Small red bumps on penis head

I had unprotected sex recently with a new partner who has not been tested for stds recently. About two weeks after intercourse I began to feel slight pains and tingling sensations on the under side of the tip of my penis. It has been 6 weeks since the one time I had sex with this girl and I periodically feel slight pains in my urethra and on the tip of my penis. Sometimes just a tingling pain and other times a slight aching pain. I have also noticed very small red bumps all over the head of my penis that can hardly be seen unless I have an erection. I have looked up symptoms of genital herpes and fear that I may have contracted it. About two weeks ago I was tested for gonorrhea and chlamidia, the results were negative. I have yet to be tested for Herpes because the doctor recommended I come in about three months later so that the possibility of a false negative test could be ruled out. I am really worried about this and cant seem to find any information on my symptoms. Thank you.


This discussion is related to Ringworm(fungus)on head of penis.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since you have had unprotected intercourse with a partner whose sexual history is unknown, so definitely herpes and fungal infections need to be ruled out. Herpes simplex is most easily transmitted by direct contact with a lesion or the body fluid of an infected individual. Transmission may also occur through skin-to-skin contact during periods of asymptomatic shedding.

The only way of ruling it out is by getting yourself tested for genital herpes. Laboratory tests include: culture of the virus, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) studies to detect virus, skin biopsy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to test for presence of viral DNA. I sincerely advise you to consult a dermatologist and get it ruled out.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. Treatment can be started only when the diagnosis is confirmed. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[littleredpants]

Waiting three months to get tested for herpes is what has been causing me so much stress recently. Is there any way that I can be tested for herpes sooner. I don't have any open sores or blisters , and to my understanding those need to be present for a test. I just have very faint red bumps on my penis head that are smooth to the touch. I have recently had almost no pains in my urethra or anywhere else on my genitals.

Please excuse my English. It is my second language.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The most reliable diagnosis for most patients suspected of herpes is an antibody test that is specific and sensitive for HSV-2 antibodies in serum. The other test is a type-specific HSV-2 serologic test that can give results within 15 minutes of pricking the patient's finger. This can be done in the doctor’s office. You can discuss about these two tests with your dermatologist.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[littleredpants]

Thanks for your response, however that was not the question I was asking. I am aware of the testing methods for Herpes. My doctor said that I need to wait up to three months after the initial intercourse to be blood tested for herpes to rule out the possibility of a false negative. I do not have any open sores or blisters. I am wondering if there is a test that will provide me with an accurate diagnosis other than a blood test or a culture swab test, before three months have gone by. It has been 7 weeks since the one and only time I had sex with this person. Thank you.