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

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  • Posted

    So it sounds like a lot of us have not had sex since this started. What about masturbation? I have generally tried to avoid (prior to this, once a day was pretty regular for me) but I feel like I am worse for probably days after masturbation. I’m getting a Semen culture next week just to check that, but I think it’s more the act than anything else that is causing problems (hand movement, ejaculation, etc). The days following masturbation, I notice increased sensitivity and redness of the meatus and glans as well as urethral pain and increased urine dribbling. I’ve decided today that I’m going to go something like 30 days without any masturbation. I don’t think this is the cause, but I’m sure it’s not helping. Anything to potentially decrease pain is worth it in my book.  
  • Posted

    Has anyone done a Semen culture? My doctor had pushed it off as they rarely come back with anything but mine just came back with a significant growth of staph aureus. He said no guarantees that it’s what is causing my problem, but is worth treating. 

    • Posted

      I have not had a semen culture but I do not believe this to be the result of an active infection in my mind. But I would happily be proven wrong. I have found when I’m at my most sensitive, my ejaculation is much sooner than typical and at times comes out as a very gelatinous stringy yellowish mixture. Sometimes very uncomfortable just because it’s not fully liquid. I have chalked this up to my now infrequent masturbation practices which causes semen build up in the pipes. 

      Alan, have you considered asking about an MRI to check for issues with your sacral region like Tarlov Cysts? 

  • Edited

    Hi guys

    Another who has the same symptoms and history here. 

    My symptoms started after a ridiculously risky encounter that resulted in excessive pressure from oral sex from an unknown partner (gloryhole). 

    Prior to that had been taking oxytetracycline for some time for rosacea/acne issues

    Lots of theories here but been tested twice for STD’s and all negative 

    Going back for HSV and HPV to eliminate but discomfort is permanent in meatus and glans 

    No pain during urination but have always had a dribble since a stent was removed from my urether through my urethra after an op on a UPJ obstruction. This caused some loss of sensation and weakness that resulted in dribble but now from this recent trauma I have that “stuck” in the pipe feeling at the end more than previously and have had damp conditions for some time down there to deal with.

    My own anxiety issues don’t help and now worried this will never be resolved as it gets very sore after masturbation generally. 

    Not tried intercourse since (now 3 months) until I know I’m clear of all STD’s

    Will continue to follow this in case someone gets an answer but I believe the nerve damage train of thought is a real likelihood and just want to now exclude the infection elements 

    Wishing everyone all the best on here 

    Together I hope we can help each other and find a positive path 

    Cheers 

    • Posted

      There is not a test that I am aware of for HPV, besides a biopsy. I don’t think anyone in this thread has lesions - and without a lesion to biopsy, I believe that it is difficult to rule HPV out. I have talked with an infectious disease doctor and was told that HPV does not present itself it pain. But everyone is different and there are stains of HPV which do not cause warts. 

      HSV typically comes and goes - it is not consistent and the skin rash is pretty distinguished. If this is a constant pain issue I personally doubt HSV. 

      You wrote about “pressure” in your post. Was there pain associated with the oral?

      Best of luck and let us know how you continue to progress. 

    • Posted

      I tend to agree with most/all of what Steven is saying. While I did just have a positive Semen culture for bacteria, the doctors said it’s unlikely it’s what is actually causing my problems. 

      Steven, are you thinking nerve damage due to non-traditional viral infection (so non-std) or physical trauma. I’m kinda thinking it has to be one of those.

      Almost every guy here has mentioned oral sex in some capacity (Steven perhaps the stripper had sucked on her finger or something prior? Not impossible but also impossible to say. 

      Also, many have mentioned rough oral sex (or in your case, possible small cut at the meatus). I know for me, I experienced some pain during oral sex and some pain just before a condom broke (sort of a “pressure” on the meatus feeling). 

    • Posted

      HSV can and does cause, in some cases, lasting nerve damage and/or sensitization. I believe this to be the root cause of our issues. Oral sex is implicated time after time on these posts. HSV-1 is carried by the majority of the adult population and it just so happens all the blood testing for this virus is woefully inadequate. Unless you have an obvious blister or lesion... you will never truly know if you have the virus. The blood tests for HSV-1 are only approximately 90% accurate... and I think that’s being optimistic. HSV also does not always present in typical lesions. Many have mistaken irritation and itchyness as a yeast or fungal infection, when in fact it was actually HSV causing the issue. It appears nobody here seems to want to humor me around the idea of Tarlov Cysts in the sacral spine? Nobody seems to answer regarding this avenue. 
    • Posted

      Dan,

      I’m going to try to investigate that at some point, but my doctors don’t seem to want to refer me at the moment. Kind of stuck at the moment. 

