std symptoms?

[guy0323]

I had a brief sexual encounter approx. (6) days ago with an old acquaintance while intoxicated. It consisted of unprotected oral sex for approx. 10 seconds followed by approx. 10 seconds of unprotected vaginal intercourse before I ended the encounter without completion. I have a long term girlfriend and felt overwhelming sense of shame about the activity.

The next morning approx. 7 hours later, I felt a mild burning sensation on my left testicle, scrotum and general groin / thigh area. This mild burning continues to persist and I have located a small red line approx. (3) rash under my testicle that runs up towards the base of my penis along the groin. I thought this could potentially be some sort of jock itch issue but it is not generally itchy and the burning is mild but noticeable. It has not gotten worse or better over the previous 5 days and the small potential rash still exists.

Over the last few days, I'm having consistent issues with urinating frequently or having the feeling I have to urinate even though I do not. I have not had any burning sensation while peeing or discharge but it continues to feel sort of uncomfortable around my penis and urethra area. From reading previous posts, it seems like genital focused anxiety could be the cause but I am unsure.

Also, I have had a cold this week, with coughing and some sinus issues, I don't believe I have had a fever. Unsure if this could be related. I am concerned for the well being of my significant other and what my next step would be. Do these symptoms sound like a potential STD / STI. Chlamydia or Herpes? She has no known STDs other then cold sores - HSV1 I believe. I have only ever been diagnosed with HPV approx. 2 years ago with no recurrences. I am potentially going take an STD panel Monday if the symptoms continue to persist and I feel I should anyway to let my partner know.

Thanks for your help and look forward to a reply. It is much appreciated!

[guy0323]

Thank you Dr., I appreciate the timely and informative response. Take Care

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the forum.  Thanks for your question.

You say nothing about your "old acquaintance's" sexual lifestyle.  If she gets it on frequently with casual partners, obviously the STD risk is higher than if this was equally out of character for her as for you.

But even if she had an STD, it isn't the cause of your symptoms.  First, they started much too soon:  no infection, STD or otherwise, can start to cause symptoms in 7 hours.  Two days is about the minimum.  Second, there are no STDs that start out as skin rash of the type and location you describe, or that cause cough or sinus symptoms.  Your urinary symptoms are typical for genitally focused anxiety, which can cause elevated bladder muscle tension and is extremely common in people with an "overwhelming sense of shame" (your words) over a regretted sexual decision.

If your symptoms continue or you otherwise remain concerned, getting checked for STDs makes sense, if only for the reassurance expected from the negative results that you can expect.  But please don't waste money on an extensive panel that includes tests for infections for which you were not at risk.  It would be better to see a doctor or clinic with experience in STDs (e.g., a health department STD clinic, Planned Parenthood, etc).  Any testing can safely be limited to urine for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and blood tests for syphilis and HIV.  (The last aren't valid until 4-6 weeks after exposure; don't waste money on testing before then.)

I hope this has helped.  Best wishes--  HHH, MD