Why does my penis head hurt when touched and burn when I urinate?

Dear H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. (or any other who may be able to answer):

I have posted the threads from a 2006 discussion.  Do you know the END RESULT of this person?  I have the exact same symptoms. I was given the same medicines; however, I am not getting better.  Furthermore, looking down my urethra with a flashlight, it appears to be some sort of lesion or ulcer on the inside lining of my urethra.  The lesion or ulcer is tiny but it is white or greyish in the middle with a red circle around it.  The Clinic took a swab of the fluids at the tip of my penis.  The swab was too big to be push that far into my penis.  Waiting for results.  However, when I urinate I go through excruciating pain.  And, when my penis head touches my pants or is squeezed it hurts, although not as much as when I urinate.  

Can you shed more light?  What was the end result for the other person?

Herpes or other possible STD's with these symptoms???
by cboarder


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cboarder
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, Apr 13, 2006 12:00AM
Tags: chlamydia, gonorrhea, oral, penis, test
Doctor HHH, thanks for you wonderful feedback and information.  I have been reading this site for several days and find it very helpful.  

My Situation is as follows:

I am a heterosexual male and about 12 days I received unprotected oral sex from a female who I do not know the sexual history of during a very intoxicated night.  On day 6 I started to have some discomfort when urinating and it turned into a very strong burning sensation when urinating by the end of the day.  I had a doctor run a urine dip on me and there was blood in my urine with a higher white blood cell count than normal.  She did give me the drug Tequin suspecting a possible UTI.  The burning has been decreasing each day, but there is still some discomfort.  Also, the tip of my penis is more sensitive and tender than normal since the burning urniation started.  If I squeeze the tip I get a paining sensation.  On Day 9, she also gave me a 1gm shot of rocephin and on Day 10 I got a perscription for Doxycycline in case of Chlamydia.  Now I have been noticing a tightness in my legs going from my buttox down to the calves.  Also I have some pain in my back, all of which seem to be from tight muscles, but I'm not sure.  I do not have any rashes, sores, itching, or blisters on my penis or anywhere else.  Nor do I have any pain in my groin, scrotum, or testicles.  My doctor did look at my penis and he said both the outside and inside of my urethra look 100% healthy.



My Questions:

1.  Could this discomfort in my muscles be related to herpes HSV-1 and is there any possibility that I could have herpes inside my urethra causing the burning when urinating?  If I had herpes in the genital area and no blisters or sores appeared within 21 days, would you suspect myself to be clear of contracting HSV-1 genitally?  Do you suspect anything else in this instance?



cboarder









H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.  
Male
Seattle - WA
Member since Sep 2004  


  Clearly you had sexually acquired urethritis, i.e. gonorrhea, chlamydia, nonchlamydia nongonococcal urethritis (NGU), or perhaps herpes.  Since you don't mention it, I gather your doc didn't test you for STDs.  S/He should have done that.  But if not, you'll probably never know for sure.  If you know how to contact your partner that night, you should tell her about your problem and encourage her to get examined and treated.

The relative severity of the pain you describe is more suggestive of gonorrhea or herpes than NGU or chlamydia.  Tequin and the other antibiotics would take care of all these except herpes, so the improvement makes herpes less likely.  But these are only probabilities, not proof one way or the other.  So to answer your specific questions:

1) Yes, your symptoms could be due to herpes (not necessarily HSV-1, could be HSV-2).  But no way to be sure, at least not yet; see above.

4) Given the absense of herpes lesions, on balance it is unlikely you have herpes; urethritis alone is an unusual presentation.  Most likely, therefore, it is safe now to have unprotected sex with your new partner.  But for more certain protection, wait until your herpes test after 12 weeks.

[WITH REGARD TO THIS ONE, THERE ARE NO LESIONS ON THE OUTSIDE.  BUT, COULD THE LESION I BELIEVE I SEE ON THE INSIDE BE HERPES.



Good luck--  HHH, MD
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by cboarder


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, Apr 13, 2006 12:00AM
To: H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.


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H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.  
Male
Seattle - WA
Member since Sep 2004  

I did want to clarify that my incident was only oral sex (I received and did not perform on her) so should I be concerned about HSV-2?  I thought HSV-2 was only passed through intercourse and not oral sex from reading your past threads?  Did I misunderstand something?


herpes?  Lastly, if I do have genital herpes, would the sores be any deeper than just inside my urethra?



by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.


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, Apr 14, 2006 12:00AM
To: cboarder


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Sorry, I missed the fact that your exposure was oral.  * * *  and herpes very low risk.  You're right, HSV-2 is not an issue, and HSV-1 probably not either.  As I said above, "Given the absense of herpes lesions, on balance it is unlikely you have herpes; urethritis alone is an unusual presentation."  Also, internal herpes lesions typically are excrutiating--some men describe it as the worst pain they have ever experienced.  And more diffuse discomfort ("muscle aching" etc) is not a symptom of herpes or any other STD.

