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Persistent Inflamed & Irritated Meatus

Hello,

Thanks for any help anyone has to offer.

I've been suffering from an inflammed and irritated meatus for just over seven weeks now and I'm really confused as to what's causing it or how to fix it. I'm in a foreign country at the moment so access to healthcare and consequently explaining my problem in a foreign language hasn't been the easiest. For that reason, I'm writing here to see if anyone could lend some advice.

I suppose all of this started in late December when I received a sort of rough unprotected handjob from a sex worker. I believe she was using lube she had previously put in her anus to rub my penis. In other words, she was reaching to her anus to get the lube and then rubbing my penis with it. She rubbed the tip (meatus) with her thumb in a circular pattern, and did so pretty intensely although it didn't bother me too much at the time. A few days later I saw that the tip of my penis looked slightly different. It looked as if there were two pursed lips instead of a straight slit like before. But that was it. I had no other symptoms. I figured it was just a little traumatized after the handjob. But would go away.

Then in the month of January, I had quite a lot of unprotected sex with a girl who has since been tested and came out clean. In February, about two months later from my encounter with the sex worker and a few weeks after I stopped having regular sex in January, some real irritation started. I could best describe the condition as irritation and very slight inflamation of at the tip of the penis. It comes and goes in intensity but at its worst moments, it's very pink and burns slightly when I pee just at the tip of the urethra. The size of the pursed lips also vary depending on how bad the irritation is and also, along with the redness small bumps come and go. The bumps though however are ever so slight and usually disappear within a couple days together with the redness. They don't appear anything like warts or herpes sores. Spotted redness might be a better description. The other thing I noticed is that my urethra appears to be slightly wider and open, revealing the sensitive wet part of my urethra, almost as if my it's trying to breath. I think this might be why it gets irritated from rubbing against my clothing. I've also noticed more discharge than usual from my penis. I'm not sure if it's precum but basically, it's clear, has no scent, and a has the consistency of mucas and I've noticed more than usual when checking my underwear at the end of the day. The last thing that's different is that after I pee, I notice that there's a a little extra drip than usual, even after I clean up with toilet paper, the tip of my penis is moist.

Wearing boxers and walking (or any kind of movement really) aggravates it as I think my underwear ends up rubbing the tip of my penis. So I have switched completely to using tight underwear and stopped doing aerobic exercise. None of my symptoms resemble anything like the pictures of herpes or genital warts I have seen online and both the determatologist and urologist I have seen agree and dismissed the possibility of either. I was tested in February for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, and all of the tests came out negative. I also had two urine tests and both came out normal.

The dermatologist I saw first in February recommended soaking my penis in a warm mixture of water and sodium bicarbonate twice a day. It didn't help. The urologist I saw in March prescribed a cream that contains Gentamicin, Betamethasone, & Miconazole, which is supposed to clear up any irritation caused by a yeast or fungus infection. I used that twice a day for a couple weeks but the condition did not get any better and he then told me to stop using it. So basically, now I'm just wearing tight underwear, I don't use any lotion and am careful when washing it with dove soap ensuring that no soap gets into or near my urethra. I'm not having regular sex and when I masturbate do so in a gently manner only a couple times a week. However, I've noticed that the couple times I have had sex since this condition started, my penis was extra sensitive and I ejaculated rather quickly.

Part of me thinks that maybe it is an infection due to bacteria from the girls anus. Another part of me thinks maybe it's purely physical trauma. But I do notice that when I'm tired and have had a late night, the condition worsens which leads me to believe it's tied to the strength of my immune system. But really, this could be all in my head..I don't know.

So, if you've taken the time to read all the way to the end, thank you. I'd really appreciate any ideas on what might be causing this or what I could do in terms of treatment or other tests. Are there other STDs or STIs which could be the culprit that I haven't been tested for? Thanks so much in advance, I'm worried this might never go away.

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Avatar universal
I should also mention that the condition is worse at night after a day of walking around and is subsides a bit by the morning. Thanks.
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647273 tn?1292091141
Hi, from the picture that you have attached I can't see much of a problem. It is possible that the meatus is inflamed from over stimulation. As long as things don't get worse I would see if it resolves on it's own

For further sexual activity make sure that you use a condom, it is not worth the risk going without one.

