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STDs (Expert Forum)
Herpes-like symptoms, Concern
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
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Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
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Herpes-like symptoms, Concern
by BlueZero, Jun 18, 2007 12:00AM
OK. In Feb., I had sex w/ my ex-girlfriend 4-6 times in a 2 day period(3 mo. after we split; I had 1 other partner & used a condom in that period... I think 1 partner for her, too). I developed some rawness towards the end, but still had sex. Once unprotected.
1st, I just thought the rawness was from friction & was a skin abrasion. But it didn't heal quickly & since then, will partially heal & then become raw again(with no sexual activity/masturbation).
Specifically, I will notice 'out of the ordinary' moisture on 1 certain area towards the base of my shaft - where it touches the scrotum. I can trace it to what looks like very small abrasions where the clear moisture is appearing. Next, it becomes a larger area of rawness(as opposed to seperate spots). This is very uncomfortable for the approximately 2 day period when occuring. Next, it mostly heals/dries, but the skin seems thinner/weaker - such that I wouldn't want sexual activity or masturbation.
This is about a 1 to 2 week cycle, & the rawness typically comes back B4 the skin seems normal again, but is certainly coming back on it's own - not from further friction.
The area is raw, but does NOT look like the small, round, very red sores/shankers appearing to be typical of herpes. I have also been quite fatigued lately. I have not been tested yet.
Sound like herpes? Syphilis? Another STD?
Should I go to an STD clinic? Regular doctor?
What type of test should I get?
Thanks!
1st, I just thought the rawness was from friction & was a skin abrasion. But it didn't heal quickly & since then, will partially heal & then become raw again(with no sexual activity/masturbation).
Specifically, I will notice 'out of the ordinary' moisture on 1 certain area towards the base of my shaft - where it touches the scrotum. I can trace it to what looks like very small abrasions where the clear moisture is appearing. Next, it becomes a larger area of rawness(as opposed to seperate spots). This is very uncomfortable for the approximately 2 day period when occuring. Next, it mostly heals/dries, but the skin seems thinner/weaker - such that I wouldn't want sexual activity or masturbation.
This is about a 1 to 2 week cycle, & the rawness typically comes back B4 the skin seems normal again, but is certainly coming back on it's own - not from further friction.
The area is raw, but does NOT look like the small, round, very red sores/shankers appearing to be typical of herpes. I have also been quite fatigued lately. I have not been tested yet.
Sound like herpes? Syphilis? Another STD?
Should I go to an STD clinic? Regular doctor?
What type of test should I get?
Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Jun 18, 2007 12:00AM
, Jun 18, 2007 12:00AM
From your description, I agree herpes seems unlikely; it usually does not cause the sort of general 'rawness' you describe, it herpes doesn't come and go as frequently as you describe. On the other hand, herpes is a highly variable disease, and it the most common overall cause of genital ulceration.
So on balance, I doubt herpes is the cause. It's not syphilis. Maybe a fungal infection, or some sort of chemical irritation or allergy? As you suggest yourself, the only way to know is to see a health care provider. I have no suggestion for specfic tests that you might need; that depends on what the provider sees and thinks might be the cause. Either your primary doc or an STD clinic would be fine. (Even if you have no STD, most STD clinics are good at diagnosing genital skin conditions.)
Good luck-- HHH, MD
So on balance, I doubt herpes is the cause. It's not syphilis. Maybe a fungal infection, or some sort of chemical irritation or allergy? As you suggest yourself, the only way to know is to see a health care provider. I have no suggestion for specfic tests that you might need; that depends on what the provider sees and thinks might be the cause. Either your primary doc or an STD clinic would be fine. (Even if you have no STD, most STD clinics are good at diagnosing genital skin conditions.)
Good luck-- HHH, MD
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Comments/suggestions/opinions from other readers are welcome. I picked up some anti-fugal powder spray today. The most recent "episode" of raw area/moisture/sore/abrasion just went away...now it's just thin skin(like a scab area after peeling) so I guess I'll wait until next time it comes back and it's a weekday when I'm in town and got to a doctor then.
Unfortunately, this peak time has happened to occur on a weekend several times in a row when I am out of town and/or can't make it to a doctor. So in the mean time, I'll have to cope.
This is a very heavy mental burden as well...I'm now single and I can't even bring myself to go on a date and me myself because of my "problem." My genital area is never normal since this started and this situation is destroying my otherwise intact confidence, et cetera. Now I'm just blabbering; any other thoughts are welcome, thanks!
HHH, MD