Bumps on shaft of penis

[iceberg136]

Hello –

I was sexually active with someone diagnosed with genital herpes.  While the situation wasn’t perfect, we are in a loving relationship.  Nonetheless, we had unprotected sex a couple of times.  Careless, yes, but I immediately got an HSV2 test, which turned out negative – approx early Nov.  

We continued in our relationship, being very conscious of her situation, her keeping me aware when she had an outbreak and using condoms.  As it turns out the condom broke recently – unbeknownst to us – this was about 5 weeks ago from today.  While she did not have an outbreak at the time, I got tested nonetheless – waited two weeks to get tested and again the results were negative.  

I would note during this time I have shown no signs of having any symptoms and thus far tested negative twice.  

So here’s my question.  I was shaving my groin area the other day (shaft included) and over the course of this last week I’ve noticed small pumps developing.  They appear to be fluid filled and do not hurt, nor cause and discomfort -- very small too.  I’m currently traveling and don’t have access to a doctor, so I was hoping this board could at least shed some light on the topic in the meantime.  Again, they are a bit clustered in areas (probably 5 in total) where hair usually grows, they’ve emerged over the last week and do not hurt.  I would also note that I do not have any other signs nor symptoms of genital herpes -- physical symptoms, swelling, discomfort, headaches, etc.

Thank you for your assistance.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I apologize, but I can't answer your question without seeing you.  If the bumps are indeed fluid-filled, then this could be herpes, but I'm not sure your description is accurate.  There's not much you can do right now even if it is herpes, since oral anti-herpes antibiotics don't do much once the outbreak has started, and topical creams don't do anything.  If you can't see a doctor where you are, take a picture and see a doctor when you get home, and perhaps another herpes test.  One other thought--if you turn out not to have herpes (and I bet you don'), speak to your girlfriend about discussing suppressive treatment with ongoing Valtrex, an antibiotic she can take to reduce the chances of transmitting herpes between outbreaks.  It doesn't eliminate the risk, but does lower it.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[iceberg136]

Thanks for your post -- appreciate the difficulty in digitally diagnosing the situation.  Given the myriad of information out there and my situation specifically, are there a targeted set of signs I should be aware in my case: full body implications, redness of sores, tenderness to the touch, etc.

Again, thx for your post.

Kind regards