[WITH REGARD TO THIS ONE, IS IT EXCRUCIATING ALL THE TIME OR JUST WHEN THEY URINATE?]
HHH, MD
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, Apr 17, 2006 12:00AM
To: H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.


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H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.  
Male
Seattle - WA
Member since Sep 2004  


2.  Day 14, the pain while urinating has gone away


All of this being said, do you suspect that it was genital herpes causing the burning based on the fact that all other STD's have been ruled out.  I know that typcially herpes comes in clusters, could a single bump be an exception to the rule and does that make you believe I have HSV-1 Genitally?  Are there any other possibilities besides STD's causing these symptoms?



Thanks for all of your help,

CBoarder


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by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.


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, Apr 18, 2006 12:00AM
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Your sore throat probably is just a cold.  I can't really say anything about the penile lesion.  Herpes can cause single lesions as well as clusters, so it may be a possibility.  What did the doctor who examined you say about it?  His or her opinion is more valid than mine can be with just a verbal description.



HHH, MD





This discussion is related to Herpes or other possible STD's with these symptoms???.

[auntiejessi]

Dr. HHH doesn't read these forums, and if the poster never gave an update, there's no way any of us would know.

Have you had a herpes test?  Any kind of testing at all?  What meds did you take?

[WhyAmIBurning]

Yes, I have had a urinalysis that came back clean.  The Clinic doctor drew blood for HSV antibodies and a swab right at my urethra opening.  The swab was too huge to push in but I was told that if there were any antibodies the fluids there would be enough.  I have to wait 9 more days for the results.  

I was given Azithromycin, Metronidazole, a Rocephin shot, Docycline, and Ofloxacin so far.  None of these have stopped this pain and burning.  Thus, I am thinking that it is viral and likely herpes.  What I don't understand is why nothing on the outside and why so far inside my urethra and not on the ends.  

There was also a swab for Chlamydia, etceteras and blood drawn for HIV, Syphyllis, HSV.  

I am waiting for the results but I am left with unbearable pain.  If there a medicine I could ask for that would numb the inside of my penis while I wait.  600mg of iBUPROFEN is not working.

[WhyAmIBurning]

As I move about and my penis head is touched or squeezed just from movement, it feels as if something is inside of my penis head and it is very sensitive to touch.

Do you have any possible idea what could be happening?  Would shedding from someone's lips or tongue or mouth do this to me?

[WhyAmIBurning]

Also, I am concerned that if it is herpes I may spread the herpes if someone performs oral sex on me or if I have unprotected sex.

Should I be concerned?

[auntiejessi]

If this was herpes, the symptoms wouldn't be lasting this long.  

Has your doctor done a prostate exam?

How long has this been happening?

Aj

[WhyAmIBurning]

Good day Aj,

The burning and pain when touched began on August 6th and continues. Prior to the 6th it was just pain in my tubes leading to my testicles.  The rocephin shot seemed to clear that up.  Because there have been so many medicines, you may believe that each was given a 10 day course/run.  However, the Some of these were given together such as the Azithromycin and the Metranidazole. Both nonresponsive.  The rocephin was most recently given.  The docycline, I am still taking but it is not doing anything.

Yes, the prostate exam and psa (I believe that is the name) all came back fine.  

The burning when urinating and the hurting when touched began on the 6th of October.  

The pain does not seem to be subsiding with the passing day.

I cannot understand why this happened to me only on the inside of my penis and not the outside too.

Thanks for your time and assistance.  I do appreciate it.  

Is there any medicine to alleviate the pain when urinating?

[auntiejessi]

Did you do all this testing while on doxy?  That's unfortunate, because it might give you a false negative test on something.  Did they know you were on meds?  When do you get your results back?

If this was herpes, it wouldn't be lasting nearly this long.  

If you want something for the pain, you need to talk to your doctor.  There are over the counter products, but I am hesitant to recommend anything since we don't know what is causing this pain.  

Aj

[WhyAmIBurning]

Yes, I was on the Doxcycline when they did the urinalysis, took the two smears (one for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and the other for herpes) and drew the blood.  Would the doxcycline also affect the swab test for Herpes Virus?  I understood that from the swab the lab would actually try to grow cultures to determine if Herpes antibodies were present.

From what it sounds like now, I may have to wait this out until another episode to be certain.  Is that what you are thinking?

I really want to be certain about this because I do not want to infect anyone else.  I would feel horrible, unlike many others who knowingly go about spreading diseases.  I must find out what's happening to me.

