Redness in the Head of the Penis (Glans)

[aaa2006]

I am a 26 year old male (circumcised). Exactly six weeks ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life and lost my virginity to a commercial sex worker in Amsterdam. The sex was protected. Since the incident, the head of my penis has been quite red. The redness did not exist before the incident and hasn't subsided since the incident either. I was examined by a dermatologist the other day and he said that the redness is normal - "flesh color". However, when my penis is erect, the redness is increased significantly - and it looks like it's going to start bleeding. I have some itching/tingling sensations in the penis - but they're intermittent and not constant.

Is it possible that I have a yeast infraction? If I applied an anti-fungal cream like Monistat, will there be any side effects?

[aaa2006]

Thanks Dr. for the quick response. I appreciate it.

I will ask my dermatologist to perform the KOH test as per your recommendation. Unfortunately my next appointment is in 3 weeks - I couldn't get an earlier appointment. Do you think that waiting 3 weeks can cause further damage to the skin if it's indeed a fungal infection or shall I just be patient and wait for my appointment?

Thanks again for your help.

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

If you practice safe sex, you do not have to worry about STD’s.

However, if you suspect you had acquired yeast infection, it would be better to perform diagnostic tests (KOH preparation and culture) prior to applying any topical medications.  

With any topical medication, including antifungal creams, side effects are possible. Most common are skin irritation and/or allergic reaction on one or more ingredients of a preparation.


Yours in Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic