non-STD penis ulcer?

[gnozt777]

please i hope someone can give me some advice:

1) penile ulcer at 7 weeks.
2) tested negative for syphilis (RPR) and herpes (TSST & culture) at 7 and 10 weeks.
3) just tested again at 13 weeks, now awaiting results.

- what are the chances of tests turning positive at 13 weeks?
- if not STD, can anyone advice what other likely causes of penile ulcers there are? it didn't look like abrasion.

thanks for any advice i receive

[gnozt777]

thank you both for your advice.

i think i've found the answer to my question through one picture in particular:
http://www.dermis.net/dermisroot/tr/15307/image.htm

my lesion is identical to the one to the far left of the photo, in a similar position as well. the diagnosis for that is balanitis, caused by bacterial/viral infection. i suppose with 3-month negative results for syphilis and herpes, i think it's safe to cross out those altogether.

once again, you girls have been marvellous and generous with your advice. i wish to thank you for your kind help. bless...!

[auntiejessi]

I agree - you might be overlooking the most obvious cause.

A syphilis sore wouldn't go away that fast.  They last at least 2 weeks.

AJ

[sarahcruz]

You said that your sore ulcerated when the antibiotic cream was applied?  I don't know...but try applying something like tinactin.  You never know, it could be fungal instead of bacterial...just a though.

You say it's oval, flat, reddish-brownish...does it itch?  Is it ANY where else on your body?  Do you guys have a cat? (I know, odd question to ask)

Sometimes the most obvious thing...is really something that you would have NEVER thought about.

Try the tinactin (anti-fungal)...see if it works...

[gnozt777]

I had the lesion at 7 weeks. It developed on the side of the penis head. It started off as a dark reddish patch, not raised, but possibly covered with thousands of microscopic bumps (didn't look like pus-filled blisters of herpes). I discovered it while masturbating and upon ejaculation, there was a sharp intense pain in the lesion. Then I realised I had a problem. After that, it didn't hurt anymore, perhaps a little tender but that was it. It hadn't ulcerate and remained dry for the next day. I went to an STD doctor and he couldn't diagnose what it was, said it doesn't look like syphilis but advised me to test anyway. He suggested 'fixed drug eruption' but I haven't taken drugs of any kind in the last year or so.

Doctor prescribed acyclovir and an anti-biotic cream to apply to the wound. Almost as soon as I applied the cream and started my medication, the lesion started to ulcerate. It's flat, oval, not raised, whitish/yellowish in the middle. Not sure if it's due to the medication or if it would have ulcerated anyway. It then scab and healed in about a 1-1/2 weeks.

That explains why I've been testing religiously for the past 3 months on syphilis RPR and herpes TSST. I've also tested for the other STDs and have the all-clear for chlamydia, NGU, HIV etc. I'm concerned abt the chancre-like ulcer and wish there was some kind of explanation for it - whatever it may be. I've so far tested 7s week (syp RPR/herp-TSST), 8 weeks (syp-ELISA), 10 weeks (syp RPR/herp-TSST) and 13 weeks (syp RPR/herp-TSST). All negative. So this is very baffling to me... I've never experienced anything like this before and this happens the ONE time I strayed. Coincidence? I think unlikely - but I certainly hope so.

So I just returned from giving more blood for a TPPA test as well. Now awaiting results. I'm at wits end to be honest and I just want to get this behind me. Most importantly, I want to be 100% clear so that I do not infecting my wife, or worse, inflict permanent damage on an innocent child.

Thanks for being such a kind listener  AJ, I haven't been able to share this with anyone and it's killing me inside. Again, I thank you once again for your advice.

Cheers.

[auntiejessi]

The best I can explain it is that they each look for different antibody activity.

If you are so concerned, then get the other test.

How long did you have the lesion?  Have you ever googled pics of syphilis lesions to see if yours resembled that?  They are very specific looking, and can last anywhere from 2-4 weeks.

And all kinds of info on testing is available online, and it might help if you google it.

AJ

[gnozt777]

Hey AJ,

One last question if I may... am a little confused with Treponemal vs non-Treponemal testing. I understand the RPR is a non-Treponemal test. What does that mean?

