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

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  • Posted

    Hi all, 

    I had the same symptoms. I got testing for everything: fungal, bacteria, std. Everything negative. I went to a urologist, and she said the muscles in my pelvic floor were compressing a nerve that is responsible for innervating the tip of the penis. She referred me to a physical therapist who specializes in this area. The PT gave me stretches, and they have worked. When I do the stretches, no more pain/symptoms. When I don't do the stretches, the symptoms start to come back. Hope this works for others. 

    • Posted

      Wow! When you say innervating the tip what do you mean by that?   I have a v shaped raised swollen opening with some redness.

      Also, PLEASE share the stretches you have been doing that worked.

    • Posted

      Innervating means sending signals to a part of the body (either to feel or move).

      This is the main stretch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qZ517Rw7ME[/b]

      I modify by stretching at mid calf and also near the knee (as opposed to at the ankle)--this is a deeper stretch and works better. 

      I try to relax my pelvic floor whenever I think about it (when you squeeze your muscles to stop peeing, that's your pelvic floor--try to relax those muscles). 

    • Posted

      By v shaped, do you mean that it doesn’t come to a close? If not, what do you mean exactly.  You can look up a lot of the pelvic floor stretches online. It definitely helps some people with groin and pelvic issues, but it’s also not a miracle cure for everything. 
    • Posted

      By v-shaped I mean the very edge of the opening looks swollen to me but only part of the opening, making a v shape.   Not the whole opening.

      There is also redness from this.  I think it’s either a nerve issue or muscular(pelvic floor).  It gets so much worse sitting down at work all day.  Like most others here, I’ve had extensive testing from my general doctor and urology.    

    • Posted

      This really worked? Be sure i been suffering from a feeling of urine stuck in the tip of penis and itching and tingling at the tip feels like something just stuck at the tip all the time
  • Posted

    Hi steven and others,

    I have had a sensitive penis gland and tip for 5months now, and 2 months of it it was hurting, doctors said i had nothing and that i maybe be caused by stress. I didnt get any redness, nor discharge or any spots, but i’ve had mucus in my throat for 6months. And my knee constantly cracks. Ive had std or other test, all negative. 

  • Posted

    Hi steven and others,

    I have had a sensitive penis gland and tip for 5months now, and 2 months of it it was hurting, doctors said i had nothing and that i maybe be caused by stress. I didnt get any redness, nor discharge or any spots, but i’ve had mucus in my throat for 6months. And my knee constantly cracks. Ive had std or other test, all negative. 

    • Posted

      So strangely enough, my knee and hip started cracking all the time at the same time as my other problems started. I think it’s pretty clear we’re all suffering from either the same thing or at least a variation of the same thing. I just hope someone’s doctor is able to get this figured out. I’ve been seeing the head of the department at a Top 5 Urology program in the US and have been going there for months. Unfortunately, every doctor working there is stumped with my symptoms.
    • Posted

      Have u had any intercourse during the time these symtoms appeared? I for one have had intercourse, and the sensitive gland doesnt affect me when im hard or my performance. Moreover my gf doesnt seem to get symptoms. So if it was an std she would have had symtoms, right? And the seating thing i guess it is due to me sitting at the office. I hope its all anxiety and its playing with our mind. 
    • Posted

      How long do you usually sit at work and how long had you been working before this all started? 
    • Posted

      Also no I have not. But my symptoms came on after having sex and oral and am still highly suspicious of infection despite anything showing up in tests. 
    • Posted

      8hrs a day, five days a week. Maybe 4 to 5 months ago. But it comes and goes. My knee doesnt hurt if just cracks. As if im unfit. But i do quite a lot of sports.
    • Posted

      Gotcha. I do more in the realm of 10 or 11 hours a day (sitting) and mine also started up after about 5 months of working full time. I’m going to re-explore the pelvic floor or nerve route because my doctors have run out of ideas, but unfortunately I didn’t have huge success before. Maybe if I really commit to it...
  • Posted

    Had anyone had painful urination?
    • Posted

      Hello solla,

      What you mean by painful urination?

      Pain during or before or after urination?

    • Posted

      No I sometimes have pain after urination. That mild but goes on for 1 hour at the penis tip. No diagnosis till now.

      Did every test possible.

    • Posted

      Does the pain stays constant for everytime you urinate or it varies with every urination.....more sometimes and less for other times?

    • Posted

      Good question. It varies. Now sometimes the pain comes on a few minutes after urination when I sit down. Sometimes it does not come at all.

      But, about 6 months ago, it would seem to come after urination and then became constant. It would get worse as they day went on (and I would urinate more).

    • Posted

      I also have the same thing. The burning or feeling of something moving or nerves relaxing in the penis tip. It is more when I sit. It doesn't happens when I am having bowel movement along with urination.

