Bumps on the Glans: Possible Causes and Concerns

Q: Bumps on the Glans: Possible Causes and Concerns

Hello： This facility cannot provide a diagnosis, but warts typically take several weeks or longer to appear after infection, with some cases taking over a year. <br>If there are any growths that increase in size, medical attention is necessary. <br>It is difficult to diagnose fro

There is a protrusion on the glans penis?

Hello Doctor, two weeks ago I had more frequent sexual activities, including unprotected oral sex and protected intercourse.
During that week, I experienced itching and a slight burning sensation on the glans, which lasted for about three days.
After using a cooling body wash, I noticed a more intense discomfort, and the glans developed raised red areas and small bumps (not many).
About ten days later, the raised areas no longer caused discomfort or itching.
I have been taking oral antibiotics and applying tetracycline hydrochloride ointment prescribed by the clinic, but the raised areas still feel unchanged, and I am concerned about a possible infection with genital warts.
I took some photos with a magnifying camera and would like to ask the doctor to confirm whether there is a possibility of a genital wart infection and if this is a typical early stage process.
Additionally, if there are genital warts present but none in the oral cavity, would performing unprotected oral sex on someone else pose a risk of transmitting the infection?

Ya Li Hao Da, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/12

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: This facility cannot provide a diagnosis, but warts typically take several weeks or longer to appear after infection, with some cases taking over a year.
If there are any growths that increase in size, medical attention is necessary.
It is difficult to diagnose from images when they are initially small.
However, one should be aware if there is any change in size.
If someone has warts, regardless of their location, protective measures should be taken during sexual activity, including oral sex.
Warts require special attention to protection.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/05/12

More Info

Understanding bumps on the glans can be concerning, especially after experiencing symptoms like itching, burning, and the appearance of red bumps or small lesions. Based on your description, it seems you may be experiencing a condition that could be related to a few different causes, including infections, irritations, or even benign conditions.

Firstly, the symptoms you described—itching, burning sensation, and the emergence of red bumps—could be indicative of a few possibilities. One common cause could be a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as genital warts (caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV), which can present as small bumps or lesions on the genital area. However, other infections, such as herpes or candidiasis (yeast infection), could also present with similar symptoms.

The fact that you mentioned the bumps appeared after engaging in sexual activities, particularly without protection, raises the possibility of an STI. Genital warts, for instance, can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, even if there are no visible lesions on the partner. If you have engaged in oral sex, it is also possible to transmit HPV to the oral cavity, although the risk of developing warts in the mouth is lower compared to the genital area.

In terms of your concern about whether you could have contracted HPV (often referred to colloquially as "cauliflower" due to the appearance of the warts), it is important to note that the initial stages of HPV infection may not always present with noticeable symptoms. The bumps you are experiencing could be early signs of genital warts, but they could also be due to irritation from the use of a strong body wash or other non-infectious causes, such as folliculitis or contact dermatitis.

Given that you have already sought treatment with antibiotics and topical medications, it is crucial to follow up with a healthcare provider for a thorough examination. A healthcare professional can perform a physical examination and may recommend further testing, such as a swab or biopsy, to determine the exact nature of the bumps. They can also provide guidance on appropriate treatment options based on the diagnosis.

Regarding your question about the transmission of HPV through oral sex, it is indeed possible to transmit the virus through oral-genital contact. If a person has genital warts, they can potentially infect their partner's mouth or throat. However, not everyone who is exposed to HPV will develop warts or other symptoms, as many individuals may clear the virus without ever knowing they were infected.

In conclusion, while your symptoms could suggest a possible STI, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Avoiding sexual contact until you have been evaluated can help prevent potential transmission to partners. Additionally, discussing vaccination options for HPV with your healthcare provider may be beneficial, as vaccines can help prevent certain strains of the virus associated with genital warts and cervical cancer.

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