Do I have an STD?

[singleguy007]

I was given oral sex a couple of times (6 weeks or more) before my symptoms began (I knew nothing about the ladies and have no idea on how to contact them).  Stupid I know.  My symptoms are stinging during urination and dull pain in my penis at other times (most of the time).  Sometimes, I forget about (don't notice) the stinging but then it will return.  After a urine test showed traces of blood/bacteria in my urine, I was given 10 days of Cipro for a bladder infection.  After 5 days on Cipro, my arms and legs broke out with non-itchy red dots (doc gave me steroids to get rid of the spots and told me to finish all of the Cipro).  By this time (5 days on Cipro), the painful symptoms seemed to be gone.  I finished the 10 days of Cipro and felt quite good but about 5 days after finishing the Cipro the symptoms returned (minor but definitely there)... I hoped it would go away on its own but it didn't.  I returned to the doctor 18 days after finishing the Cipro and he considered more Cipro but (because of the my previous red dots), instead prescribed "Sulfamethoxazole-tmp ds tabitp (substituted for Bactrim DS tablet AR)".  The symptoms perhaps have eased for a few days but they are basically back after 5 days on this new antibiotic.  Should I go to a urologist now (instead of a general practitioner)?  Is it likely I have an std?   Should I ask that all of the std tests be performed on me?  Should I ask for a shot of penicillen?  Any help or suggestions would be very helpful.  I'm very stressed and worried right now.  I have been totally celibate for 10 years and I screwed up a couple of times recently.  OH, doctor gave me a PSA test and it is normal.


This discussion is related to General Questions on STD's.

[auntiejessi]

I'd go to a urologist.  Your symptoms - blood in the urine especially - aren't indicative of an std, but you do need to get this figured out.

Also, you should have an exam of your prostate.  The PSA can be normal, even if your prostate is inflamed.   Your urologist, or your GP, should do a urine culture and a sensitivity test to see what bacteria you have, and what antibiotics will work to kill it.

Aj

[singleguy007]

Greetings Aj... I have an update that I wanted to make you aware of (I hope you can see the thread from August 11.  The day after your suggestion, I saw a urologist.  He didn't take seriously the chances of my having an std (he said something about guys in their 40's always think they have one).  And, I had no oozing or sores (but I suggested that my antibiotics may be masking that... he didn't really listen to that).  He gave me a digital test and no swelling... all felt normal.  He said my urine was clear (or something like that).  I should have asked whether or not that meant no blood and no bacteria.

He told me to stop taking the Sulfamethoxazole-tmp ds tabitp (I had been taking it for 5 days).  The pain in my penis was scary.  It was dull pain and hurt/burned when (and just before) urinating... mostly before.  He started me on 8 days of Levaquin.  My painful (fairly minor) symptoms went away on about the 3rd day (just as with the CIPRO the previous month).  About 2 days after finishing the 8 days worth, the symptoms began to return.  It (the discomfort) is only about 50% of what it used to be... It has been about 1 month since I finished the Levaquin.  I'll see the urologist again in about 1 week for another urine test and checkup.

One new symptom in the last 2 weeks.  My penis head feels more sensitive to the touch sometimes.  Almost like small shavings of glass are on the skin when I rub it.  It has lessened and was never extremely painful...  that symptom is almost no longer noticeable.  Oh, the doc, mentioned the word prostatitis and how the symptoms can vary.  I wish this would go away... basically, the symptoms are better now but they have not gone away.  So, what do you think now?  Probability of std quite low?  Thank you again for your help and input.

[Vance2335]

The possibility of an STD was low to begin with and no real symptoms of an STD and the Dr not thinking you have an STD then I would not worry about an STD.

I would say keep following up with you Dr and you should be able to work this out.

[auntiejessi]

I agree.

AJ

[singleguy007]

Greetings again Aj (and Vance?)

Update on my situation.  I saw the urologist again today.  It has been 6 weeks since I finished the 8 days of Levaquin.  I still have same symptoms although perhaps a little less now...  sometimes a minor burning during urination.  Sometimes a feeling like I have to urinate worse than I really do.  I usually feel a little burn/sting before urinating.  Today, my urine was clean of blood and bacteria (as it was the last time).  He still mentions prostatitis even though I had no swelling at all when he gave me the digit 6 or 7 weeks ago.  Today, he prescribed 18 Levaquin pills to me.  He wants me to take one per day for a couple of days, then back off to 1/2 pill for a couple of days, then a full pill... he didn't give me the exact recipe but basically, the 18 pills should probably last me 25 to 28 days or so...  I'll see him again in 2 months.  What do you think of this?  Thank you for your comments (as always, very much appreciated)...  

[gracefromHHP]

I honestly don't think there's anything we could add at this point.  You are getting proper testing done and they are covering you with antibiotics. the only thing they haven't tried is flagyl to cover a yeast issue as a cause but you'd need to talk to your doctor about that.

grace