      I had UTI few months ago. There is no bacteria in the urine culture but still the symptoms are lingering. Sometimes I think it is nerve damage sometimes I think it is viral infection.

    • Posted

      Just FYI, you have to relax your pelvic floor in order to urinate or have a bowel movement. If these are the only times you do not feel it, I’d say it’s very likely that a chronically tightened pelvic floor is your problem (and perhaps not the pudendal nerve). I’d check out both options though. 
    • Posted

      What results in tightening of the pelvic floor muscles?

      And which specialist I should consult?

      I also pain after bowel movement at the anus and feeling of bowel even after just going for it.

      Just to clarify, what I was saying is that when we go for bowel movement there is some amount of urination takes place during that. There is no burning during that urination. Also if wash my penis tip after urination , a bit from the inside of meatus too, then also there is really little to no burning.

    • Posted

      Could you please elaborate the causes as Morris has been asking?

      It is strange that so many people are having similar problems still no diagnosis by the medical community.

    • Posted

      I feel the saame thing!! Have u got any relief since or using anything to help you?? I am out of ideas ive been to many doctors no one can help me
    • Posted

      What about redness / inflammation or a rash? Any symptoms. 
    • Posted

      At first the meatus looked red inside but doctor said that’s normal , sometimes my glands look red other times looks normal. When i put hot water on it it tends to turn red on foreskin
    • Posted

      You also have burning after urination at the penis tip?

      How about urine urgency and frequency?

    • Posted

      I got balanitis in the beginning after the sexual exposure. But it healed over a period of time but the penis glans had the red dots on erection and occasional red foreskin. The foreskin and glans try to stick to each other and are very dry after washing. Also the glans appear to be really shiny and wrinkles develop in a few minutes of air exposure.

      however things have improved a lot after I applied tea tree oil with coconut oil. Also the major improvement came after I started keeping foreskin retracted behind the glans whole day. I am uncircumcised but a bit of short foreskin so it stay there after being retracted. The meatus was inflamed after 4 months of exposure may be due to a cream I was using which resulted in it's scaring and now the meatus is a bit dark then usual althiubai don't have any itching or anything. My urine frequency is normal and it is just the burning after urination for about an hour.

      i don't know if it is contagious or not . It really scares me thinking I might give this thing to someone. 

    • Posted

      I had those all but it has gone away, i get slight burning sometimes, but the feeling of urine stuck at the tip constantly there!! In think about getting lidocaine to see if that works, im tired of this feeling and know one doesn't know what it is

    • Posted

      How long you have this issue?

      What resulted in this?

      What kind of exposure you had?

    • Posted

      IVe had it for a month now

      At first inside my meatus looked red but doctor said it was okay

      Idk if it was because of riding a bike for two long two days in a row or my girl giving me head i felt it most after she gave me head tho, im really thinking its some nerve damage or something 

    • Posted

      Mine started the morning after receiving oral. Which is why I’ve long suspected something viral or oral flora. Any chance you felt her teeth on the glans or anything abnormal like that? 

      FYI, mine has not resolved after 9 months. And yes it f*****g sucks. 

    • Posted

      Anything involving teeth or pain during oral? Or was it completely normal and then you just suddenly woke up in the morning? I noticed some slight pain during oral but nothing significant really. No pain after. But brutal in the morning. 
    • Posted

      I think there’s a good chance theres nerve damage involved with this. I’m trying to figure out if in most of these cases it’s from physical damage or from infection. If it’s from infection, it’s gotta be something super rare and never tested.....
    • Posted

      Its not related to the nerve in my opinion. We need to ask our skin doctor to do “PCR real time” its the only way to figure out what we have. I will see my doctor only in December if you manage to see your doctor before then ask that.
    • Posted

      Seeing a dermatologist in 8 days. What are you thinking they should be testing for?  
    • Posted

      HPV / Herpes... please keep me updated what they tell you but you must ask for PCR real time. I have seen plenty of doctors recommending this kind of test which none of us seems to do before.
    • Posted

      Maybe i felt the teeth i dont remember i just remember after it felt different and it just gradually got worse i even had back pain and felt like my thigh was on fire at one point
    • Posted

      Im thinking its nerve damage im going to try to be referred to a neurologist 
    • Posted

      Bobby, please keep us informed buddy, to muddy the waters I first noticed the slight rash on my shaft/urethra after a 38 mile bike ride (which isn't far for many people but I wasn't on a racer, just a hybrid, and I don't cycle often) but the pain and symptoms didn't start until I applied the cream to treat the rash! Oral was 12 days prior to this so not sure if can be linked, clear as mud, we often here medicine only treats symptoms and not causes but I'm at the stage where id gladly not care to know exactly what is wrong just as long as I could p**s without a problem!!!

    • Posted

      I need had an rash or anything, just the sensation of something stuck or a wet feeling in my penis tip
    • Posted

      Me too my back was hurting and thigh was also very sensitive!

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