Fiery symptoms

[Homeboy]

I had condom-protected sex with a prostitute at a massage parlor. Having read your past entries on this subject, I had thought I might be OK. But here I am sitting at home very uncomfortable three weeks later with red-fiery balls and a stinging/hurting tip of my penis. What is wrong with me?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Of course I cannot make a long distance diagnosis.  It is unlikely you caught an STD with condom-protected sex.  And no STD causes "red fiery" scrotum.  Although some STDs can cause pain at the tip of the penis, the condom definitely protected you against any STD at that location.

The appropriate action for anybody with unexplained symptoms that concern them is to see a health care provider in person.  You're never going to get a definite answer by online searching.  Visit your personal health care provider. If you don't have one, your local health department STD clinic would be an excellent option.  (No, that doesn't mean I really think you have an STD.  But an STD clinic will be very knowledgeable about other possible causes for your symptoms.)

Good luck-- HHH, MD

[Homeboy]

Thank you. I took the precaution of getting tested this morning and am awaiting test results tomorrow for a "full-slate" test. The lab worker (very nice woman) informed me that because condoms do not cover the scrotum that a lot of men still catch STDs from contact with the vagina. Do you agree or diagree? I really have a feeling that my uncomfortable irritation must come from my experience at the massage parlor. It's just too coincidental not to be. Don't you think?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Yes, it is possible to catch STDs above the areas covered by a condom.  But it is not common, and if STD were responsible, the person who examined you would have seen somethign abnormal.  And no STD causes the symptoms you described.  If your discomfort comes from your massage parlor experience, the best bet is an emotional reaction to the event, which can magnify normal body sensations that a person wouldn't otherwise notice.

[bobwall]

Doc why did you delete a perfectly good question that i had asked yesterday?

Bob

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Because you cannot ask for personal health advice, from me or even from other forum users, except in a new thread.  And your comment on chancroid was irrelevant to this thread and therefore distracting.

This thread is over.