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

    Noticed something today. The slight burning sensation only starts as I need a pee. Maybe it’s some pre-pee dribble or something but I didn’t feel anything until that point today. Was praying it had disappeared but then here it comes again!

    So is my pee made of napalm now? Got some acid test sticks for urine ordered to see. 

    I truly hope I find an answer for everyone to try.

    Someone has to get some kind of solution. 

    Whatever happened to the original poster Steven anyway? 

  • Posted

    Hi Steven. This is long but i would really appreciate it if you could read and respond. I need answers!

    After taking 20 minutes to read all of this I am in the same boat. I have been dealing with this for almost 3 weeks. I have had a few partners in the last year however all get STD tested and are negative for everything except for one person who has not been tested since our encounter  but does not have symptoms. That was also 2 months ago so i assume this would have started earlier if it was something like HSV 2 (this person tested negative at his last test in January and was with one person before me). This year I have been tested for STDs 3 times recently 3 weeks ago when these symptoms started.

    I would call myself sexually active however I usually only have oral sex. I always check to make sure the partner does get regularly tested. NONE of them have any symptoms of some sort either. 

    I got that STD test 3 weeks ago and have been with someone after the test. That person went and got tested per my request and came back negative for everything (assuming that I did not pass anything to him/i don't have an STDs. They tested me for everything but HSV and HIV because I had just been tested for those and it was not out of the test period for it to be conclusive. I also was tested for bacteria and that came back negative. 

    My symptoms are as follows: 

    Painful urination that comes and goes. When I drink a lot of water it makes it feel better. 

    Redness on the meatus however i have no sores of any kind.

    I have some dribble of pee come out after but i use toilet paper to soak it up

    I was sick for a little when this was going on but my doctor said it was unrelated.

    Last night i felt some pain in the abdomen below my belly button but it is pretty much gone. 

    I do not have pain during ejaculation. The pain when urinating comes in goes (usually only when I pee sitting down). I usually wear compression shorts as i wear tight pants, however I am making change to boxers and boxer briefs.

    I do not have any sores or lesions on my penis or scrotum. 

    At first I thought I has discharge but I now think it is just urine that drips out throughout the day. 

    Again, all of my previous partners are negative for STDs and 2 of 3 since my last test have been tested since our encounter and are clean.

    Other than those symptoms I feel completely fine with the rest of my body. I am working out, going to class, eating normal, going out and having fun. 

    I constantly Web MD things as I am a severe hypochondriac and I constantly think about this. My doctors always say I am fine and I JUST came across this post. I have almost mirror symptoms as you and I just need clarity. I am on my parents health insurance so I do not have free will of always going to the doctor. Although 2/3 of my parters are clean of STDs I still think about the possibility that they did not get anything from me. Websites seem to always be so broad in symptoms saying pain while urination could be an STD or it could be 100 other things. 

    I really am just looking for some clarity to see what is going on and how you are doing. I know you answered questions that are similar but I am just asking about myself as everyone has different symptoms. You seem to know your stuff as you have been to so many doctors and health professionals. I really don't believe this is and STD as HSV and HIV have so many more intense and severe symptoms like open sores and severe flu symptoms (which I do not have). 

    Again sorry for the long post I just thought the more detailed the better. If you have time to read and respond I would really really appreciate it. 

    Thanks again, 

    Justin

    • Posted

      Justin,

      Are you feeling better now, any improvement? HSV typically presents itself with a blister pattern or sores, so in the absence of lesions it may be difficult to diagnose.

      What caused the symptoms? I did not see this in your post.

      Regarding testing:

      • 16 weeks post exposure for HSV-2.
      • 4 weeks post exposure, for HIV which is ~95% accurate if you take a Gen IV test (which is the standard now if you are in the US). Most doctors consider 6 weeks to be conclusive, but discuss with your health care provider as well. HIV, which you bring up has a almost 0% risk factor for oral .
    • Posted

      Hi Justin,

      i have the exactly same symptoms. did you get to bottom of this issue ?

      Many thanks

  • Posted

    I believe we are dealing with a form of pudendal neuralgia as well. Unfortunately with unknown cause still. Does anyone else see extreme similarities between vulvodynia and what we are dealing with?

    • Posted

      i think that the associated pain and burning symptoms, lacking infection, seem similar.