All the best.

Ron
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563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
From the symptoms the possibility of urethritis is there. Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra. It can be gonoccocal or non gonoccocal. I would suggest a 24 hrs urine test and a swab culture of the discharge to confirm the diagnosis. Urethritis is diagnosed by urethral swab culture and examination of the swab. Other test useful in diagnosis is digital rectal exam (DRE) to inspect the prostate gland for swelling or infection.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

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Avatar universal
Thanks to both of you for the advice . Since I was already tested for gonorrhea, I suppose if it is urethritis it's non-gonoccocal, right? If it is urethritis, is there any possibility that it would cure itself with time?

So far, the symptoms are still present with varying degrees of intensity depending on the day. I'll talk to my doctor about a urethral swab culture and a 24 hrs urine test. But I'm also hoping it will go away on its own which is what the urologist suggested might occur when I saw him a couple weeks ago. I ain't gonna lie, the urethra swab doesn't sound like fun.

Thanks again and I'll keep you both posted on any developments.
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Avatar universal
         I have been recieving the same symptoms as user055 for the past 5 weeks, yet the clear drainage has stopped after I took azeithromoxyin around week 2 of this occurence.  I have been in a mongomus relationship for almost 6 years and my girlfriend is undyling loyal to me, so there is no chance of other partners or unsafe sex.                                                                                                                                 I still recieve slight irratation, but nothing like the irration I recieved in the first 2 weeks. My shaft would moderately burn and tingle at times, usually at the end of the night.  In the past 2 weeks the symptoms listed by myself and user0555 have subsided greatly.
        I have gotten tested for a UTI, Gonnerha, and Claymidia, and they all resulted in negative test.  The only symptoms that persits now, is some slight discomfort at the tip of my penis when I first put on my underwear and then it will get better as the day progresses, in addition to some bubbling sensation I feel near my bladder, It might just be mental since I am freaking out about this but I just don't know what to do since it's my manhood at stake, and I just don't want to igonore this abnormality  Although, from what I have read from many other post by other men here, the doctors will probably just tell me to ignore it anyway and it would be a wild gose chase, not to mention several hundreds of dollars down the drain to end up where you started...knowing nothing. Hope to hear some positive news from others that can relate to this! Thanks.
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Avatar universal
Hi user0555,

I'm experiencing almost word for word what you're experiencing.  For me, it started back in June.  I've been wondering if you've since found what the cause was and if so had the appropriate treatment.  Or, has the issue resolved itself.  I find with me, the longer I go without checking myself and refraining from sexual activity the better I start to feel (though it never completely goes away).  In that sense I'm hopeful, but at the same time it would be nice to know what's wrong rather than having a whole bunch of negative std tests.

any current developments would be much appreciated

Brandon
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Avatar universal
I am a 23 years old man, living in Denmark, Copenhagen. I hope my English is understandably.

Please read my message about prostatitis, can you tell me, if this is the same symptoms as you had experienced. It dosent sound like real prostatitis symptoms, because i dont have frequent urination and I have this highlighted/swollen penis tip. Most in the morning or after masturbating. (very swollen  )

I would first do my disease process clear to you, then describe the symptoms as those are experienced: I have now for over 1 year had pain comparable, to those described as Chronic pelvic pain/prostatitis. Sometimes it's so unbearable that i just cry like a litle baby girl. I have kept a half year break from my university, because of this disease.

It started by me in a period of very sedentary work, sudden (within 1-2 days) experienced severe pain below the penis (just where the testicles are) and along with the penis (if I pressed on the urethra/"corpus spongiosum") Every time I changed position from seated to lying in bed, to go, do fitness or just touched the area, stood or sat down or crossed my legs it would feel like electric shock was send into the penis, it was crazy (ONLY lasting the seconds it tooks to shift position SO that was like 40-50 times a day) Fortunately eased this pain in its strength, I would say if it was 10 on a scale, it has now assumed a chronic phase I would describe as 3-4. Which has lasted the last 3 month.

