Urological Symptoms: Are They Related to STDs?

Q: Urological Symptoms: Are They Related to STDs?

Hello： I went to the hospital for a check-up, including a urine test, blood draw, and CT scan, and everything came back normal. <br>However, routine tests cannot detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the gastrointestinal tract, including urine tests and urine bacterial

Is it caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

I am 174455.
I went to a major hospital for a check-up, including urine tests, blood draws, and a CT scan, and everything was normal.
However, general tests cannot detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the gastrointestinal tract, including urine tests and urine bacterial cultures.
Should I undergo special testing for STIs in urine and stool as the clinic suggested? Sometimes my glans and the coronal sulcus are red, swollen, and painful, which makes me feel the urge to urinate frequently.
Many doctors say there is no connection; why is this happening? Additionally, there are some red spots on my glans, but they are not itchy or painful.
Could this be glans inflammation or candidal balanitis? The pain in my lower abdomen also radiates to my genitals, causing me significant stress in my daily life.
I often need to take sleeping pills at night, and despite spending a lot of money, I haven't found relief.
When I visited the major hospital, a doctor mentioned that I might have damaged the surface of the coronal sulcus by using irritating soaps and body washes.
I was advised to rinse with clean water, and I have been doing that for a while, but I still experience pain and itching.
I have also applied ointment and noticed that the surface of the coronal sulcus appears more pink and smooth compared to other areas of the foreskin, which have a different color.
I appreciate your help.

Xiao Qiang, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/18

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: I went to the hospital for a check-up, including a urine test, blood draw, and CT scan, and everything came back normal.
However, routine tests cannot detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the gastrointestinal tract, including urine tests and urine bacterial cultures.
Should I specifically request tests for STIs in urine and stool as the clinic suggested? Sometimes, my glans and the corona sulcus are red, swollen, and painful, which makes me feel the urge to urinate frequently.
Many doctors say there is no connection.
Is there really no significant correlation? Additionally, I have some red spots on my glans, but they are not itchy or painful.
Could this be glans inflammation or candidal balanitis? Both could be possible, and the pain in my perineum radiates to my genitals, causing me a lot of stress in my life.
I often need to take sleeping pills at night and have spent a lot of money without improvement.
When I visited the hospital, a doctor said that I might have damaged the surface of the corona sulcus by using irritating soaps and shower gels.
He advised me to rinse with clean water.
I have been rinsing with clean water for a while, but I still experience pain and itching, and I have applied ointment.
I noticed that the surface of the corona sulcus appears more pink and smooth compared to the color of the other folds of the foreskin, which seems different.
I apologize for the trouble.
Please advise me.
--> Keeping the genital area clean and dry should suffice.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/10/18

More Info

Understanding urological symptoms, especially in relation to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), can be quite complex. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that include redness and swelling in the glans (the head of the penis), frequent urination, and discomfort in the genital area. You also mentioned that you have undergone various tests, including urine analysis and blood tests, which did not reveal any significant issues. However, you are concerned about the possibility of an STD and the relationship between your symptoms and the condition of your glans.

Firstly, it is important to note that standard urine tests and cultures may not always detect STDs, particularly if the infection is localized or if specific tests for STDs are not performed. Common STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea require specific testing, often involving urine samples or swabs from the affected area. If you suspect an STD, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider about getting specific tests for these infections.

The symptoms you describe, such as redness and swelling of the glans, could be indicative of several conditions, including:
1. Balanitis: This is an inflammation of the glans, which can be caused by infections (bacterial or fungal), irritants (such as soaps or lotions), or poor hygiene. The presence of red spots or rashes could suggest a fungal infection, such as candidiasis (yeast infection), especially if there is no itching or pain.

2. Allergic Reaction or Irritation: The use of harsh soaps or personal care products can lead to irritation of the sensitive skin in the genital area. If you have recently changed products, this could be a contributing factor.

3. Sexually Transmitted Infections: Certain STDs can cause symptoms similar to what you are experiencing. For example, herpes can cause sores and discomfort, while chlamydia and gonorrhea may lead to urethritis, which can cause pain during urination and increased frequency.

4. Psychological Factors: Anxiety and stress can exacerbate physical symptoms, leading to increased awareness of discomfort and frequent urination. This could explain why you feel the need to take sleeping pills to manage your stress.

Given your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life, it is crucial to follow up with a healthcare provider who can conduct a thorough examination and possibly refer you for specialized testing. They may recommend:
- Specific STD Testing: To rule out infections that standard tests may not cover.

- Dermatological Evaluation: If there are persistent skin changes, a dermatologist may provide insights into whether it is a dermatological condition or an infection.

- Urological Consultation: A urologist can assess your urinary symptoms and provide treatment options tailored to your needs.

In the meantime, practicing good hygiene by gently cleaning the area with water and avoiding irritants can help alleviate some symptoms. If you notice any worsening of your symptoms or new developments, seek medical attention promptly.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may not directly indicate an STD, they warrant further investigation to rule out infections and other underlying conditions. Open communication with your healthcare provider about your concerns and symptoms is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment.

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