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Redness and Slight Irritation
This morning in the shower I noticed some slight irritation and redness under the head of my penis in the area where that band of wrinkles seems to form. It does not appear to be a sore or blister but almost a scrape about .5 sq cm. It is not painful, but mildly sensitive to touch. It also seems to be tingling a bit, but that could be in my head. I've noticed a patch of dryness near the irritation as well, not sure if that's relevant. I also have just gotten over a minor cold.
Related info: I was diagnosed with HPV about 3 months ago but the warts looked nothing like this. At the time I chose to have blood tests done for all of the known STDs... HIV, HSV 1&2... etc. I also had an HSV2 culture done by my GP as herpes was his first diagnoses. After seeing my GP I visited planned parenthood where I was told it was HPV and not HSV2. These tests were done at the 2 week mark and all came back negative including the culture. My most recent partner at the time also had the tests done and they all came back negative as well.
I recently started dating a new girl, and we've been having a lot of sex (protected). We've also been doing a lot of mutual masturbation. Is it possible that the irritation is some type of reaction to the condoms or simply trauma from the excessive sexual activity?
Related info: I was diagnosed with HPV about 3 months ago but the warts looked nothing like this. At the time I chose to have blood tests done for all of the known STDs... HIV, HSV 1&2... etc. I also had an HSV2 culture done by my GP as herpes was his first diagnoses. After seeing my GP I visited planned parenthood where I was told it was HPV and not HSV2. These tests were done at the 2 week mark and all came back negative including the culture. My most recent partner at the time also had the tests done and they all came back negative as well.
I recently started dating a new girl, and we've been having a lot of sex (protected). We've also been doing a lot of mutual masturbation. Is it possible that the irritation is some type of reaction to the condoms or simply trauma from the excessive sexual activity?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It takes up to 3 months for HSV-2 antibody tests to become positive. If you want a 100% guarantee you didn't catch HSV during your previous relationship, I cannot give it. However, given all the available information, I believe you are definitely barking up the wrong tree to be worried about herpes. Please put it out of your mind and move on with your life. There is simply no realistic chance of it. "Freaking out" is simply unwarranted.
Doctor Handsfield,
Thank you for your prompt response! I should clarify that me and my partner at the time (a little over 3 months ago) did NOT use condoms. Also, is an HSV blood test conclusive at 2 weeks (maybe a few days short of)? Sorry, I don't mean to seem neurotic, but I just want to be sure I provide all of the details because frankly, I'm freaking out a bit.
Thank you for your prompt response! I should clarify that me and my partner at the time (a little over 3 months ago) did NOT use condoms. Also, is an HSV blood test conclusive at 2 weeks (maybe a few days short of)? Sorry, I don't mean to seem neurotic, but I just want to be sure I provide all of the details because frankly, I'm freaking out a bit.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome back to the forum.
This sounds most like a physical or chemical irritation, which would be consistent with having frequent sex including mutual masturbation. Conceivably it's allergy from the condoms, but normally that would cause an itchy rash all over the penis. Of all STDs, only herpes conceivably could cause such a symptom -- but this isn't a typical herpes symptom and herpes is not possible given your negative recent HSV blood test (and your partner's negative tests) and consistent condom use for vaginal sex. The symptoms also are not suggestive of recurrent warts.
Sexually active people get things like this all the time. If the problem clears up over the next day or two, which I suspect it will, nothing need be done. If it persists, or if you remain concerned about it, see a doctor or clinic for professional evaluation. In the meantime, continued sex with your new partner probably is entirely safe.
Regards-- HHH, MD
This sounds most like a physical or chemical irritation, which would be consistent with having frequent sex including mutual masturbation. Conceivably it's allergy from the condoms, but normally that would cause an itchy rash all over the penis. Of all STDs, only herpes conceivably could cause such a symptom -- but this isn't a typical herpes symptom and herpes is not possible given your negative recent HSV blood test (and your partner's negative tests) and consistent condom use for vaginal sex. The symptoms also are not suggestive of recurrent warts.
Sexually active people get things like this all the time. If the problem clears up over the next day or two, which I suspect it will, nothing need be done. If it persists, or if you remain concerned about it, see a doctor or clinic for professional evaluation. In the meantime, continued sex with your new partner probably is entirely safe.
Regards-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