Have done cytoscopi, scans of the penis and bladder, 4-5 test for all STDs, over 50 tests for inflammation (have a home kit) and 4 test for inflammation at the doctor (the last 3 month), ALL negative. Been studied by prostate massage. And have a total of 18 visits from 6 doctors, including my brother. Medicine tested: Alfusozin, antibiotics (tetracycline) haven't worked for me.

One of the doctors have recently commented my penis head, which is clearly red and swollen and has been since onset of symptoms. The red and swollen meatus (penis tip) seems not to be related to chronic pelvic pain (or prostatitis) from what I've read, for example from Wise Anderson.

These are my symptoms:

- When I pee, there's a bit irritation inside the urethra. I must "milking" and shaking the penis, 10-20 times, after I urinated. But it is never enough. The urine is still inside the urethra, when I leave the toilet. Sometimes it can be "triggered" when I sit down or move around in different positions. The feeling of urin in my urethra is very unpleasant, maybe one of the worst in my condition.

- My panties are always wet after I have urinated.

- The penis tip is red and clearly highlighted, swollen, (as a red mouth with two lips), sometimes 1 millimeter high.and very sensitive.

- Muscle "spasms" often most marked just below the testicles and the closest to the rectum. The rectum can also sometimes spasm a bit. In fact my penis also spasm like + 20 times a day, when I am sitting and relaxing, it

- Pain during sex along the underside. And when sperm release: Directly unbearable contractions in the muscle below the penis (possibly prostate)

- Reduced urine flow

- Pain along the urethra (the outside of the penis as if it is hyper-sensitive) When I press on the urethra it is making it worse.

- Pain in the ***, inside, as if you have hemorrhoids, or cuts high in the rectum (Well maybe it is prostate?)

- Pain in the penis, largely located everywhere, primarily along the "shaft" and sometimes a throbbing pain in the penis head as I pounded on it with a stone.

- Pain in the penis tip when I hit it but also just generally electrical sensations in the penis tip.

Hope to hear from any of you  

You can send me an E-mail: ***@****

Best regards Phillip
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Avatar universal
I penis look like user0555.. If has meatus inflammed problem, how to handle it? Need to see doctor? or has any thing need to do?
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Avatar universal
Hi there,

I was so pleased when I read over your post because I have literally exactly the same thing as you and it has been driving me insane as I have been trying to work out what could be the problem.
I have gone back to the doctors so many times and at first they kept saying it was an STI and then after having pretty much every single STI test I could possibly have and they all coming back negative the docs just said it could just be how I am going to be from now on.  I first got the problem about a year ago and have had it ever since.
Have you had any progress on your sitation???  Would be great to hear from you!

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
One thing to give consideration to, which i find neglected as a possibility on a lot of these threads, is trichomoniasis.  It is a small little parasite, and it may account for as much as %10 of urethritis in men.  Still, clinics rarely test men for it.  I wonder what percentage of male urethritis cases are resulting from trichomoniasis after being told they are STD free?  Many men are asymptomatic, but some experience soreness, dysuria, and/or discharge.  Relax!  Its highly curable.  Go to the clinic, and lie.  Lie your face off.  Just say that you know for a fact that your partner caught trich and was treated.  You want to get treated to avoid reinfecting her.  That should be all they need to hear, and you might avoid the swab or a urine analysis.  They will probably give you metronidazole which has been highly effective in the treatment of Trich.  The regular antibiotics that treat chlamydia and gonorrhea are not as effective for eliminating this elusive bug.  If your symptoms get better, maybe you had the parasite!  If you don't get better, scratch a possibility off the list.  If you are curious to know if you definitely do or don't have it, it is detectable under a microscope, after a centrifuged urine sample.  God help us all, and let me know how it goes.
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Avatar universal
Just an update to anyone reading..it's been over a year now and I'm 99.99% sure I don't have any STDs. I've been tested twice for all STDs including herpes, and both tests came back negative.

What I believe happened is that my meatus was stretched out from a rough handjob where the girl was rubbing the very tip of my penis with her thumb in a circular fashion. This caused the opening to be streched apart and it just never returned to normal. Kind of like earlobes after someone's been wearing heavy earrings their whole life. So I think new exposed skin just took a long time to adjust to being irritated all the time, by my underwear, pants, sex, etc. Also, I don't think inspecting it everyday was helping.

