Penile Pain

[whatever1988]

I'm a 19 year old circumcised sexually active male. For the past roughly 3 months I’ve experienced significant 24/7 pain in various area's of my penis.  Generally confined to the tip of the penis and where the penis meets the scrotum. I also have some visible skin irritation and what seems a very small growth just next to the urethra on the left side - this area is sensitive. In addition this area is quite red. It is sometimes painful around these spots when I ejaculate and often more painful for the week following any ejaculation than if I don't ejaculate at all. And often painful there when urinating in week odd post ejaculation. In addition I have had other body symptoms including: Occasional nausea, significant increase in feeling of cold, unexplained ankle pain. The only thing unusual in the time previous was the day before the pain came on I masturbated using the jets on those home spa baths things (never done that b4) - though I noticed the force of the water caused my erection to fade so I stopped reasonably quickly. I have had the following tests: Chlaymidia - neg, Herepes - neg, UTI - neg, Penile Ultrasound - normal, Prostate examine - normal, Prostate Ultrasound - normal, Bladder Ultrasound - some indirect signs of small kidney stones, Kidney Ultrasound - normal, Cystoscope – normal. I have seen doctors and one urologist. Who are now are slumped for an answer even saw a psychiatrist to see if I was just going crazy and it was all in my head - he said no and that he thought I had a physical problem. I guess my question is I’ve seen a urologist who can't find a physical problem and a psychiatrist who doesn't think it’s in my head. I've kind of given up on ever finding a solution - is there any point seeing any more doctors or specialists or having any more tests - or have I kind of hit the end of the medical road? Also not sure if its relevant but in the months before the pain came on i was on oral prednisone a lot - got very bad glandular fever. Thanks.

[Stephen Liroff, MD]

You certainly have been proactive and persistent in your quest! Your test results are all negative as are your physical findings except for the skin lesions. I cannot think of a physical condition that ties your penile pain to your voiding and to your skin and is also influenced by your ejaculate. I would consider another urological opinion. If this is not helpful, then you  may well have to accept this as one of those set of symptoms without an explanation and thus a situation that you will have to accommodate in your life.
Good luck!
S.A.Liroff, M.D

This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. It
does not  necessarily reflect the opinions of Henry Ford  Hospital  or the
Vattikuti Urologic Institute.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic
and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical  condition