Redness, Dryness Scrotum

Hi
I shaved my scrotum around early September 05 and had protected sex that same night with a woman whose vagina smelled like hell. Since then an eternal redness, itching, dryness and shrinking of the scrotum has occured. No warts or bumps have appeared in the penis, its just that perpetuaded uncomfortable feeling and look in the scrotum. I've tried hydrocortisone, monistat and a couple of "athletes foot" cream prescribed by my dermatologist and urologist but most of the time have made the case worst. Right now i'm using lubriderm (since mid December) and seems to aleviate but not cure the symptoms. Also, in November I had unprotected sex with a friend and she recently complained of vaginal fungus and warts (5-6 weeks after intercourse).

Basicly for the sake of my sanity, I'd like to know if my condition is related to the shaving of my scrotum and how much more time it will need to heal, its been 4 months! or if the symptoms are related to my protected sex in early September and if them are contagious in any way?

I took tests for common STDs in mid September and came out negative, it was comforting to say the least but it doesnt clear the fact that my scrotum skin is way darker than it was and still feels irritated for all these months.

thanks

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I can't tell from your description whether you have irritation, or whether you're just looking at your scrotum too hard.  I advise you to use nothing medicated--no cortisone, no fungus creams, etc.  I doubt you are contagious.  I can't think of any connection between your recent sexual contact and "vaginal fungus and warts," especially 5-6 weeks later.

If you're still concerned, please ask your dermatologist to have another look, just so you'll be able to relax and move on.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff