[Question #2944] Could I have contracted HPV, or am I experiencing somatic symptoms?
92 months ago
|
I'm a married man who, for the typical reasons, has decided to see sex workers from time to time. STIs have been my greatest fear, so I only receive massages that end with manual release.
About 15 weeks ago I received such a massage, but this time the woman invited me to touch her vulva, which I did. She then got on top of me in such a way that kept our pubic areas apart (she was facing away from me), and masturbated me with lotion against her stomach. I was touching her vagina while this happened. I was mindful to not touch my penis with that hand, but I can't be 100% sure that I didn't as I cleaned up and got into the shower.
About 5 weeks after this happened, I developed a burning sensation on my penis. No bumps or sores, just burning irritation around my circumcision scar. Over the next 10 weeks I’ve been to a dermatologist (twice) and my primary care doctor. No one can find anything wrong. It’s not fungal or bacterial. STD tests negative. I’ve been in a state of terror over this. I’m distraught over having to tell my wife, and the over the effect this will have on my family. I can’t sleep and I’ve lost 25lbs. Both the dermatologist and my primary care doctor are telling me that this irritation is due to my emotional stress and compulsive checking for warts. I’m going to see a therapist about this tomorrow.
So, my questions are: 1) How possible was HPV transmission, and 2) is it possible for somatic symptoms like this to be brought on by intense anxiety?
![]() |
Edward W. Hook M.D.
92 months ago
|
91 months ago
|
My irritation has persisted for 3 months now and no doctor can find a cause for it. My primary care physician, dermatologist, and now a urologist all see nothing wrong. I was in a normal mental state (at least consciously) when this burning sensation first appeared. My symptoms appeared 5 weeks after this incident, and from what I'm reading, the only pathogens that have that long of a latency period are viruses, which is why I'm fixated on this as a possible cause.
Have you ever heard of herpes causing symptoms such as this? I understand that the virus inhabits nerve cells. Is it possible that I'm infected, it's affecting my nerves (causing the pain), but not manifesting with any of the characteristic legions? I asked my doctor for an HSV antibody test, but she refused, saying that the test results can cause more harm than good. But I can't stop fixating on the idea that a virus is at work here.
Of course, it's also possible that a) this condition has nothing to with sexual transmission or b) it's a somatic expression of psychological stress. I'm trying to convince myself that this isn't an STI, but the anxiety surrounding that idea is quite strong.
Again, thank you for time and attention!
![]() |
Edward W. Hook M.D.
91 months ago
|
91 months ago
|
I've read that it's possible for the initial outbreak to be so mild that it's confused with a fungal or yeast infection, which is what I thought I had at first.
I've also read about "Postherpetic neuralgia", in which damage to the nerves produces lasting neuropathy such as burning sensations, which is what I'm experiencing. I understand that PHN is normally associated with herpes zoster, but I've been reading conflicting reports online about it also occurring with HSV. Is this possible with HSV?
Despite my doctor's objection, I'm getting an IgG blood test done tomorrow. She's stressing to me that a positive result does not mean I was infected 4 months ago, but I would find that very hard to believe. My wife and I have been together for 15 years, prior to my infidelity. In that time I've never experienced any symptoms.
Thank you for all of your help.
![]() |
Edward W. Hook M.D.
91 months ago
|