Swollen Lymph Nodes

I have had swollen lymph nodes only in my groin for almost 4 weeks. They seem to be getting smaller and have not been painful. Wondering whats up...

Male
20

[Jules77733]

If they're getting smaller, they were likely swollen due to a recent infection of some sort. Lymph nodes swell really easily, as they trap a lot of the junk floating through your body, and it isn't uncommon for them to stay swollen for several weeks before returning to normal size. If they remain swollen for longer than 4 - 6 weeks, you should have a doctor look at them.

Are they hard or palpable (squishy/soft)?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Penile ulcers, orchitis, epidiymitis, prostatitis, and other infections can cause lymph nodes to enlarge. Other possibility is STD.
Hope this helps. It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Do consult an urologist. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[crambone]

herpes or hiv,,thats your real worries,,id have that checked out asap,,,herpes or hiv.....

[snoopydevil]

Thanks for your help (except you crambone, go scare someone else)
I'm going to the doctors next week so we'll see. I have multiple lymph nodes that have been swollen for 1+ year (over 1 cm in diameter, very noticeable). Lymphs in my armpits don't feel swollen (minor if any) except for 1 that i found tonight. It is quite big, hard and somewhat painful when touched. Lymphs in neck still not present. The ones in my groin are soft/not painful.

[snoopydevil]

Also developed a rash on my chest under right nipple. About square inch of small red itchy bumps. On back I developed 4 larger red bumps that are quite painful when touched. All has come in the past few days. Any connection?

[Jules77733]

Sounds like the herpes zoster virus, if I recall correctly. There's a good chance this rash is causing lymph node swelling since it's indicative of some kind of infection currently afflicting you.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for the update!
Well, the rash can be herpes shingles. However though this can cause a node in the armpit, because of the location, it cannot cause lymph nodes to swell in the groin area.
This rash could also be urticaria or hives. Urticaria is usually triggered by allergens, such as drugs, foods, insect bites, inhaled substances, in response to sunlight, cold, heat, stress, exercise, or a viral infection. Other common allergens are pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, fiber of clothes, or cosmetics. Since you experienced an itch, just go over these possibilities in your mind. Something may strike you.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[crambone]

lol,what did i say???..HERPES????,,,,ya thought so.

[crambone]

ha doc,doesnt hiv infection cause swelling in the glands in the groin???
also genetal herpes?

[snoopydevil]

This isn't a game crambone, it is my health so please stop posting here. Doctor, the rash does look like shingles pictures but it only appeared in the past few days and the lymph nodes have been swollen 4 weeks prior so I don't believe they are connected.

[Jules77733]

I'd agree that HIV is a bit of a stretch. There are many other viruses/illnesses to investigate before considering this. The lymph nodes and the rash can be connected, though, even given the 4-week time separation in their appearances.

[snoopydevil]

I have read shingles could be a sign of HIV but that it is cause by HIV later in the stage of the disease. True?

Also shouldn't HIV affect lymphs all over my body (neck + arm + groin)
There are still no enlarged lymphs in my neck, just groin and 1 in arm pit.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Shingles virus is not the same as that causes genital herpes. It is not caused by AIDS virus. However it can affect a person suffering from AIDS.
Whether or not you have AIDS depends on your sexual history —unprotected sex, multiple partners, partner having STD or partner having other partners etc.
Flu like symptoms with swollen lymph nodes is seen a few days to weeks after exposure to virus. This is followed by disappearance of nodes and a symptom free period that lasts from a few weeks to years.
Since you do not have any blisters and ulcers on scrotum or penis—at least you have not reported—chances of genital herpes are less.
As I said in my first post, STD is a possibility.
Hope this helps. Do discuss this with your doctor and get yourself examined. When is your appointment? Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[kiki1308]

