known as perineal dermatitis, diaper rash and many other names and is
included within a broader group of skin conditions that are referred to as moisture-associated skin
damage (MASD). The term IAD is preferred as it distinguishes skin problems arising directly from
contact with urine and/or faeces due to incontinence from other conditions and acknowledges that
the condition may affect more than the perineal area and people of any age.
With incontinence, water from urine and/or faeces is pulled into and held in the corneocytes.
This overhydration causes swelling and disruption of the structure of the stratum corneum,
and leads to visible changes in the skin (e.g. maceration). As a result of excessive hydration,
irritants may more easily penetrate the stratum corneum to exacerbate inflammation. When skin
is overhydrated, the epidermis is also more prone to injury from friction caused by contact with
clothing, incontinence pads or bed linen
With exposure to urine and/or faeces, skin becomes more alkaline. This occurs because skin
bacteria convert the substance urea (a product of protein metabolism found in urine) to
ammonia which is alkaline. The increase in skin pH is likely to allow micro-organisms to thrive
and increase the risk of skin infection.
Ask your doctors about it it's not easy to find a home remedy for this, fluid management and
toileting techniques are key.
Hope this helps you can always send me a message for more information i gathered some pdf's about it and i will see my doctor soon.
Anon1978 Guest
Edited
Hey Steve. Have you recovered at least mostly from this? I am not seeing much from you lately - maybe someone else knows? I am currently dealing with alot of these symptoms you describe - Swollen/irritated meatus, sensitive glans, internal pain in glans and urine dribble - been 2 1/2 months now. Mine started after I accidentally left a little bit of penile lotion on top of my glans and of which some of it got into my urethra. I felt some burning sensation couple hours afterwards which went away 2 days later.. but then had a bad skin reaction on my glans and burning sensation from meatus/urethra 3 days after that which I thought was odd. I did have unprotected sex in between those days which I dont think has any link to this but still makes me think. This skin reaction on my glans hasn't gone away since plus all the other symptoms I described. Doctors have tried couple of different cortisone creams, anti fungal cream and 5 day Fluconazole plus Azytromycin and Doxy but nothing has worked. That's why I'm leaning towards something being in that cream that caused it. It contains "fragrance", and some preservatives, Phenoxyethanol, Vitamin A and Cetearyl Alcohol to name a few which I consider suspects. I wouldnt be surprised that whatever you got had a chemical component in it as well. I've thought about why my current skin reaction didnt show up until 5 days later.. perhaps either a "Type IV delayed hypersensitivity" or that the offending chemical didnt start causing issues until later. The worst part is that the meatus/glans are so sensitive that when i wear underwear and pants I start feeling burning sensation 😦 The last urologist I saw asked me to put a mild lotion on the glans to make it better and let time heal this. Not really what I wanted to hear. It would be nice to hear from you and how you are currently doing.
Steves8012 Anon1978
Posted
Nope still trying to sort. Last dermatologist was insistent its a skin reaction to something (I'm not convinced). Cut out using any body washstuff bar Dermol and took a load of oral steriods but no difference. No issues this end with urinating or the meatus. Have the burning sensation and that arises from the edge of the glands which looks 'wrinkly' on the left side only (plus purple mark) Been going on for ages and out of ideas. Corona making getting medical assistance almost impossible
Bertmeister Steves8012
Posted
Hi mate
Ive been suffering with the exact same issue as yourself. Countless doctors visits, steroid cream etc. The symptoms that do stick to mind is the pain after erections etc, swelling of meatus after ejaculating. My swelling was prominent to the point where you could visibly see the difference in 'height' for one side of the meatus. After basically giving up I was reading online about coconut oil. Fast forward 3 weeks and I've seen more improvement in the last 3 weeks than I have in 2 years going to the doctors and using steroid cream etc. Every morning and every night I put a little bit of oil on the meatus (I also use a penile moisturiser for the rest of my foreskin and head) I'm not saying this will work for you or everyone but I was suffering with this bad, after I masturbated my penis would just look in bits, swelling would be worse and the pain wouldn't subside for hours. My mental health was affected to the point I was avoiding a relationship/physical relationship because of the embarrassment. After 3 weeks of the above I can safely say I'd whip out my John to anyone whod care to take a look (which ain't many lol)
One thing to note I have also stopped masturbating completely as well as limiting coffee to 1/2 times a week.
I keep on expecting the progress to stop as it has done with every other treatment but fingers crossed atm but it only keeps getting better. My foreskin is looser, my head is basically pink and the swelling has halved.
Another thing to note is the coconut oil purchased is the pure unrefined organic kind.
Give it a go for a month and see what happens.
People feel free to message for any more questions.
Much love
Bertmeister
Posted
I copied and pasted my reply below as I wanted to make sure you'd see this. Honestly mate give it a go. The penile moisturiser is also fragrance free, you can get it in amazon.
