HPV or Folliculitis or none of the above?

About a month ago, I found a small, hard shiny bump in my pubic area, about 1.5 to 2 inches above the base of the penis.  I proceeded to remove it by popping it but it just bled a little and has now left a small scar.  Last week, I found another small, hard and shiny bump, virtually identical to the other one about a half inch or so to the right of the base of the penis.  I did the same thing with this one as with the last one.  I should probably also disclose that I have had no other indications of warts or anything else on or around the penis. The area where it is is fairly sensitive as of now but I am expecting it to go away and leave yet another small scar as the first one did.  My true paranoia has developed from a past girlfriend who accused me of giving her HPV.  After researching and being tested (not that HPV is easily detected in males) my doctor said there is the smallest chance that I am carrying HPV or any other STD.  The problem with such an accusation is that it has left me rather emotionless when it comes to sex/sex drive.  So, I am wondering 1. What is this small hard shiny bump (two have appeared, not so close to one another, within the past few months-harder than a zit but not quite a wart per se) and 2. How do I regain the emotions involved with sex since the relationship I'm in now is getting close to the point of no return but we have yet to have sex b/c of this problem.  Thanks, in advance, for your advice. I'll be looking forward to your reply.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

First, bumps are the not the way herpes presents.  Please don't squeeze them, show a doctor to get a definitive diagnosis, and go on from there.

Second, your former girlfriend may have "accused" you, but unless you had at least one episode of penile herpes, it's hard to see how you coulkd transmit it--male herpes is out there where you can see it, and it lasts several days, so it's hard to miss.

Yes, it is theoretically possible that you never had visible herpes and that it's latent and you shed virus anyway.  But I have another, perhaps better, hypothesis about how your former girlfriend got herpes--perhaps she got it from an earlier partner, and it recurred while she was with you.

Two suggestions: 1) get a herpes type 2 viral titer blood test.  A negative test would be strong evidence that you don't have it. 2) Consider counseling, with or wothout your current girlfriend, so you can move on.  Even people who actually have herpes, as you most likely do not, can have fulfilled lives, sexual and otherwise.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[Dreck]

I was a bit more concerned with its relation to HPV/genital warts (I had previously tested negative to herpes) more than anything else but thank you for the advice.  I will make an appointment regardless.  Again, thank you.