  • Posted

    hey everyone,

    I have the same issue going on with a swollen red meatus thats been like this for about a month and a half now. The left side looks red and swollen, and its more noticeable when my penis is wet or slightly more erect than when completely flaccid. When i am fully erect its not quite as noticeable but my glans has an almost shiny red scaly dry look to it.

    this all started after i was fooling around with another guy at the end of the summer outdoors and tried to put it inside him without lube or a condom. it was a bit of a rough situation which is why i think i now have this due to trauma or irritation at the tip of my penis resulting in possible nerve damage.

    i went to a sexual health clinic and tested negative for all stis and went back and got them to look at it again and they said it looked normal (because when my dick is soft its less noticeable but i can see it and it wasnt like this a few months ago) so they recommended i not put anything on it at all, keep it dry, avoid sex and masturbation for a few weeks.

    a couple of days ago i went to see a urologist (an appointment i had made a few months back for a unrelated issue) the urologist confirmed i have prostatitus and is sending me for tests in a few months. i also got him to look at the meatus and he said he looks normal as well but that swelling or redness could be a result of the prostatitis . i dont think it is a result of that honestly because ive been dealing with these prostatitis issues for a few years now but never had this swollen red meatus issue until that rough sexual encounter i had at the end of august. the urologist also prescribed an anti fungal cream lamisol which i started using yesterday.

    this has gotten me really down lately. i am very sexually active usually and find it hard to go a long time without masturbating. i went a full week and the last night i came in my sleep and woke up to dried on semen all over my dick and legs. i jerked off yesterday which i wish i hadnt done and now today it looks worse again. i dont know if its from the cream or from mastrbation.

    i have a question though. has anyone actually tried just not putting anything on it/ taking anything and not masturbating/having sex and keeping it dry for a long period of time? maybe it just needs to be left alone with no additional cream or moisture to just heal on its own?

    • Posted

      danielle, have you posted with your symptoms, what tests youve ran, how it started, etc.? Only way we can sort this out is by working together, being descriptive, and determining a commonality between us all. Stay strong my friend.

    • Posted

      it seems like I have the same symptoms as everyone described, i had symptoms of uti after i had oral sex with a guy. then I received docxyline and cream for fungus, I also received cream with steroids (hydro something), I didn't have dribbling at the beginning but when I started taking antibiotics it has began and now it makes my life difficult because everytime after I pee I feel like I need a shower and my urologist says most men have these symptoms and its completely normal while I know something is wrong as I never had this before.

  • Posted

    steven is there any improvement with your symptoms? please give us an update...

    • Posted

      i am gradually improving, seems to be slowly getting better. i can make it through most days without significant pain now - but there are still times where it returns and red rashes appear on the top of the glans (head).

    • Posted

      I have been following along with this thread as I have exactly the issues that you all have. Persistent glans/meatus rash. Tested negative for everything that I could be tested for. Also am married and this issue came on after condom use and rough sex. I have been using aloe and that seems to help. I too have been prescribed steroid use 2 weeks on 1 week off 2 weeks on 1 week off. I feel as though this temporarily helps with the inflammation. What strategies do you guys have for preventing irritation daily? I have been putting Aloe first layer, vaseline & covering with a band-aid to prevent clothing irritation. If nothing else, this forum is a way for us to all connect and share experiences with people who are going through something similar. I appreciate hearing from everyone and knowing I'm not alone.

    • Posted

      Part of my post got jumbled. Curious what you are currently doing to see improvement.

    • Posted

      Hi All,

      Im a new subscriber..I have exactly the same symptom as the Topic starter ..I remembered 2 years back I also encounter the same symptom from getting a b*b and the symptom persist for 3 to 4 months. At first, i was anxious and getting myself tested for STD, all came back negative except for HSV1. The urologist i dealt with is out of idea and prescribe me antibiotics, cipro for one week, rocephin injection and azythromycin 1 g but symptom still persist. After left being clueless, i was prescribed with antifungal cream. Tried for a week and it cause more redness and irritation...I eventually went to a dermatologist and was prescribed anti-virus for herpes after hearing my story of never ending pain. After taking the anti-virus, the symptom still persisted. I am severely depressed day by day but not giving up to find the cure. I have done some research and i bought bottled garlic oil capsule. I consumed 2 to 3 capsule per day and it isnt working. I even took out the garlic oil from the capsule and apply to the meatus for almost a week. At first, i felt the burn but after a week, the symptom gradually went off and i continued applying the garlic oil and without realizing it the pain completely went off in one evening and has not came back since. Lately i encounter the same symptom again after bb and i went for doctor to test for std and getting incertainty from the result but the doctor told me probably its not std. I took the same antibiotic regime and the symptom doesnt went off. I will the garlic oil again and gives all update in 2 weeks if the remedy does really work for 2nd time

    • Posted

      what are your exact symptoms brianx14x? can you clarify what exactly is going on. because your situation would not be STD related... likely related to trauma or nerve issue... would be my guess. thanks for the information.

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