Genital Herpes or something else?

I had recent unprotected sexual activity. I am a male on the receiving end of manual (hand) stimulation from a female. This female was quite vigorous in rubbing and used her saliva to help lubricate. There was never any mouth to penis contact. However, there was saliva delivered via the hand to my penis. I now have pain in the end of my penis. A red spot about the size of a dime, but oblong appeared on the top of the head of my penis. There is continuous burning pain (manageable) and there is slight discomfort urinating. I also have intermittent tingling on my left shin. This all started about 7 days after contact.
The redness has subsided to barely noticeable after 2 days, but the skin is grainy or kind of cracked looking. No fissures, but a more pronounced raised relief to it if you know what I mean. I do have some intermittent mild pains/tingling going back to my rectal area. Everything I have read online points to only one thing, Herpes. I am told I need to wait at least 2 wks to get tested. What are your thoughts? Is it possible that this could be something else? I have not had any other risky sexual encounters.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I don't know what you're reading, but I can't figure out why you think these symptoms point to herpes.  Herpes produces blisters.  Pain and a red spot sound like irritation to me, and that would certainly fit with vigorous masturbation.  My advice is that you leave the penis alone except for gentle cleansing, and that you show the penis changes to a doctor for examination  and, if necessary, testing.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[bobbyt]

Maybe the my description of the timeline was not clear. I did not develop full symptoms (red spot & pain) until 7 days post event. The pain is fairly persistent throughout the day and really scares me. The only good news is no obvious blisters, but I read that herpes does not always produce them 100% of the time. I am going to get checked to help clear this up. I really hope that you are right, but I would think that an abrasion would show up sooner than 6-7 days out.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You are correct to say that herpes does not always cause blisters, which is why it is good that you are going to be tested.  It remains my conviction, however, that your symptoms do not suggest herpes.

Dr. Rockoff

[bobbyt]

Upon exam I was given the "cocktail" of antibiotics for safe measure. Abrasion with possible UTI was the best guess. No visible lesions to suggest herpes. However they cannot be ruled out 100%. The doctor was not real enthusiastic about a herpes blood test as this would not definitively rule it out. My only lingering concern is what if I got herpes with no visible sores and no visible recurrence. I don't want to pass it on.
My symptoms have improved and I am feeling more certain that your diagnosis was right on. Thanks.
I still have slight residual pain. Also erections tend to exacerbate the pain slightly as well. I would guess that this also supports your original diagnosis. Feel free to comment. Thanks again for some peace of mind during a troubling time.

[shanedempsey]

hi.ive developed a itchy rash on the top of my penis in the last 4 weeks.ive never had unprotected sex.the last time i had protected sex was in october.  im really worried about and too embaressed to go to the doctor.ive also seemed to develop 2 small little warts  on the back of my penis head.im worried that it might be herpes.im going to spain in 4 weeks and its ruining my life at the moment.i have a latex allergy and also have eczema on my hands and i used to have all over my body when i was younger.im now 21.any help would be very much appreciated as im really anxious about it.thanks

[gategal]

Hi,
I get cold sores on my lips at least twice a year. Well, just three days ago I went to the ladies room and after wiping myself, found that I have a group of three small blisters, because I get cold sores, I was thinking it was genital herpes.Are they somehow connected? I just know they were very painfull. Today is tuesday and they are practically gone, no more pain.
I was gonna go to the doctor yesterday, but he was not in the office and I did,nt want to see anyone else, its imbarrassing.
Is it boils or herpes?
Gategal

[suzi231]

A related discussion, Do I have genital herpes??? answer a.s.a.p plz! was started.