If you don't want to give the moisturiser a go in case it irritates it then just give the oil a go. I've also looked online about crocodile oil, got great healing benefits and if my progress ever stagnated I was going to give that a go
Cheers
k801 Bertmeister
Posted
What is the moisturiser name? Also are you circumcised or not? Are you keeping the glans covered by foreskin after application?
eric16001 Bertmeister
Posted
Height difference drives me nuts. Everything seems to come from left lip. Doctors are useless unless seeing a positive test. Most of us here would do a better job. More then half tell me Im normal just to get me to leave. I will try coconut oil but I feel as the moisturizing helps as much as anti-fungal but Ill still try. Abstinance helps too for inflammations but we are far from a cure. Maybe removing the infected lip or reducing it would help. See how desperate I am! lol
Bertmeister k801
Posted
It's called black bottle from amazon. I'm not circumised and Im keeping the glans covered. I did think for a while that maybe keeping my foreskin retracted would help but the foreskin is there to protect it and I found it done more worse than good.
Bertmeister eric16001
Posted
Height difference is the main thing for me, I literally had to without putting in better words 'open my urethra' just for the doctor to say 'oh yes it is a bit swollen on that side' lol. There were times I felt exactly the same, thought to myself ahhh if I could just this cut this bit off, bit of skin grafting and it'll look better than it is now.
I do honestly think abstinence is important as well as the oils, the most progress I've seen has been the past few weeks when that has been the case. I will say my issue has probably arisen from chronic masturbation, however I then did overdo it on the steroid cream which wasn't my best move lol. Its proper st how we all have to come on online to try and get some answers as doctors don't know or aren't willing to put the effort in to figure it out. I hope you start to get some results/answers soon, I'll keep this updated with myself. Oddly enough though the last day and a half I haven't used any of the oil or creams and it looks like it's made another leap in progress, so now I'm not sure whether it the oils/cream or just leaving it completely the fk alone lol
Bertmeister k801
Posted
Hi mate I will also add the last day and a half I haven't used either the cream or oil and I've seen another leap in progress so I'm not sure whether it is the cream/oil or not now, im inclined to say it is still but felt I should say
eric16001 Bertmeister
Posted
My first doctor told me it was nothing to worry about and that sometimes white cells add up and make look different. Told me it could be removed. Of course time made it worse. Yes moisturizing and abstinence are key but I have a girlfriend. Sex is inevitable at some point. Ill keep posting even if I resolve this too
Bertmeister Guest
Posted
Hi mate
Ive been suffering with the exact same issue as yourself. Countless doctors visits, steroid cream etc. The symptoms that do stick to mind is the pain after erections etc, swelling of meatus after ejaculating. My swelling was prominent to the point where you could visibly see the difference in 'height' for one side of the meatus. After basically giving up I was reading online about coconut oil. Fast forward 3 weeks and I've seen more improvement in the last 3 weeks than I have in 2 years going to the doctors and using steroid cream etc. Every morning and every night I put a little bit of oil on the meatus (I also use a penile moisturiser for the rest of my foreskin and head) I'm not saying this will work for you or everyone but I was suffering with this bad, after I masturbated my penis would just look in bits, swelling would be worse and the pain wouldn't subside for hours. My mental health was affected to the point I was avoiding a relationship/physical relationship because of the embarrassment. After 3 weeks of the above I can safely say I'd whip out my John to anyone whod care to take a look (which ain't many lol)
One thing to note I have also stopped masturbating completely as well as limiting coffee to 1/2 times a week.
I keep on expecting the progress to stop as it has done with every other treatment but fingers crossed atm but it only keeps getting better. My foreskin is looser, my head is basically pink and the swelling has halved.
Another thing to note is the coconut oil purchased is the pure unrefined organic kind.
Give it a go for a month and see what happens.
People feel free to message for any more questions.
Much love
john58680 Bertmeister
Posted
coconut oil helped me too with the swelling i stopped masturbating and cleaned my penis frequently but urinating is still a problem i believe my meatus got scar tissue that makes it harder to pee
i believe this is the problem
Urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra. Your urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder through the penis and out the urethral meatus (the opening at the tip of the penis) during urination.
Many men with a stricture will have increasing discomfort with urinating and a slowing of the urinary stream. This can develop gradually and lead to pushing or straining to get urine out.
The most common causes appear to be chronic inflammation or injury. Scar tissue can gradually form from:
An injury to your penis or scrotum or a straddle injury to the scrotum or perineum.
An infection, most often sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia.
Placement of catheters or instruments into the urethra during surgery or procedures.
this explains the urination problem
Steves8012 Bertmeister
Posted
Cheers for the suggestion. I have given this a go but sadly to no avail. Doesn't seem to solve the underlying issue. No problems here with urination. Only issue is in the main the same spot under foreskin which gets sore (rest then gets irritated)
Bertmeister Steves8012
Posted
Ahhh man that's s**t, I do think abstinence is a big key to it nall but that's because I believe my issue arose from chronic masturbation. It's incredibly frustrating that there's this many people with this issue but doctors have no clue. I actually have a friend who has the same problem, they're only 20 but have never seen a doctor so who knows how many more there are out there who just live with it
maryass Bertmeister
Posted
hello mate, any updates?