Aa
Question - Very Worried
I am a 29 year old male. I have been dating my girlfriend for 2 months now who has assured me she got tested 5 months ago and is "clean". On Dec 15 I stupidly began having unprotected sex a couple of times.
On Jan 2 I noticed a couple of flat red circles on the shaft of my penis (almost resembling ring worm and the size of the back part of a Bic pen approximately). At first I thought it was just an abrasion. Around Jan 3rd I got a bad head cold. I was sneezing uncontrollably and coughing. I think I went through 5 boxes of tissues. It lasted for a couple of days and I loaded up on vitamin C, tea, etc. I then browsed the internet and learned that "flu-like symptoms" are a sign of oncoming herpes. I freaked. (I had been very run down due to a little bit "excessive" X-mas and New year parties I might add)
Since Jan. 3rd, the 3 or so pink, flat circles have "faded" to more normal skin color and then gotten slightly more pink if there is stimulation or touching on them. It has been about 19 days now and they have not gone through any of the typical phases of blisters for herpes i.e. blister, popping, ulcer, scabbing (for moist areas) and scabbing flaking for dry areas on penis; they are just staying as is and generally fading back to skin color. They do not hurt or itch and never have. I went to two doctors. The first a week ago said he was 90% - 95% sure it was not herpes due to the physical attributes described. The second I went to yesterday to get all STD tests done including HSV. He also said he didn't think it had the "typical" characteristics of herpes, stating the lesions "usually" hurt and usually have a blister like appearance - both traits to which I do not.
I then noticed yesterday the 18th for the first time, a slight burning when I urinated. I read that this too is a symptom. However, it lasts for a period of time even after I urinate and sit back down at my desk. It is very slight and is definitely on the inside (Urethra; my friend said it could be Chlamydia).
My questions are:
1) What is your professional opinion on the matter? I will be receiving my blood test results in about a week and am having serious anxiety episodes.
2) Is it normal for
On Jan 2 I noticed a couple of flat red circles on the shaft of my penis (almost resembling ring worm and the size of the back part of a Bic pen approximately). At first I thought it was just an abrasion. Around Jan 3rd I got a bad head cold. I was sneezing uncontrollably and coughing. I think I went through 5 boxes of tissues. It lasted for a couple of days and I loaded up on vitamin C, tea, etc. I then browsed the internet and learned that "flu-like symptoms" are a sign of oncoming herpes. I freaked. (I had been very run down due to a little bit "excessive" X-mas and New year parties I might add)
Since Jan. 3rd, the 3 or so pink, flat circles have "faded" to more normal skin color and then gotten slightly more pink if there is stimulation or touching on them. It has been about 19 days now and they have not gone through any of the typical phases of blisters for herpes i.e. blister, popping, ulcer, scabbing (for moist areas) and scabbing flaking for dry areas on penis; they are just staying as is and generally fading back to skin color. They do not hurt or itch and never have. I went to two doctors. The first a week ago said he was 90% - 95% sure it was not herpes due to the physical attributes described. The second I went to yesterday to get all STD tests done including HSV. He also said he didn't think it had the "typical" characteristics of herpes, stating the lesions "usually" hurt and usually have a blister like appearance - both traits to which I do not.
I then noticed yesterday the 18th for the first time, a slight burning when I urinated. I read that this too is a symptom. However, it lasts for a period of time even after I urinate and sit back down at my desk. It is very slight and is definitely on the inside (Urethra; my friend said it could be Chlamydia).
My questions are:
1) What is your professional opinion on the matter? I will be receiving my blood test results in about a week and am having serious anxiety episodes.
2) Is it normal for
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You describe the symptoms of a cold, not an STD. I'm not sure about the skin changes on your penis, but it doesn't sound at all like herpes. More important, 2 doctors have examined you and reassured you. (I'm not sure why you went to the second, having been given such strong reassurance by the first.) Herpes does not cause "spots" that persist unchaning over a couple of weeks. Herpes only causes sores that develop over a few days, scab over, then heal within 10-14 days.
1) I doubt you have herpes or any other STD.
2,3) The urinary discomfort probably isn't related to your sexual exposure in December. If/when urethral STD symptoms appear, it's generally within 2-3 weeks. But chlamydia might be a slight possibility. But probably not herpes.
4) Complex epidemiology. Obviously there are some settings in which HSV transmission is more efficient than in the monogamous couples selected for the research study.
5) Variation in color of a skin lesion is not a symptom of herpes.
I cannot guarantee you don't have an HSV-2 infection, because a quarter of the population has it. You could be tested if you wish. But if you do, it has nothing to do with any of the problems you describe. A positive test would mean you have asymptomatic genital herpes plus something else causing these other issues. But of course follow up with further visits to you doctors if you remain concerned.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
1) I doubt you have herpes or any other STD.
2,3) The urinary discomfort probably isn't related to your sexual exposure in December. If/when urethral STD symptoms appear, it's generally within 2-3 weeks. But chlamydia might be a slight possibility. But probably not herpes.
4) Complex epidemiology. Obviously there are some settings in which HSV transmission is more efficient than in the monogamous couples selected for the research study.
5) Variation in color of a skin lesion is not a symptom of herpes.
I cannot guarantee you don't have an HSV-2 infection, because a quarter of the population has it. You could be tested if you wish. But if you do, it has nothing to do with any of the problems you describe. A positive test would mean you have asymptomatic genital herpes plus something else causing these other issues. But of course follow up with further visits to you doctors if you remain concerned.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
I should also add that the doctor seemed to think the slight urethra sensation was probably a UTI due to the consistent sensation (not only when I urinated).
Last follow up - I promise (i'm extremely anxious) from a statistical point, my girlfriend and I had unprotected sex probably about 5 times in all. I also got tested a year ago for everything and was fine. Thanks so much
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
UTI is rare in healthy young men, so that doesn't seem likely. Otherwise the additional information doesn't change my opinion or advice.
Thank you very much for your response. I got tested for HSV2 yestereday. I'm praying it is negative. This is a wonderful site, and I'll definitely make a donation. Thank you so much again Doctor.
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
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.
