STDs and resulting exams...

[japayuki]

Dear Dr. H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D,

Between May to the 2nd week of August, I've been with 4 CSW (4 protected intercourse / 1 received unprotected oral).  I thought I had Herpes because I saw what I thought was a lesion in September and took a trip to my doctor.  A visual inspection, he quickly dismissed it as nothing.  I didn't feel comfortable with the answer, I wen to Planned Parenthood and took an HIV/Gonorrhea/Chlamydia exam in October, all negative.  The doctor in Planned Parenthood took a look at my "bump" and claimed it was a Genital Wart.

Still worried that it was Herpes, I took a comprehensive test in November and one as of 01/04/2010.  Everything came back negative.  The result of the "Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Types I and II Specific Antibodies, IgG test" was negative <0.90 both times.

In November, I went to an Urologist and he took the supposed "bump" and took it for a biopsy.  It came back as a sweat gland.  The Urologist stated that no traces of HPV was found.

As of today, the only thing that bothers me is that from time to time, I get a slight tingling sensation on the penis head.  It has a slight red blush but that's it.  My urologist stated that it could be Balanitis.  I'm working with a mental counselor to move on from this ordeal.

My questions are:

1.) How likely is it that my Balanitis is something else?

2.) Do you think further testing is necessary?

3.) Do you think I could be asymptomatic?

4.) How persistent is Balanitis?  Does it come and go?  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The sensations you describe are not suggestive of STD.  Sometimes after an exposure that, in retrospect, one wishes they had not had, persons tend to examine themselves and be far more attuned to genital sensations than in periods when they are not concerned.  This in turns leads to noticing what turn out to be normal sensations that might have been not noticed or ignored at other times.  Perhaps this is a contributor to your situation.  EWH

[japayuki]

Just a quick question... from time to time, I get these fleeting pains from my groin area.  As of late, there's been no discomfort but it seems that once I get a bit anxious, I notice the pain... just wondering what that could be.

Last question, promise.  :o)

Thanks, one last time.

[japayuki]

Thank you for your input.  I appreciate your time and expert knowledge in this matter.

Hopefully, I can move on from this.  This has been a traumatic experience and I'm seeking mental counseling.  Your reassurance makes me feel better!

Thanks again!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome back to our Forum.  I am sure that your negative tests were a relief to you as I know you worry about STDs a great deal from our prior interaction.  The test results you have are to be believed.  You do not have any of the STDs you were tested for, that is something you can be confident in.  let's address your specific questions:

1.  Balanitis is a non-specific term used to describe inflammation of the head of the penis.  Fungal infection and benign dermatological problems are the most common cause of balanitis.  most balanitis is self limited and is rarely any sort of health concern.  In your case it is unlikely that your balanitis represents any sort of STD.   I would urge you to try not to worry about it.

2.  No further STD testing is needed related to the exposures you describe..  I am confident of this.

3.  No, if you had an asymptomatic STD the tests would have found them.

4.  See above, if yours comes and goes it is almost certainly nothing serious and is NOT an STD.

Hope these comments help.  EWH