So I've come to accept that this is just how my penis will look for the rest of my life. But more importantly, all of the inflammation and redness have gone away, and *most* of the sensitivity. It's still more sensitive than before - I still can't wear boxers if I have to move around a lot, but I feel much better knowing that I don't have any sort of STIs.

Sex is just as good now as before, and I have to tell my girlfriend to be more delicate when performing oral sex and handjobs. But other than those things, my life has reverted back to normal.
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1 Comments
How long did it take to go away? And were you applying any cream or taking pills?
Avatar universal
It's been a few months since anyone has posted. Has anyone found out what is causing this annoying and painful irritation and know how to cure it?
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Avatar universal
I have been fighting these symptoms for over 3 years.  I have an irritiation at the very tip of the penis accompanied by an odd tingling sensation on my scrotum.  Loose underwear and jeans aggravate the condition as there is more rubbing on the penis.  It never goes away, but the intensity does vary.  It's seems worse when I am extremely tired.  

Follwing is what I've done to date:  I have been swabbed, blood tested and countless urine tests.  All were negative.  I have been treated for prostatitis with multiple two week cycles of doxycycline, (2) six week cycles of levaquin, (2) 30 day cycles of amiltrytilene and Utira-C with no effect.  As a treatment for potential interstitial cystitis I've taken Elmiron for 2-3 months with no effect.  I've tried three cortizone based creams.    None of these has had any effect on the symptoms.  

I changed underwear style, laundry detergent and soap in case it was fabric or allergy related.  No effect.

I've had a testicular ultrasound, CAT scan and cystoscope.  All were negative.  I took valtrex for 30 days in the event I had a latent herpes infection.  I do not have herpes and it did not help.  

I had an MRI last summer and saw a neurologist to see if there was some neurological explanation.  I had no obvious neurological issues.  I took Lyrica for 60 days to no effect.

I took a 30 day low dose of Flexeril (muscle relaxer) last March in an attempt to relax the pelvic wall/muscles.  No effect.

Last Monday I underwent a prostatic nerve block to temporary alleviate the symptoms.  No effect.  

The only time I've ever gotten any relief was the three months following the swab.  The swab was a horrible experience.  However, after the inflammation from the swab healed, about 2-3 days, the irritation at the tip of my penis did go away.  Or more accurately, I think it moved.  I still experienced some pain and irritation inside the urethra after ejaculation.  The irritation returned to the tip after about three months and has never gone away.

I have seen 5 urologists and literally spent thousands of dollars on the problem to no avail.  I am at a loss.  Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.
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Avatar universal
does anybody know exactly what this is? ive had this "nothing" for 6 months and its driving me crazy....anybody found out what this is and how to get rid of it?
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Avatar universal
        did u ever find out what this was? i have it word for word what you said and im sick of doctors and such telling me that it probably nothing because its definitely something. Are you still dealing with this life ruining problem?
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Avatar universal
Add me to the list of guys. I have the EXACT same symptoms, and nearly identical story as you do. Some rough sex, and an atrocious ******* that I think damaged my glans. My meatus is now red and swollen all the time. As I type this, it is particularly bad, and I just so happened to have no sleep last night, just like everyone else mentioned. What is up with this? Any help, remedies, info? Please! I am tired of getting the 'it's nothing' speech, and I do not want to go on more unnecessary antibiotics to no avail.
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Avatar universal
guys i got the exact same problem.... exactly

seems to be a connection with cuming too...

like my urethra is allergic to scemen... however ridiculous that sounds...

but if you go a few days without sex or wanking it pretty much clears up...

somebody must know what this is
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Avatar universal
I have this aswell!  doesnt hurt just looks odd which is a bit embarrassing.  been to the Doctor a few times and he says its fine nothing wrong at all and I got tested for every STI going and all negative.  Dr doesnt seem to think its a big deal but it stresses me out Im sure he thinks im crazy or just like getting my junk out for him.  Be great to know if anyone has come up with something that fixes it or eases the inflammation.
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Avatar universal
Mate you can actually be allergic to your own ***. Even you havnt ever before  your semen can suddenly change. Its called POIS i think.
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Avatar universal
I have had the same thing for a while now; but it recently has become worse and unsightly in some ways.  I too have been tested for all the usual STD culprits to no avail.  As of this point I plan on doing the mega-testing of all possibilities ~ will keep you posted!

Your photo looks like mine exactly!
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Avatar universal
I had unprotected sex with two ladies.. not sure which one give me the bacteria.  Inflammation, burning without pee.. kinda pain on my testicle as well too..I started to urge to pee oftenly too. I was so scared thought of stds or Hiv so went got tested and all came back negative..  I even tested for ut and culture something like that. .. All came back negative.. so a doctor give me a shot on my butt and give me doxicyline  antibotic for 3  weeks and first it seem working then after that it starts again... I had been sitting and thinking what is wrong with me. If anyone have any information what kinda stds or sti then let me know please thanks..  It inflammation and burning daily now.. I am too scared I might die.. now I know so going used condom everytime now on...

Please email me and thank you for the time.. my English is not good but please note that English is my second language.

***@****


Mike
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Avatar universal
I too have this condition.  My penis looks exactly like the photo of the original poster. I mean, it literally could be mine if I didn't know better. In addition to everything the original poster said, I have a very slight bloated sensation in my intestines as well, perhaps not even related.

My symptoms started pretty much immediately after a rough handjob (by myself) with a girl who could not finish me off because I was drunk.  You know that "let's just make it happen" kind of wank, right? I used her ***** juices and lubrication to get the job done, and it was pretty rough. There seems to be a theme with the roughness going on in this thread.

It's been almost 4 months now.  One GP, one urologist and one dermatologist told me it was in my head. Another GP didn't know what to do. I have been tested for Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, HSV-1, HSV-2, and Hepatitis -- all negative. I convinced the dermatologist to give me metronidazole to treat Trichonomiasis, hoping that was the issue.  It's only been 3 days, but no change. You should know that some strains of Trich are resistant to metronidazole, so tinidazole may need to be used (if you do have Trich).

I just don't accept that the doctors tell me nothing is wrong with me when I clearly feel that something is. I'm so sad that nobody hear has found a solution, including myself. Can we all agree to continue the search as a team and report back if you find something that works??

To User0555, have you had sex with more girls who have since been tested (after you had sex) and they come out clean? I almost don't want to have sex to prevent new girls from catching something, even when the doctors tell me that "you don't need to have a talk with them because nothing is wrong".
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Avatar universal
I have same symptoms currently. I also have a red patch on the head of my penis. It started after rough masturbation and unprotected sex, a week ago. The photo is exactly the same. I believe it a yeast infection that is affecting the urethra. I have laid off the masturbation & sexual contact for the week and have started applying an anti-fungel cream which has settled the redness. The chemist told me to apply for 2 weeks daily after it goes to be safe.
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Avatar universal
If you are still at a lost with a condition here are a few suggestions of possibility.  1st, Candidiasis/Male Thrush/Penile Yeast Infection you can google it and also see pics of it.  Yeast infections are not always cured with a topical most have a Rx med called Diflucan, it is usually just one pill.  Yes men can take this as well.  Yeast sometimes has to be cured from the inside out.  Also, as a wash in the shower on the penis, try Aveeno Wash or even Summer's Eve Wash for sensitive areas not soap sometimes too harsh.  Might even consider trying probiotics just to help with overall health. 2nd,  there is something else to check into called, Contact Dermatitis, it could be another possibility.  3rd, If you were told maybe bladder or kidney situation try adding Cranberry Juice of any type Crangrape, ect. or OTC Cranberry tabs.  The OTC Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride, drug numbs the lower part of the bladder and urethra less painful during urination but not advised to take for long periods or get the Rx one if the physician advises, maybe even just PRN whenever needed for the worst days, but does turn your urine orange/red and can stain underwear and toilets, and or at least until the problem is confirmed or to rule out and possible relief during urination.  Hope this information helps.   Always check with your physician before trying any regimen.
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