The are associations between herpes virus infections an neuropathies but they are very rare. Varicella zoster virus (the chicken pox virus) is much more commonly associated with neuropathy.
As for the relationship between the lesions you noted and genital herpes, the fit is not "perfect" but there are elements that suggest this could be a possibility. Persons with recurrent herpes can get "prodromal" symptoms of tingling and discomfort which precede an outbreak of their herpes--this is not a neuropathy however and does not last beyond the acute outbreak. What it sounds like you have is present most of the time, perhaps with increases and decreases in intensity and is a more classic neuropathy which can be proven with specialized tests (the nerve conduction tests - I say this for the benefit of others who may be reading this and wondering if they have it, not for you).
So, is it possible--yes. What do do?
Work with your neurologist. There are many causes of neuropathy and genital herpes is among those that cause it very rarely. In addition, you could have both herpes and neuropathy but for them to be unrelated to each other. If the redness of your penis recurs, you should have a herpes culture. As said, a blood test will tell you if you have herpes but not whether it is related to your neuropathy. If you don't have herpes, then the possibility is a non-starter. If you do, you could explore this further with your neurologist.
I hope this helps as a starter. This is a complex issue which is best dealt with between you and your health care provider. EWH
I'm not trying to be evasive but I think the right thing to do is to work with your neurologist to start to sort this out, including whether or not you have HSV. The issue is a complex one and for me to start down the "what if" path before you have further information or the chance to work with you physician would be a disservice to you and inappropriate for me. EWH
I'm not trying to be evasive but I think the right thing to do is to work with your neurologist to start to sort this out, including whether or not you have HSV. The issue is a complex one and for me to start down the "what if" path before you have further information or the chance to work with you physician would be a disservice to you and inappropriate for me. EWH
Thanks for that reply Dr, it goes some way to easing my fears. WRT the possibility of herpes does it matter that the symptoms I have only started to occur several months from the time I may have caught it (ie sex with someone other than my partner about two and a half years ago)? Also, the recent symptoms (v small area of redness at tip of penis) only started to to occur in the last couple of months? Moreover, it has been over a decade since I had sex without a condom with someone other than my partner.
Thanks again for your help.