[Question #14038] Follow up - pelvic issues

1 months ago

Hello Dr. Hook and team-

Several months back, I asked a question about some massage experiences that I regret and have been dealing with the consequences of ever since. You let me know at the time that I was not at risk for an STI based on only hand contact. I’ve struggled with pelvic pain and sensitivity issues ever since, to varying degrees

. I’ve seen a urologist and dermatologist along the way, both of which said they thought it was unlikely that I could have an STI. I did do a full round of STI testing a week after my last exposure which was about 10 months ago now. Also follow on urine test only at about three months. All were negative. I’m having a hard time putting this all behind me because I have sensitivity in my penis, tightness and muscle pain around my anus and just general pelvic floor issues (weak urine stream that comes and goes). I’ve been having the thought lately that maybe I should go through another full round of STI testing. The test that I did would’ve covered all of my exposures, except that last one, which was hand only contact like the rest, but my test was only one week after that last exposure last summer. But, I’ve had the thought that maybe I’m more likely to have a false positive that would put me over the edge of my anxieties and so maybe doing a test would do more harm than good. Wondering what your thoughts are. Can I put this behind me? I just have a hard time resting with the anxiety about this and having physical symptoms in my pelvic area. Thank you.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 months ago

Welcome back to the Forum and thanks for your questions. I’m sorry that you are continuing to be troubled by pelvic symptoms. I remain confident however that they do not represent an STI. The symptoms you describe are not those associated with STIs. Further testing is not going to show an STI and, as you point out, there is a small chance that testing could give a false positive result. Sometimes anxiety can create muscle spasms and not uncommonly looking for symptoms leads heightened awareness of normal sensations which would normally be overlooked.

I urge you to put this behind you. If you are having trouble doing this on your own discussing your situation with a trained, confidential counselor is often helpful. EWH

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21 days ago

Hi Dr Hook -

A quick update. About four months ago, I noticed a raised linear skin colored line that has not changed is not hard and doesn’t hurt on the underside of my penis shaft. I finally went to the dermatologist today and the PA examined and took a biopsy because he said he didn’t know what it was, could be award, but wasn’t sure. Does this change your assessment at all? I was trying to put this behind me to figure out what this was and thought he would say it was nothing, but now my anxiety is raised again.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

21 days ago

Thanks for the additional information. Please let us know what your biopsy shows. It does not sound like a wart. My recommendations are unchanged. EWH---

11 days ago

Hi Dr Hook- I finally got the biopsy lab report:

Results: Solar Lentigo - Sections reveal elongated rete ridges and hyperpigmentation of basal keratinocytes. Most prominent at the bases of rete ridges. No atypical intraepidermal melanocytes were identified in multiple levels.

Am I okay? The nurse said no follow up needed.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

11 days ago

Solar lentigos are sometimes called “ age spots” or“ liver spots”. They are benign lesions. They are not STI or sexual activity related.

Time to move forward. I’ll close the thread now. Thanks so much for sharing your results. EWH

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