Symptoms Come and Go

[graniteone]

I have a question regarding some symptoms that I have been having. After having unprotected anal sex (receiver) a week ago I have noticed that I am having a slight burning sensation sometimes. Also when I ejaculate there is the same slight burning sensation. I frist thought that it was due to lack of drinking water because the urine had a strong smell. After drinking large amounts of water the burning went away. I also find that if I dont drink and excessive amount of water it comes back.

If I have been exposed and have gonorrhea will drinking lots of water make the burning go away?

Should I still get checked for gonorrhea if this is my only symptom?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I'm somewhat confused by your question.  If you were the receptive partner in anal sex (bottom), there is no way you could have acquired a urethral infection, unless there also was penile exposure either anally (top) or orally.  Or perhaps there were other penile exposures aside from the event you describe?

In any case, your symptoms are compatible with sexually acquired urethritis:  gonorrhea, chlamydia, or nonchlamydial NGU.  They might be caused by a non-STD urinary tract infection, but UTIs are rare in younger men without underlying abnormalities of the urinary tract, recent genitourinary surgery, etc.

By the way, unless you have HIV infection yourself, I hope you asked your partner's HIV status and assured he is HIV negative.  Unprotected receptive anal sex with HIV positive partners (or partners whose HIV status is unknown) is by far the most efficient way to acquire HIV sexually.

Bottom line:  See a health care provider about the burning sensation right away.  Your local health department STD clinic would be a good choice.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[JohnnyV]

If the other person was inserting into you, why would you have burning sensations when urinating? I don't think any STDs can get into your system through the anus and then cause symptoms in your urethra.

J