Herpes or another STD??

[willc06]

I have been having sex with the same partner on and off for a few months. We initially had sex with condoms but for the last month have not been using condoms. As far as I know we have been the only recent partners for each other as we're both coming out of relationships. She is on the pill, said she's "ok" with no STD's, and the last time we were together was 5 days ago.  I did have some mild discomfort in my penis the day after our last session but it felt more like a result of a long session where we both were quite excited.

However, I noticed an "itch" in my penis/groin area a couple days ago but didn't think anything of it as it wasn't persistent. Then yesterday when I was showering I noticed that there was a patch of redness on the right side of my shaft close to the base where the skin bunches up near the skin going toward the testicles.

From what I can see, this patch is pretty small, there is redness and some itching only, it doesn't look like a sore at least not yet.  A couple years ago I had a similar patch but larger in the same location. It was red, itchy, some cracks in the skin I think, flaky, but no real blistering or raised sores. I thought it was a fungal infection as I was not sexually active before or during the time of the previous outbreak. I used antifungal cream and it went away.

I looked at the area again this morning when I first woke up and my penis was partially erect and it was hard to see the redness however, when I got up to shower later the redness was back. I've been using an antifungal cream on it again yesterday and today.

However, I mentioned the itch/situation to a doctor friend yesterday and he said get checked for everything right away and seemed very concerned. I was thinking it was a fungal thing but now I'm worried. Does this sound like Herpes or another STD? And do I need to see a doctor within the next couple days because sometimes it takes a month or so to get into see my doctor?

Also, a couple weeks ago the morning after we had sex I noticed blood on the sheets as she got her period that night. I of course fell asleep after the encounter so I didn't usually wash/shower like usual. Would this have an effect on things?

Any help you may have would be appreciated.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

This doesn't sound at all like herpes or any other STD.  Your first thought is more likely, i.e. your description is more suggestive of a fungal or yeast infection.  Many women carry yeasts normally in the vagina, with or without a symptomatic yeast infection (in which case she an you might be sharing an infection, but it's not an STD in the normal sense). Or tinea (jock itch) or some variant.  Or some other dermatologic condition entirely.

My guess is it willl improve with the antifungal cream, but don't expect miracles; it will take several days to see much difference.  If that doesn't clear it up, see a health care provider.  And if your partner is having genital itching like yeast, she also should be checked out.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[ryn21]

Doesn't sound like an STD.  Sounds more like Tinea Cruris or a similar fungal condition.  Herpes, especially, doesnt show up the very next day after exposure.  You should try applying lotrimin to the irritated area.  WAit for HHH's expert advise, which will be nothing more than a reassurance against a possible STD.

[willc06]

thank you very much for your insights and comments. It's very much appreciated.