Have you ever heard of such a case - herpes infection/outbreak only on the inside of the urethra and not on the outside?  Do you have any site or picture I can see or view with a photo of how herpes would look on the inside of a man's urethra.  Shouldn't there be constant burning and not just when I urinate or the head is squeezed?  Can you please answer this one?

Also, when I see the doctor's, why do they always ask if I had recently had sex with a foreigner?  What is the deal with foreign women?  Are there sexual diseases that foreigners have that Americans do not?

[auntiejessi]

LOL I have no idea why they are asking about foreign women.

Herpes antibodies won't show up on a culture, but the virus itself would.  I just don't think this is herpes - its gone on too long, and its not constantly there.

Doxy won't affect a herpes test, either the culture or the blood test, but it could affect a gonorrhea, chlamydia or NGU test.

Google herpetic urethritis and see if you can find some pics of herpes in the urethra.  Be careful though - they are graphic, and are almost always worst case scenarios.

Aj

[WhyAmIBurning]

Dear Aj,

What I am having now is the same - burning when I urinate and pain like a annoying metal splinter in the finger when touched.  

I have purchased L-Lysine and I have taken 2000mg (4 tabliets of 500mg each) to see if it helps me.  No, I don't know why I took that much.  I just did because I am going insane here.

There has been and there is no burning except when I urinate and no pain except when I urinate or squeeze the penis head.  However, my lymph nodes along the side of my groin up to my hips are beginning to swell and are sensitive, hurting, when touched.  Today, my anus is beginning to itch along with diarrhea now.  However, I don't know why my anus would be itching now because I have not had sex there.  Lymph nodes along sides of neck are swelling and painful to touch too.  But, no events along the jaw line or right under chin.

Do you think this is "herpetic urethritis?"  Are my symptoms consistent with this?  The information I read, rather tried to read is way over my head.  I could not understand it.

I looked at this link and read with this guy went through:  http://www.racoon.com/dcforum/tech/2443.html

I could not discern his initial symptoms though.  My symptoms are just like that Cbarber guy's symptoms.  

You say this does not sound like herpes, but does it sound like herpetic urethritis, which I understand as just herpes in one's urethra.

[WhyAmIBurning]

cboarder,

are you still here?

[WhyAmIBurning]

Dear Aj,

Is this possible?  This site claims to rid one of herpes.  Is there such a thing or are they just playing on other's misfortune and trying to rip people off.

resolveherpes

That is the website.  I do not know if I can post a link here.  

Is that possible?

[WhyAmIBurning]

Good morning,

You are likely sleeping now.  Well, I have not slept a good night sleep since the burning began on or around the 6th.  And this throughout the night and this morning it still continues.  

I have been repeatedly trying to look down my urethra to see any signs of anything without success.  I see nothing.  And, it is strange that I really feel the burning down the bottom center line of my shaft but in only one spot "about an inch down from the opening."

I am wondering what you mean when you say that herpes symptoms do not last this long.  I see some information that says herpes symptoms last three to four weeks.  For me, this burning has not been that long - not that I am wanting it too.

Somehow, I am beginning to feel my life is over and I cannot be happy.  I am starting to feel very angry and trying to think of ways of retaliation on the person I suspect gave me this.  I guess I will continue down this path without intervention or a cure to my pain and "no herpes" diagnosis.  I envy all the brave people out there living each day with herpes, especially those who get the flare ups all over.  You all be strong and big ups to you for coping.  I don't think I can cope like that.  Already my livelihood around this is beginning to suffer as a result of the pain.  

I have a really good friend looking out after me.  She is not the one who hurt me. But, I am wanting her to move on away from me.  She should not have to worry about my mistake.  I feel ugly now like "damaged goods."  I feel raped, actually I don't know what rape feels like (sorry to all the ladies) but I believe I would rather be raped if I did not contract any diseases than having herpes or Hiv or anything I cannot get rid of.  I won't even share my other thoughts.  

From all that I have read, I believe this is herpes, likely herpetic urethritis.  I guess Cbarber who was having the same discussion with Dr. HHH discovered the same as I believe.  Thus, this is why he did not respond with an end result, probably devastated.

If it were me and the final news was good news, I would have let the doctor and all readers know so that there would be hope for others, like me, to still have a hope that it was not herpes and they could have their own children someday with their husbands and wives.

Lastly, I do not believe there will ever be a cure when pharmaceutical companies can make just as much or more money on suppressive drugs than cure for herpes.  Greed, the american way.  If it is not this, it seems that mankind is limited in intellect when it comes to viruses.  We don't have a cure for the common cold either.  But, there is a hell of a lot of money to do so.  

If there anyone reading, and who has had herpes, have you ever used any of the so called "wonder cures" and did they work?  I don't believe this is possible.  And, how horrible it is for those who are praying on the misfortunes of others?  With this infection, all of a sudden life seems so "UGLY."  A mistake, a lust in time, cost me my future happiness and life.  Now, all of a sudden, I am no longer afraid of the gangster with a gun asking me for my wallet.  I would probably not give it to him.

