Any ideas?

[hr_p]

Near the end of March, I was on a business trip in Monterrey, Mexico. Like many others, I drank too much and ended up in a strip club (first timer). My exposures were unprotected insertive oral and condom protected vaginal. Within two days after the event, I noticed my scrotal skin was red and my scrotum was slightly swollen, but no pain. I also noticed that the scrotal area was warmer than normal and perspiring more than normal. The redness, swelling, and perspiring only lasted a week or two. A couple days after the redness and swelling of the scrotal area first surfaced, I noticed tender lymph nodes in my pelvic region. Since that time (7 weeks ago), I have had tender lymph nodes show up in other areas of my body about every other week in a new area: under my right arm pit, both sides of the back of my head, and both sides of my neck. They are sore and tender for about 3 weeks and then the tenderness subsides. As of now, I have very mild tenderness only in my groin and back of head. I feel like they are going back to normal. Other than these syptoms, the only other symptoms have been a mild headache every other day or so and an occasional sharp pain in my right abdomen area (liver or gall bladder).

My questions:
1. Do you have any idea what the problem could be?
2. Should I get tested for STD's as a result of this experience and symptoms?

[bighogwvu]

Not to long ago I noticed some bumps on my scrotum.  I thought it was just some pimples or something but they did not go away.  They are white and looks to be fuss of puss or something.  They do not hurt, itch, or anything, just there.  Any idea what it may be?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You had safe sex and the risk of any STD or HIV was very low.  From your description, it sounds like the inflammation was limited to the skin of your scrotum, i.e. not swelling of the testicles per se.  Also, self-assessment that one's lymph nodes are inflamed or enlarged is very unreliable; you may or may not have that--only a professional health examination can tell for sure.  None of your other symptoms suggests an STD, and I am convinced that everything is merely coincidental with your Mexican sexual adventure, and not caused by it.

In direct response to your questions:  1) Definitely no STD causes such symptoms.  Otherwise I have no suggestions; such nonspecific symptoms could have any number of causes.  2) I see no need for STD testing.

Bottom line:  See a health care provider if your symptoms persist or you otherwise remain concerned.  But don't worry about STDs as a cause.

Good luck-- HHH, MD