I have a question.  I had a blood test the other day and my platelet count came back at 68,000.  I went today for a follow up but I am terrified.  I heard HIV can lower your platelet count.  I am married.  I have been for 4 1/2 years.  Before I was married I had been with a couple of guys some protected some not.  I have a 4 year old.  My lymph nodes by my ear hurts.  I am worried sick that this is HIV and has been dormant for so long.  I want to calm down for the weekend.  Would I have any other signs?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
If you had a blood test I assume that apart from the swollen lymph node near your ear, you have other symptoms too. I am sorry to say but HIV cannot be ruled out completely. Only a test for HIV can help confirm for sure whether you have contacted the virus or not. However that is not the only possibility. Certain cancers or lymphomas too could be the cause. Though, these would result in abnormal white cell count too. What did your doctor say on follow up?
The cause for the low platelet count has to be identified; whether it is due to less production at the bone marrow or high breakdown or due to platelets being trapped in the spleen.
Could you provide some more details, symptoms etc for us to understand your problem better? Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[kiki1308]

Thank you for getting back to me.  I had no symptoms at all.  I have gone for blood work and annual exams every year.  All of my previous blood work has come back normal.  This time I went to the hospital with chest pain (it was muscular from my bad back).  At first they thought I had a collapsed lung or pnemonia (pneumonia) but a catscan showed nothing.  He came back and said that my platelet count was low but white blood cell was normal.  When the nurse took my blood it wouldnt come out.  She could only get out enough for one tube and that alone took over 5 minutes.  I bruised from it terribly.  I went for follow up blood work on Friday and you cant even see where she took the blood.  the nurse hadnt been in my vein.  Nothing hurts, I feel fine (besides for my back) I am just scared that this could be serious.  I have always suffered from sinus and ear infections.  When I go into a building my ears clog and sometimes I feel my glands by my ears.  I should have the results back today.  I already called the doctor to leave a message.  Could it be that she wasnt in a vein and got bad info from the labs?

[snoopydevil]

I have had 1 sexual partner. We have had un protected sex about 12 times from Nov. 08 --> Feb 09
I have never developed any flu symptoms/fever/ basic sickness while my lymphs (still mainly in groin) have been enlarged except for the shingles which are clearing quickly now that I'm taking amoxicillin

Appointment is later this week.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for keeping me posted!
With this history a complete STD panel will help catch any disease or clear the lingering doubt in mind. As I said earlier HIV can remain a symptomatic for long or have vague symptoms like a rash. Also it may not be HIV. It could be a simple case of candida albican infection.
It is really difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Let’s wait patiently for your appointment. Meanwhile I am glad your rash is clearing. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[snoopydevil]

Just got back from the doctor. No diagnosis - big f-ing suprise there...
HIV test is NEGATIVE (thank god)  doctor said don't worry about the lymphs as they are decreasing and the shingles is almost gone but I did develop a new rash/lesion on my lower/upper back. About 6 red spots, not raised, no itch, no pain, didnt even notice till today but I feel they developed very recently. Doctor thought it may be psoriasis but maybe not... go to dermatologist on thursday

[qwer6]

woke up this morning with swollen glands in my groin .... fever, and i feel weak and dizzy .... HIV test were negative .... what else could this be ? just a virus that needs to run its course ?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Groin lymph nodes swell up in various conditions, the commonest being infection of the genitals. A viral infection, inguinal hernia, hydrocele, drug reaction, cancer and STD. Besides HIV, other infections like Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas etc should be looked into—that is you need to get a complete STD panel done. Since you also have fever there is a strong possibility of a local groin infection, a STD or a viral infection.
Hope this helps. Please consult your PCP regarding this. Do let me know if there is any thing else and keep me posted. Take care!

[qwer6]

thanks for the info ....... i went home, rested, took advil, and this morning i feel fine ..... i did have night sweats, and my groin glands are still slightly tender ... i've had the same partner for over a year. She did recently have a UTI, im not sure if bacteria can be passed or something ? possibly gave me an infection ... I will still plan to go to the doctor's to get some test, but i do feel 90% better from what i did yesterday, is that common?

[chriscds]

Hello,

I am a 19 year old male who has noticed that I may have swollen iguinal lymph nodes on both sides. I am very concerned about this, since it has been with me for at least a year! I have recieved oral sex and I was wondering if this can be the cause? Also, my lymph nodes are are about the size of a kidney bean and tend to get smaller when I take vitiamin suppliments, is this normal?