recurrent burning on tip of penis

30 days ago, i began to experience a light burning sensation on the tip of my penis. it was pretty mild (on a scale of 1 to 10 in irritation, it was about a 3) and i was able to ignore it. after several days, the burning went away for approx 3 days, but then returned again. once again, several days later, the burning went away for approx 3-4 days. the third time the burning came back, it was much more intense than before, this time about an 8 or 9 on the irritation scale. i was tested for herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea and came back negative on all three counts, and i was also given a urine analysis twice over the past month, both times which came back clean. i've not exhibited any symptoms that would indicate herpes; no sores or blisters or red splotches. everything looks completely normal on my penis.

this past week, a friend suggested that maybe i had a yeast infection. after looking up the symptoms, they seemed to fit pretty closely, so i purchased some over the counter pills as well as a generic cream and began taking the pills three times a day and applying the cream twice a day. i also tried a "home remedy" for yeast infections that i had read about on the web and mixed white vinegar with water and applied that to my penis. within minutes of applying the vinegar the burning had subsided almost entirely. however, tonight, the burning sensation is beginning to come back. i've not changed anything in the yeast treatment routine and yet here is the burning sensation again.

also this past week, i began getting a yellow-whiteish discharge. it spots in my underwear throughout the day. my doctor seems to be just as much at a loss as i am. i've been to him three times now and have not yet approached any kind of resolution to this. would a yeast infection go away and come back so rapidly? also would it burn THIS much? it's not quite to the level of being actual pain, but it is a very high level of discomfort. what is this, and what should i do??

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Penile discomfort is a common problem as although infections are often the reason, other sources are possible as well.  When repeated tests for infection, such as your 3 STD tests, 2 Urinalysis, that helps reassure one that it may not be infection.  Rarely, repeated tests are wrong (falsely negative), and presumptive treatment may help eradicate occult infection.  

Other than infection, anything that comes out in the urine can irritate the meatus (opening of the penis).  These include spicy foods, acidic foods, foods that one could be allergic to.  Especially if there's an abrasion or other skin breakdown of the tip, such as if it's macerated -- wet and soft.  Drying the penis after pulling back foreskin can help, even blow drying or powder.

Get a second opinion, perhaps asking for a referral to a urologist

Enoch Choi, MD

[c2010]

i also have this problem however i am a female and the burning sensation is on my clitoris and it throbs also. i have the yellowish discharge and have also had 3 urine tests and been tested for sti's and std's and have all came back clear what do i do. it is so uncomfertable i have been like this for about a month and it hurts so bad when i urinate also

[juus]

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