Where I am from, they also offer ELISA rapid testing for syphilis (Roche) as a routine screening test. Is that Treponemal or non-Treponemal? I feel like opting for the treponemal test to wipe out any chance of syphilis.

Dr. Hook suggested that non-treponemal testing may produce false-negative result particularly under prozone conditions whereas treponemal testing does not have such problems. I know treponemal is used as a confirmation test in the US.

Cheers.

[auntiejessi]

Umm maybe.  Not a lot is known about it, and you'd have to determine if its a virus, and not a reaction to something like toothpaste or mouthwash, etc.

Apthous mouth ulcers are just canker sores, and can be caused by a lot of other things than bacteria and viruses.

Your best bet would be to have a culture done on this if you get it again.

You are 100% clear on the syphilis.  If you tested negative for hsv1, its also very likely that your hsv testing is accurate as well, but its up to you if you want to test again.  If I were trying to have a baby, then I would probably want to test again, too.

And you're welcome.  I didn't mean to chastise, reprimand or judge you, but it is important to know that STDs can harm a baby.

AJ

[gnozt777]

can viral aphthous mouth ulcers be spread to the penis via oral sex?

[gnozt777]

You know what AJ, you are absolutely right to reprimand me for cheating on my wife. I'm very ashamed and have sworn to myself - never again. Thank you for that. This is the FIRST time someone has said it to me and I needed to hear that.

I wish to also inform you that I collected my 3-month test results for my RPR and Herpes TSST. Both were negative again.

I'm going for a final herpes test at 4-month per your recommendation. Will I be considered 100% clear at 4 months? Also, am I 100% in the clear for syphilis now? Am I safe to resume unprotected sex with my wife and try for a baby now?

Thanks Auntiejessi for your kindness and dedication to helping people.

[auntiejessi]

Hi there -

I am not a nurse.  I am an educator, but am also certified in HIV testing, disease investigation, etc.

I would say you are in probably in the clear for syphilis.  Have you gotten results yet?  Those should be in soon.

Sores are best tested when they are fresh.  Once a herpes blister bursts, for example, the odds of getting an accurate culture go waaaay down.

How long have you had this sore now?  Is it painful?  Have you ever googled chancroid?  That's an std that is rare in the US, but not so rare in other places.

And not to get all moral police like on you, but I do hope you don't have sex with anyone other than your wife if you are trying to have a baby.  Some stds can really harm a baby.

AJ

[gnozt777]

sorry for bombarding you with so many questions... i'm anxious as you can see...

from your experience as a nurse, is it generally easier to identify the cause of an ulcer (be it syphilitic/herpetic/or others)... during its initial stages before it begins to ulcerate? or when it becomes an ulcer? or is this just a silly question?

thanks and extremely appreciative.

[gnozt777]

Hello auntiejessi,

- I've learnt that you're a nurse specializing in STD. Have you personally come across chancre-like sores (on the meatus) that are actually non-STD related?

- Am I definitely clear of syphilis with my 10 week negative despite the penis ulcer?

My doctor suggested it could be fixed drug eruption, but I do not take any prescriptive drugs at all. I apologize for being a pain - my wife and I have been trying for a baby and I want to be 10000% sure I do not put either mom or child at risk. I have also sworn to quit my philandering ways.

Thank you once again.

[auntiejessi]

The TPPA is only used for confirming positive results, and at 7 and 10 weeks, the RPR is very accurate.

AJ

[gnozt777]

Thanks auntijessie.

I will test up to the 4-month mark according to your advice.

Does that mean I'm all clear for syphilis? I've only taken the RPR, but there has been suggestions on this forum of taking the TPPA instead to achieve 100%. TPPA tests for antibodies right?

Thank you for taking your time to reply.

[auntiejessi]

Hi there -

About 75% would test positive for herpes at about 8 weeks on a blood test, and the rest can take up to around 4 months.  

This could also be an allergic reaction, excema, dermatitis, etc.

Perhaps you need to see a dermatologist.

AJ