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Herpes or what?
I am so confused right now whether I have genital herpes or just a male yeast infection. I have a red rash on my scrotum that started off small but has spread. It doesn't itch alot but if i do scratch it I feel relief. There has been no blisters on the rash itself which makes me think it isnt herpes. I also have burning/stinging at the tip of my penis constantly, not only during urination. if i pull open my urethra I can see a sort of greyish ulcer.. I'm not sure if yeast infections cause this or if it really is herpes. I've been to the doctor but they are unsure of what it is, and it's still too early to get a blood test done, they keep coming back negative. i have to wait until the 3 month mark to be sure that this isnt herpes. all other STDS are negative from testing. My question is if a male yeast infection can cause a rash on the scrotum and a small ulcer/blister inside the urethra tip? If it were herpes i'm assuming the blister/ulcer would HURT alot, but it really is only a mild discomfort, same goes with the rash, just a mild discomfort. I took valacyclovir for a week prior to the rash, and when i finished my prescription the rash appeared. This makes me believe it's not herpes related because the week of the antiviral should have stopped the rash from ever appearing right? I really hope this isn't genital herpes, that would just ruin my life. i am praying this is just a yeast infection gone bad.. Only time will tell though. I know herpes symptoms vary by person, but i mean a rash that appears after a week of antivirals and then stays there for another 4 weeks without pain doesn't sound like typical herpes. the ulcer in my urethra is what really scares me, but i've read that yeast infections can SOMETIMES cause blistering? hopefully this is the case. i showed the doctor the ulcer and asked for a swab but he said there isn't anything to swab and nothing would grow from that. the symptoms showed up 5 weeks after a sexual encounter where the condom had broken and they've been persistent for the past 4 weeks. I don't know if the primary herpes outbreak usually lasts this long and yes i know it varies by person anyways that's my story..
herpes wouldn't linger like this. I'd certainly stop thinking herpes as a cause.
irritation wouldn't be causing you symptoms 5 months later either.
oh and indeed never use rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizers on the delicate genital skin!
irritation wouldn't be causing you symptoms 5 months later either.
oh and indeed never use rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizers on the delicate genital skin!
Hey grace,
Just an update and I'd like your opinion on the matter. So its been about 5 months since this all started. The rash is still there and so is the ulcer at my urethral opening. I'm from Canada and I got tested for both HSV 1 and 2 at the 3 month mark which came back negative. I was thinking of a possible cause for the ulcer and I remember that after the encounter where the condom had broken, I thought it would be an excellent idea to apply rubbing alcohol to my urethra using a q-tip. It stung a lot. Upon recent research I've discovered that applying any type of alcohol to that area is not recommended and plain old soap and water is the most that should be used. Anyways my theory is that the rubbing alcohol must have damaged the skin which is causing the discomfort in my urethra. Does this seem logical?
Just an update and I'd like your opinion on the matter. So its been about 5 months since this all started. The rash is still there and so is the ulcer at my urethral opening. I'm from Canada and I got tested for both HSV 1 and 2 at the 3 month mark which came back negative. I was thinking of a possible cause for the ulcer and I remember that after the encounter where the condom had broken, I thought it would be an excellent idea to apply rubbing alcohol to my urethra using a q-tip. It stung a lot. Upon recent research I've discovered that applying any type of alcohol to that area is not recommended and plain old soap and water is the most that should be used. Anyways my theory is that the rubbing alcohol must have damaged the skin which is causing the discomfort in my urethra. Does this seem logical?
it sounds far too late for a lesion culture of symptoms to be accurate.
usually topical antifungals are more helpful with genital yeast infections. not a bad idea to also pick up an otc jock itch cream and apply that twice a day for a week too.
usually topical antifungals are more helpful with genital yeast infections. not a bad idea to also pick up an otc jock itch cream and apply that twice a day for a week too.
Even if its too soon for a blood test they should be able to take a swab of the area to test for herpes. This is more accurate than bloods anyway.. hope this helps.
I questioned the doctor today if it could be a yeast infection and he said it's possible and suggested we treated it as one (also said he was 50/50 on the genital herpes). He prescribed 3 50mg tablets of co-fluconazole which I took today. He said if I see improvement within 24 hours it was probably fungal. So I guess i'll just wait until tomorrow and re-inspect the area.
stop poking and prodding at your penis!! you'll just add to your discomfort.
this doesn't sound like herpes going on.
no more herpes antivirals either!
continue to follow up with your provider as needed. did you even treat for a fungal rash yet?
grace
this doesn't sound like herpes going on.
no more herpes antivirals either!
continue to follow up with your provider as needed. did you even treat for a fungal rash yet?
grace
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
