Pubic/Anal itch

[HBK2005]

Approximately 4 months ago, I had casual sexual intercourse (one time) with a female friend and my condom broke.  2 weeks after this incident, I began having a slight uncomfortable irritation on the rim of the head of my penis (circumsized).  It was minor at first and there appeared to be a slight discolouration on one area of the rim (small, slightly more reddish part than the rest of the penis).  Other than this, there was nothing else found upon examination or no other symptoms.  As time went by, the irritation and discomfort worsened, but no other symptoms manifested.  The discolouration on the rim of my penis would still be present, but on some days it would disappear.  In addition, the head of my penis would seem irritated on some days (redness, very tiny red bumps), but this would disappear within days and come back once ina  while.  Other than that, there was nothing else visible.  My skin around my penis, pubic region, and anus would itch once in a while, and for the most part felt irritated, dry, and a little tingly at times.  I saw a couple of doctors during this time who said I had nothing to worry about.  My family doctor said it was a slight yeast infection, but the medication that I used (mild medication) did not help.  I also used some mild corticosterone cream at one point, but did not help either.  1 month ago I was tested for all of the STD's (excluding herpes), and they all can back negative.  I have been told that I have nothing to worry about, and have confronted this female about her sexual health which she says is fine.  However, I have not been able to get rid of this irritation/dryness that I feel in my pubic region, around my penis, and my anus.  It comes and goes and doesn't seem to subside completely at any point.  I do not want to continue to be a burden to doctors that I am visiting, but they tell me that there is no reason for my worry and that I shouldn't need to go to a dermatologist.  One doctor told me that I am amplifying the situation.  Do you think there is a need for concern?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

No.  I think you are magnifying symptoms by obsessing about them.  You have done your due diligence, and more, by seeing doctors and being tested.  It's now time to accept their reassurance and move on.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff