UTI and Irritation at tip of Penis

[exilesgate]

Around Dec 5, I started feeling a slight irritation at the tip of my penis. I thought maybe from working out at the gym with some ill-fitting shorts. But I got blood tests for STDs, negative.Then I had frequent urge to urinate with very low flow around Dec 25. Primary Doctor blood tested again for STDs(all negative) said UTI or Prostatitis, Gave me Cipro. I was feeling better and stopped taking Cipro around Jan 18. The urge frequency came back,flow was weak but not as bad as in December, and a bit of dull pain in the groin, maybe testicles, abdomen, hard to tell. I have some Cipro left, so I got back on it, along with Cranberry Juice and water, which I was doing before anyway. The irritation at the tip of the penis had pretty much stayed with no change. My primary doctor said it could be eczema or psoriasis, so he said apply over the counter hydrocortozone. I did starting 2 weeks ago , but then , when the UTI symptoms came back, I wondered if the hydrocortozone got into the urethra and caused the syptoms (symptoms)?I'm not sure if the hyrocortozne helped. It says not for internal use, but the irritation is so close to the urethra!  I plan to see a urologist in 2 days. Any thing I should ask about? Any tests that should be done? Is the penis irritation causing the infection?  also, any correlation to HPV and these symptoms?
Should I continue with Cipro? What to do about the irritation? How is the prostate involved? Do I need them to look inside the urethra?Thanks for the help.Oh, and what about sex or masturbation? How does it relate?Thanks

[Kevin Pho, MD]

If most of the initial tests are negative, you may want to consider more specialized testing.  Non-infectious causes like a urethral polyp or stricture can also cause similar symptoms - and can be evaluated with a cystoscopy.

You can also further evaluate the prostate - which can lead to the symptoms you describe.  A thorough digital rectal exam as well as imaging studies like a transrectal ultrasound can be considered for further evaluation.

The urology referral is an appropriate next step.  I am not aware of hydrocortisone leading to the symptoms.  It is possible, but unlikely, that HPV is connected to your symptoms.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
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