[auntiejessi]

Well, you can assume that Cbarber ended up with herpes, and was devastated, and that's why he didn't respond, or you might assume that he didn't test positive, and didn't feel a need to keep posting because of that.

As far as the racoon.com link - I'm also on that board, and I can tell you that NO ONE thinks that all of Jack's problems are due to herpes.  Long story short, last we heard, he had done NO other testing and was completely focused on herpes.  Bad idea.

There is nothing that will cure herpes at this time.

I'm confused - what started in August then?  It wasn't the burning?

And I have to address something you said.  You said you feel raped.  First, not only is that way over reacting, especially since you don't even know what you have yet, its offensive.  I have been raped, and I have herpes (the two are not connected).  Let me assure you, you would rather have herpes.  To even compare the two tells me how much you are melting down over this, and its not necessary.  Please don't use that comparison again.  

Even if you do have herpes, you can have sex, get married, have kids, etc.  That's not even the point though.  You don't know what you have, and what about anxiety?  Anxiety can cause us to feel things more intensely, so maybe you just have anxiety?

I don't know - I'm not your doctor who has tested you.  When do you get the results back?

In the meantime, I have to suggest that you get some counseling.  You have such extreme reactions - and don't get me wrong, no one wants herpes, but your response is way over-dramatic - that I wonder if this is new for you.  I would doubt it.  I say this with kindness, not criticism.  

Aj

[WhyAmIBurning]

Dearest Aj,

I am truly and sincerely sorrow.  Something told me not to express myself that way.  I do not mean to offend anyone. I am sincerely sorry to all.

First, all of my life I have been a worry wort.  I did not have a father and I was the youngest child but all older siblings did not seem to care about our situation.  I always cried and worried about my family's and mother's happiness.  So, I do need counseling for this and how to deal with things in general.  I handle nothing well.  It's just me, I am not perfect.  Again, I am sorry, very sorry, to have offended you and likely any others.  Please forgive me here and my ingorance.  And you are very strong and thankyou very much for being here for people like me.  

Results do not come back til the 31st of October.  I am going online looking for a place that has 1 day results if that is possible.  

August, I am sorry, did I type August somewhere.  If so, I am not surprised.  You have me correct as to the wreck I am in now.  Nothing seems to be coming back conclusive.
And, I do need counseling but I have no insurance and little money left as seeing doctors is expensive.  I am without a job too.  The well is running dry pretty soon.  Isn't life just grand?

Anyway, no, this did not start in August.  The burning and pain began on October 6th.  Prior to that which was in September there was just pain in my tubes.  Rocephin seemed to have cleared this up.  A second shot of Rocephin did nothing to the burning  when urinating and pain when squeezed though - neither did the other drugs all nonresponsive.

Maybe a ray of hope:  I read that herpes lesions have pus in them.  And, this pus would be present in the Urinalysis.  I have had two urinalysis on 2 consecutive days.  With both, the doctor (different doctors) stated that they were "clean."  Does clean mean that there was no "pus" in the urinalysis; thus, there was no infection?  Would pus be present immediately?  How long would it take to show up?

I know you are right that I should just "wait and see".  However, this is likely more than I am capable of.  It's a fault and likely from a lifetime of emotional scarring and unresolved issues.  

Again, thanks for being here for me.  

[auntiejessi]

If you had herpes in your urethra, then I'd guess that you would have white blood cells in your urine, so its a good sign that your urine showed no signs of anything.

I accept your apology, and really strongly suggest counseling.  It sounds like you have a lot on your plate.

Aj

[WhyAmIBurning]

Good night Aj,

You stated, "then I'd guess that you would have white blood cells in your urine."  That does not sound like an absolute.  Is it a possibility that white cells (pus) would not be in two separate urinalysis tests.  Would the meds have caused a false positive?

Thanks again.

[gracefromHHP]

Your providers have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at you at this point.  Could it be herpes? Well it could be but since no one seems to see any very obvious lesions chances are it isn't ( what you had cultured for herpes didn't seem like it was herpes ).  There are also many other viruses out there that just have to run its course. I know being patient is hard but try to do so.

So what do you do now? Well drink plenty of water and a glass or two of cranberry juice or blueberry juice each day.  There are otc urinary pain relief tablets you can buy too if you are in the US ( probably find them near the feminine itching products in the drugstore ).  Just be warned - they'll turn your urine BRIGHT orange ( though really the entertainment value is worth is with them for that alone...he he he ). You also mention pain just from touching your penis so perhaps a topical anesthetic on the outside would be helpful too - just avoid anything with a steroid in it - you really don't need those on your sensitive penis skin.  

grace