Slight redness at Urethral Opening

[MadBladder]

I am a 30 year old male, married.

3 days ago, in a moment of extreme stupidity, I had sex with an escort/prostitute. We had oral, vaginal and anal sex, but a condom was worn the entire time. I never ejaculated during intercourse, and only came from a handjob at the end of our meeting (no condom was used for the handjob).

Last night I noticed a slight redness and sensitivity to my urethral meatus (penis hole) as my penis brushed against my underwear. I looked to see a very slight redness, but it's not anything I would've noticed had the little bit of sensitivity (i.e. rawness?) not been there. I feel no other discomfort or symptoms (no burning, discharge, itching, bumps, etc.)

I also suffer from occasional allergies from my dogs and previously seemed to have some redness/dry-skin caused by condom use in the past. I do not know what type of condom it was, but I can assume latex. So I hope part of it is just paranoia.

But after reading around a bit, I am wondering if I could have chlamydia? If so, should I wait a while longer to be tested until more symptoms manifest?

I am hesitant to get tested because I have no health insurance at the time and would like to avoid the risk of exposing my terrible deed to my wife if it's truly nothing to worry about. I've already come to the realization that this was probably the dumbest thing I've ever done.

Please advise.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I'm still betting on latex.  If you wish to find out, try a latex condom again and see what ahppens.  If the reaction is similar you have your answer and it can be readily treated.  In addition, you would then know that you should use polyurethrane rather than latex condoms.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You have nothing to worry about.  Your mis-step was condom protected and condoms are highly effective for STD/HIV prevention. You have already provided several possible explanations for the redness you detect (recent sexual activity, latex allergy) and I will suggest one more - I suspect that your apprehension over your exposure has caused you to focus on your penis to a degree that is not normal for you. When one focuses in this way, they are likely to detect normal sensations and anatomical variations which are normal but overlooked when anxiety is not causing heightened awareness.  My guess is that his is what is going on.

As far as getting tested is concerned, go to your local health department.  They should provide testing at a reasonable price, if not for free and they are highly confidential.  If you get tested ( I really doubt that you need it), you results will be negative proving that your condoms worked and that you do not have an STD.

Take care.  EWH

[MadBladder]

Thanks for the re-assurance. I decided to give it a week and see if symptoms persisted. The sensitivity has gone away, but now I do get an occasional mild itching sensation "inside" my penis after urination. I kinda doubt that it is an STD at this point, but I definitely had some sort of reaction after the sex. Whether it be to the latex or something else. Is it possible that I have a urinary tract infection? Will a few bottles of cranberry juice do the trick?