[Question #10334] What could it be? What should I be tested for?

24 months ago

I had unprotected sex with my new girlfriend from Ukraine.

4 days after I got this irritation at the tip of the urethra.
I also had some powerful heat radiation from the groin.
I also felt very fuzzy in my head.
All the symptoms disappeared after a week except for the irritation at the tip of the urethra.

Here 2 months after I still have this irritation, a burning sensation.
There is absolutely nothing to see, and nothing to meassure.

I have been tested for:

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Syphilis, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, HIV 1+2.
And then once more for Gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia, Trichomonas.

And then finally for Mycoplasma genitalium.

Also I have had two urine tests with negative results on the strip, and with no bacteria after cultivation.

The only thing that helps reducing the symptoms are some long walks.

My own suggestion is that it could be some kind of fungus, or perhaps a new STI that has not yet been discovered. Do you have any suggestions?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

24 months ago

Welcome to our forum. Thank you for your questions. I’ll be glad to comment.

I think it is time for you to look for non-STI causes of your discomfort. The occurrence of this discomfort following initiation of sexual activity with a new partner may very well be coincidental. Currently available tests for STI‘s are highly reliable, and now that you have been tested on two occasions, you could be confident that you were not infected.

Discomfort of the tip of the penis is not a sign or symptom of any STI. If there is redness of the area, a fungal infection is a possibility however, in the absence of visible redness, or other signs of irritation, I think a fungus is unlikely. Pain at the tip of the penis is reported as an occasional symptom for persons who have prostate infections (and prostatitis is rarely, if ever do to STI’s bacteria), as well as persons who have arthritis of the lower spine.

The fact that long, relaxing walks may help are suggested that this could be a low back problem. I would suggest that you seek evaluation by a trained clinician who can evaluate you both for low back disease and for prostatitis. This is not an STI. EWH.

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24 months ago

Thank you very much for your professional response.
My own doctors have also said it is not an STI. I just needed an outside expert's point of view.
I've actually had lower back pain recently because of heavy lifting and hedge cutting, and it's interesting that there may be a possible connection.
I am happy to consider other possible causes and will try to look more into it.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

24 months ago

Thanks for your follow up. I hope your discomfort resolves soon. Sometimes rest and time are the best remedies. EWH ---

24 months ago

My condition has already improved significantly after receiving a lower back massage. Your help has been invaluable. Thank you very much for pointing out that connection. It changed everything.