urine flow and std symptoms

I'm a 39 year old male. Was sexually active and got Chlamydia, I believe, 7 years ago, did not get specific diagnosis from doctor, just burning when I urinated for a week.  That sypmtom never came back. I have not had sex for last three years. In the last year, it has been difficult to empty my bladder completely. The first 90% comes out in a strong stream, but the last dribbles out, or comes out in spurts.  Three days ago, I woke up and noticed eight red bumps on the tip of my penis, about 1-2mm in diameter each. The area was red, irritated looking, mildly sensitive to touch, sometimes itchy. The next day, the itching went away, but area was more sensitive to touch of underclothes, redness and bumps went down, but also had aches or a pinching pressure in penis shaft when urinating, no burning. The stream was often split in two, felt as though urethra was partially blocked.  Also had ache around the groin and upper thigh of right leg, near buttocks, the skin was sensitive in that area, as it is during a fever. The next day the red bumps went down further, but seem to have developed scar or scab beneath the surface of the bumps, and the ache around the groin and upper thigh has diminnished 95%. Please help.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Any change in urine flow warrants a prostate examination for infection or enlargement.  This can be done by a urologist or your personal physician via a digital rectal exam.  

Prostatitis can be a difficult infection to treat, and can lead to some rashes and itchiness.  A transrectal ultrasound can be considered to image the prostate to look for any abscesses - which can lead to difficult-to-treat infections.  

If those options are non-revealing, things like urethral strictures or urethral polyps can be present, leading to changes in the urinary stream.  A cystoscopy can be considered for further evaluation.  

Regarding the bumps, you may want to have them cultured for herpes, or consider viral cultures to help diagnose this disease.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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.
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