    • Posted

      Dan,

      I am not dismissing your theory as incorrect. I am starting to believe that nerve issues may be the root of my issue, and perhaps others here. Perhaps HSV, HPV or maybe trauma are leading us all down the same road. Specifically, the origin of our problems may be  different but the result, the same. This is why perhaps our symptoms are all so similar. 

      My personal issue is that the doctor who I am  seeing  does not want to perform any more advanced studies at this time as Allan noted.

    • Posted

      yes, i am now starting to lean towards trauma or nerve damage.

  • Posted

    Oh forgot to add more about the tetracycline - one theory I had was fixed drug reaction as I saw a connection between tetracycline and urethritis somewhere which I still want to understand a bit more about 
  • Posted

    One more thing to add...I have always had high uric avid levels in my blood and suffered from gout for several years. Currently being investigated for rheumatoid arthritis. Have had severe knee and ankle issues at the same time as these penis/urinary issues and do wonder if there is a link here. Also felt uncomfortable on my pelvis infrequently like it’s bruised or something inside. 

    Basically I’m a wreck and haven’t helped myself one bit! 

    I’m convinced this is all connected in some way.

    Will of course update you all if I find any breakthrough 

    • Posted

      Hey john, 

      Try to dry your penis head with a hair dryer after every shower, it helped me reduce some of the symptoms. I am now suffering only from dribbling...

    • Posted

      I have also high uric acid levels in my blood (6,3), but I haven´t been diagnosed with gout. Perhaps, that stuff has some relation with the meatus theme. I definitely start to believe that here there nothing infectious.

  • Edited

     

    Hi everyone, and excuse my English. I have 30 years, also in this boat at the moment. It all started in the following way: I had a (oral) risk relationship some time ago with an unknown (more of three months ago), but on August 12 I had relations with my girlfriend without protection (during her period). Then she told me that she had trichomoniasis.

    On August 15 I woke up with cold symptoms and pain in my penis, I noticed it a little bigger than normal. I also noticed that I had an inguinal lymph node swollen. I wasnt give importance due to the pain was not large and I took off during the day. The next day, going to urinate there was a strange dribbling and I notice that there's a little extra drip than usual. Also I noticed that the meatus of my penis was swollen. I got scared I went to the urologist on August 20 (URO1), he told me “dont worry” that it could be an allergy to something. On August 21 I went with another urologist (URO 2) said that there could be some fungus, nothing major, and left me a cream " x 10 days (Betametazona + clotrimazole).

    When I was finished using the cream again symptoms, which are basically, sometimes, strange burning sensation in the perianal region (worsens with stress and sitting or lying), fatigue, tingling in the hands and feet (can be psychological), altered system nervous, and the inflamed meatus. I also noticed the appearance of a lump in the anal region (possibly hemorrhoid), although I don't know if it is related to the above. 

    I went to a third urologist (URO3) who prescribed me Doxycicline for 10 days, and Fluconazon 1 dose for 6 weeks, and told me that I had "Meatitis" and that the cause for it could be some bacteria not identified in the tests, a fungus (probably less ), or else a herpes (probably less because there generates too much pain). That urologist who was more interested in my problem.  

    The fourth urologist (URO4), did me tests and said that the deceased could be cold sores in that area. He prescribed me Valtrex, which I have not taken yet because I'm in the other treatment recommended by URO3 yet. 

    I haven’t discharge, the urethra don’t hurts me when I’ve urinate, or ejaculate, and don’t feel burning in that part. In general, the meatus don’t hurts me. I’m just have the symptoms that I’ve specified back.   

    I am negative for:

    HIV, syphilis; gonorrhea and Chlamydia Trachomatis PCR (2 times)

    Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma PCR (2 times)

    HSV2 Ac IGG (2 times):

    Positive:

    HSV1 Ac IGG (I think that it is cold sores, so it's nothing strange).

    My thyroid is fine. 

    I'm reading this forum often, and think I have similar symptoms with some of you, but not exactly the same. I´ ll keep informed us  about my situation so that together go out of this. A hug and a lot of strength.

    • Posted

      I am shocked that your doctor would prescribe Valtrex. Did you ask him for the medication? If you were negative on IGG and don’t have any lesions or blisters, then I personally don’t see ehh you would take this medication.  

      I am not surprised by you having HSV1

      as a large portion of the population does. 

