Possible Urethral Infections: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment

Q: Possible Urethral Infections: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment

Hello, regarding your question, my answers are as follows： 1. Am I really infected with herpes? I don't know. Further testing or a visit to a physician is necessary for diagnosis. 2. If I am infected, what is the incubation period? If it is herpes, it is

Hello, doctor. I suspect that I have contracted measles?

Hello, Doctor.
I started experiencing symptoms a little over three years ago.
I have small blisters located between the foreskin and the base of the penis, which are itchy but not painful.
When the blisters burst, they leave a wound that heals similarly.
I have never had any lesions on the head of the penis.
Each episode lasts about seven days.
At that time, I had only been with my girlfriend, and we also engaged in oral sex.
After we broke up, I did not have any further sexual experiences, and I am certain she did not have any other partners.
Two days ago, I finally went to see a doctor because it flared up again.
He prescribed me medication for an infection (Acyclovir) because 1.
The location of my lesions is not typical for herpes lesions, which usually appear on the head, and they do not leave scars.
2.
Even if it were herpes, it cannot be completely cured.
Additionally, I noticed that if I do not clean myself after DIY activities or if my hands are dirty, I can develop these lesions (since I work in a metal factory and often get oily).
I also immediately called my ex-girlfriend to ask if she had similar symptoms, but she did not.

So my questions are:
1.
Did I really contract herpes?
2.
If so, what is the incubation period?
3.
If the incubation period is less than two years (it has been two years since we broke up), why did my ex-girlfriend not get infected?
4.
If I am infected, does that mean I cannot engage in sexual activity?
5.
If I get married and want to have children, and I cannot use condoms, will my wife be at risk of infection, and will the child need to be delivered via cesarean section?
6.
Is there a correlation with the likelihood of transmission? My mouth has no symptoms, and my ex-girlfriend did not contract it.

7.
Does using a condom prevent transmission to the partner?
8.
The doctor mentioned that there is only a 60% chance of detecting it through testing?
Please help me answer these questions.
Thank you, Doctor.
I will also seek further testing elsewhere and will directly check for any infections.

ooxx, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/11/23

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, regarding your question, my answers are as follows:
1.
Am I really infected with herpes? I don't know.
Further testing or a visit to a physician is necessary for diagnosis.

2.
If I am infected, what is the incubation period? If it is herpes, it is incurable; even if there are no visible symptoms, the virus remains hidden in the body and may reactivate when your immune system weakens.
3.
If the incubation period is not more than two years (it has been two years since the breakup), why didn't my ex-girlfriend get infected?
1.
Infection is not guaranteed at 100%.
2.
Even if infected, if the immune system is strong enough, symptoms typically do not manifest.
4.
If I am infected, can I still have sexual intercourse?
1.
The carrier rate in Taiwan is very high, over 70%.
2.
As long as there are no active symptoms, there should not be significant concerns.
3.
This condition cannot be cured and will remain with you permanently.
5.
If I get married and want to have children without using condoms, will my wife be infected by me, and will the child need to be delivered via cesarean section? To my knowledge, there is no such requirement.
For more detailed information, it is advisable to consult an obstetrician.
6.
Is there a probability of transmission? My mouth has no symptoms, and my ex-girlfriend did not get infected.
Even if pricked by a needle from an HIV-positive individual, it does not guarantee infection.
In your case, the likelihood of your girlfriend contracting the virus is not zero; she may not have shown symptoms yet or could have been carrying the pathogen prior.
7.
Does using a condom prevent transmission? Theoretically, it can.
8.
The doctor mentioned that there is only a 60% chance of detection? Most medical tests do not guarantee 100% accuracy.
The accuracy of herpes testing depends on the equipment used and the quality control of the operator.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2007/11/23

More Info

Understanding possible urethral infections is crucial for effective treatment and management. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing recurrent symptoms that could be indicative of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), possibly herpes simplex virus (HSV), given the presence of small blisters and itching. Here’s a breakdown of your concerns and some additional information that may help clarify your situation.

1. Infection Confirmation
The symptoms you describe—itchy, blister-like lesions on the penis—could indeed suggest a herpes infection, especially if they recur in the same area. However, other conditions, such as folliculitis, contact dermatitis, or even other STIs, could present similarly. A proper diagnosis typically requires a physical examination and possibly laboratory tests, such as a viral culture or PCR test, to confirm the presence of HSV.

2. Incubation Period
The incubation period for HSV can vary. Generally, symptoms can appear within 2 to 12 days after exposure. Since you mentioned that your last sexual encounter was over two years ago, it is less likely that you contracted the virus from a recent partner unless there was a prior exposure that went unnoticed.

3. Transmission to Partners
If you were indeed infected with HSV, it is possible for your partner to remain asymptomatic. Many individuals with HSV do not show symptoms, yet they can still transmit the virus. The fact that your ex-girlfriend does not exhibit symptoms does not necessarily mean she is uninfected; she may simply be asymptomatic.

4. Sexual Activity and Transmission Risks
If you are diagnosed with an active herpes infection, it is advisable to abstain from sexual activity until the lesions have healed completely. Engaging in sexual activity during an outbreak increases the risk of transmission. If you are considering marriage and wish to have children, it is essential to discuss your condition with your partner. While the risk of transmission can be reduced with the use of condoms, it is not entirely eliminated, especially during outbreaks.

5. Pregnancy Considerations
If you are diagnosed with genital herpes, it is crucial to inform your partner and discuss the implications for pregnancy. While many women with herpes have healthy pregnancies, precautions are taken during delivery to prevent transmission to the newborn, particularly if there are active lesions at the time of delivery.

6. Testing Reliability
Regarding the reliability of tests for STIs, it is true that no test is 100% accurate. The sensitivity of tests can vary, and false negatives can occur, particularly if the test is performed during the early stages of infection or if the lesions are not present at the time of testing. It is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider for further testing if symptoms persist or recur.

7. Preventive Measures
Using condoms can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting STIs, including herpes, but they do not provide complete protection since the virus can be present in areas not covered by the condom. Open communication with sexual partners about STI status and practicing safe sex are crucial steps in preventing transmission.

Conclusion
Given your symptoms and concerns, it is essential to follow up with a healthcare provider for a thorough examination and appropriate testing. They can provide you with a definitive diagnosis and discuss treatment options, which may include antiviral medications if herpes is confirmed. Additionally, consider discussing your concerns about future sexual activity and family planning with your partner to ensure both of you are informed and prepared.

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