Symptoms: Is It Genital Warts or Something Else? - Urology

Share to:

Could you please tell me if these symptoms are related to warts?


Hello doctor...
I had a sexual encounter with a sex worker 8 weeks ago.
During the encounter, she performed oral sex on me without a condom, but I used a condom for both oral and vaginal intercourse afterward.
However, the bedding looked dirty at the time.
Now, I can't shake the feeling of having something wrong.
Here’s the situation: when I am not erect, I have a complete phimosis (the glans becomes exposed when erect).
Although I wipe the glans with toilet paper after using the bathroom at home, sometimes a little residual urine comes out of the urethra, causing the glans to be slightly moist.
At school, due to the public restroom situation, I can only try to shake it dry before stopping.
Today, I noticed 1-2 red spots on the right side of the glans.
They are red in color, and when I shine a flashlight on them, there is no sign of "pus." Additionally, they are not visible when erect.
Can genital warts become temporarily invisible due to an erection? Sometimes I also see small ulcer-like spots nearby.
Previously, I went to a urologist for the red spots on my glans, and the doctor told me that the other red spots were due to a fungal infection and prescribed me a cream.
However, as soon as the glans becomes too moist, the red spots reappear.
Is there any solution for this? Lastly, after applying the cream, the area around the right side of the glans becomes itchy and painful for a short period, but urination is normal.
Is this normal? P.S.
I have a habit of washing my glans daily, using body wash only 1-2 times a week; otherwise, I wash with cold water.
Additionally, I had blood tests done 5 weeks after the sexual encounter, and they told me the blood was sent to Chi Mei Hospital for analysis.
Only HSV-1 tested positive.
What does this mean regarding the validity of the blood test taken 5 weeks later? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to respond.

zuò cuò shì de rén, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/04/21

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology


Person who made a mistake: Hello, I think your behavior is relatively acceptable; at least you understand the importance of protecting yourself.
Based on your description and the negative test results, it can be said that the likelihood of contracting genital warts is very low.
Of course, some individuals may have a unique constitution that could lead to the onset of genital warts beyond six weeks.
However, the majority of medical opinions suggest that if no symptoms appear after eight weeks, it is unlikely that one has contracted genital warts.
The method you used to clean the glans is quite correct; if there are any rashes, applying some baby oil after cleaning can help prevent fungal infections.
This is a response from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology at Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2007/04/21

More Info


It sounds like you are experiencing a range of concerning symptoms following a sexual encounter, and it's understandable to feel anxious about what they might mean. Based on your description, there are several potential issues to consider, including the possibility of genital warts, a fungal infection, or other dermatological conditions.
Firstly, genital warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear as small, flesh-colored or gray swellings in the genital area, and sometimes they can be mistaken for other skin conditions. It's important to note that genital warts typically do not cause pain or discomfort, but they can be itchy. The fact that you have noticed red spots on your glans (the head of the penis) could be indicative of several things, including irritation, a fungal infection, or indeed, warts.
The red spots you mentioned, especially if they are not accompanied by pus, could suggest a fungal infection, particularly if they recur when the area becomes moist. Fungal infections thrive in warm, damp environments, and if you are experiencing itching and discomfort, this could be a sign of a yeast infection or another type of fungal infection. The fact that your urologist prescribed a topical antifungal cream suggests that they suspected a fungal cause for your symptoms.

Regarding your concern about whether genital warts can become temporarily invisible when erect, it is possible for some lesions to change appearance based on the state of the skin and the underlying tissues. However, if you are seeing new symptoms or changes in your skin, it is crucial to have these evaluated by a healthcare professional.
As for the HSV-1 positive result from your blood test, it is important to understand that HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes, but it can also cause genital herpes through oral-genital contact. The presence of HSV-1 antibodies indicates that you have been exposed to the virus at some point, but it does not necessarily mean you have an active infection. If you are experiencing symptoms such as sores or lesions, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In terms of hygiene, while it is good that you are maintaining cleanliness, excessive washing or using harsh soaps can sometimes irritate the sensitive skin of the genital area. It is generally recommended to use mild soap and to avoid over-washing, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to irritation.

To summarize, your symptoms could be due to a variety of causes, including fungal infections, irritation, or possibly genital warts. It is essential to follow up with a healthcare provider who can perform a physical examination and possibly conduct further tests to determine the exact cause of your symptoms. They may recommend a different treatment plan based on their findings. In the meantime, try to keep the area dry and avoid any irritants that could exacerbate your symptoms.

Similar Q&A

Could You Have Genital Warts? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns

Hello, I have recently noticed small bumps around my labia, vaginal opening, and anus. The surrounding areas are swollen, and sometimes I experience pain while urinating and discomfort when riding my motorcycle. The bumps are not black or brown, but have a whitish appearance. The...


Dr. Zhang Chengye reply Urology
Hello: If the medication treatment is ineffective, we recommend that you return to the outpatient clinic (obstetrics and gynecology or dermatology) as soon as possible for further examination and treatment. Thank you!

[Read More] Could You Have Genital Warts? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns


Understanding Symptoms: Is It Genital Warts or Something Else?

I had sexual intercourse with my girlfriend about six days ago, on the 11th. On the 15th, I noticed a flesh-colored bump on my genital area while urinating. At first, I thought it was something minor, but later it started to grow, and today I noticed a few more bumps. I'm co...


Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
It should not be the case; genital warts (commonly known as cauliflower) would not appear in such a short time, at least not as a result of the sexual activity on the 11th. Unless this is your first sexual encounter, it is possible that the infection was acquired previously. If t...

[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Is It Genital Warts or Something Else?


Is It Genital Warts? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options

Recently, I noticed small bumps near the foreskin of my penis. Could this be genital warts? If so, is this considered an early symptom? Can it be treated with oral medication and topical treatments during a doctor's visit? Thank you.


Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: This platform cannot provide a diagnosis. If there has been unsafe sexual behavior, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation. If there has been no sexual activity, the chances are very low. Please maintain cleanliness and dryness, and wear loose-fitting underwear. Wish...

[Read More] Is It Genital Warts? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options


Is This a Sign of Genital Warts? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.


Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, a definitive diagnosis cannot be confirmed. The identification of warts requires not only the appearance of the lesions and the site of infection but also a biopsy of the lesions for confirmation. An in-person examination is necessary for accurat...

[Read More] Is This a Sign of Genital Warts? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns


Related FAQ

Genital Warts

(Urology)

Genital Warts Infection

(Urology)

Viral Warts

(Urology)

Genital Warts Transmission

(Urology)

Genitals

(Urology)

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

(Urology)

Itching

(Urology)

Hpv Testing

(Urology)

Herpes

(Urology)

Pubic Lice

(Urology)