      Typically swollen lymph nodes enlarge do to a bacterial or viral infection. To me it appears that perhaps you caught something initially.

      How did you take the Trich test? Urine? I had a doctor tell me that the test for men is not great and I have read that it is hard to diagnose in men. Did the doctor treat you for Trich? Doxy is not the right antibiotic. 

    • Posted

      Once I’m done with antibiotics for staph, my doctor actually said he’d write a prescription for valtrex too just to try. 

      Also I have recently noticed some decrease in intensity of pain and I think it’s due to Gabapentin. Nothing to make my life dramatically better, but something to take the edge off a little. I think I already have worse pain than most everybody here, but I’d consider talking to your doctor about it for anyone who is interested. 

      It takes a while to see any effect because it’s one of those drugs that you have to slowly ease on (I think since it’s a nervous system drug, if you randomly start or stop a high dose there’s risk of seizure). 

    • Posted

      Steven ,

      I don’t have the test for Trich yet, so I couldn’t discard it as the cause of my situation. I was surprised too when the doctor prescribed me the Valtrex, and no, I didn’t suggest to him the Valtrex. This Uro4 says me something like “to lower the viral load (charge)”. I think that my symptoms are definitely not too bad compared to other people in the forum. I can walk freely, I don´t have pain when urinating or ejaculating, etc. I only have these strange lips in my meatus (dribbling and dropping), which carefully observed them, sometimes, they seem to have a little red pustules above, that tend to disappear on their own. Also, two days ago I noticed that a white point on the meatus, which disappeared on their own after I took a shower (however, I can took a photography of that sh..). I’ve been frequently to urinate too (but not all the days). Everything is very strange and disconcerting, but I'm optimistic.  I'm trying to prove with garlic every day, pumpkin seeds and I'm gonna get me a supplement of cranberry with uva ursi which seems to have worked in some cases.

      Also, im in Doxy because my “favorite” Uro3 was recommended for 10 days. I´ll finish with Doxy this Sunday. Further, Im in Fluconazol, yet (1 dose for 6 weeks). I left the cream (clotrimazol with betametazona), and often I used Vasoline in my meatus, and left the coffee and the alcohol for the moment.     

      The next week I'll visit a guy who practices alternative medicine, (acupuncture, phyotherapy).  I'll keep you  informed. A hug.

      Note: My PSA, was 1.08 ng/mL, that seems a little high, considering that im 30 years old, then, I don’t discard a mild prostatitis too.           

    • Posted

      Your symptoms sound a lot like mine. Mine have fluctuated over the last 9 months. I went to multiple uro's, saw my primary care dr who did extensive testing, had 3 prostate exams, cytoscopy, lots of antibiotics, fungal pills and creams.

      Well last week I went to the best pelvic floor physical therapist in my town. She has pinpointed my textbook case of pudendal neuralgia. My pudendal nerve is compressed which has caused a nightmare of problems. I believe it was injured when I cycled a lot and then sit down all day at work so it hasn't been able to heal.

      Go find a pelvic floor physical therapist in your area to see if this may be what you have. Mine is doing great work with me. I've been depressed from this and feel like it's helping.

    • Posted

      Hi John, thanks a lot your post, and yes, i think that physical therapist sounds like a very interesting for my symtomps. Do you have also the inflammed meatus ? Can you tell me about your symtomps to make a comparison with mine? Thank you so much for your answer.

    • Posted

      Javo - Ill send you a PM with the diagnostic criteria for pudendial neuralgia. I beleive that this may be the same thing that I am dealing with. I cannot post the link here becuase it will be blocked by the mods (no outside linking i believe).

    • Posted

      ... and here are some typical symptoms, associated with multiple, perplexing symptoms.

      pain while sitting, gets better standing

      pain can feel burning, tearing, sharp or shooting

      can increase throughout the day

      painful ejaculation at times

      erectile dysfunction and pain during intercourse

      urge and incontinence (leaking or urine, feeling of having to urine)

      dysuria (painful urination)

      intolerance to tight clothes and underwear

      can be in anal region, sometimes in distal urethra (glans region, head)

    • Posted

      Has anyone found something that helped? I really need it to stop!

    • Posted

      did u find any solution please please let me know plase does it go away or still there pls

    • Posted

      Hi Javo, did you finally get rid of it?

      your case was very similar to mine except the swollen inguinal lymph and I was curious about your progression

      hope everything is OK by now

      strengh to all of you. I am in the same F-ing boat and it is very unpleasant.

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