Urological Infections: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

There is a risk of infection?

Hello doctor, last week I had sexual relations with a woman, including unprotected intercourse and oral sex.
The next morning, I developed balanitis and felt like something was stuck in my throat.
On the third day, I visited a urologist who visually examined me and prescribed Lidocaine-V ointment.
I had similar symptoms of balanitis after unprotected intercourse last year.
Today is the sixth day, and my throat still feels uncomfortable.
I went to the same hospital to see a family medicine doctor who specializes in sexually transmitted diseases.
I told him I had seen a urologist but was still not feeling better.
I have been feeling the urge to urinate frequently, and he asked me to do a urinalysis.
Afterward, he said everything came back normal, but I’m not sure what tests were performed.
Then he asked me to open my mouth for a throat examination and said I had pharyngitis and a cold.
He prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication along with cold medicine, but I feel like this might not be a cold, and I don't have a fever.
He also didn't check my temperature to see if I might have an infection.
Which specialist should I see next?

001, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/03/12

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, I cannot be certain.
For throat issues, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist.
However, if there is a suspicion of a sexually transmitted infection, you can have a blood test for HIV and other infections three months later.
Then, after one year, you should have another blood test.
If both tests are negative, you can conclude that there is no infection.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.
Answers found online should only be used as a reference; it is essential to seek medical care at a healthcare facility when necessary.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, who cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2014/03/12

More Info

When dealing with urological infections, it is essential to understand the symptoms and know when to seek medical help. Based on your description, it sounds like you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that could indicate a urological infection, possibly exacerbated by recent sexual activity.
Urological infections can manifest in various ways, including pain during urination, increased urgency to urinate, discharge from the penis, and discomfort or inflammation in the genital area. In your case, the symptoms of balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis) and the sensation of something stuck in your throat could be indicative of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or another type of infection.

Given that you have had unprotected sexual intercourse, it is crucial to consider the possibility of STIs, which can often present with overlapping symptoms. Common STIs that could cause such symptoms include gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes. The fact that you have already seen a urologist and had a urinalysis that returned negative results is a good first step, but it does not rule out the presence of an STI, especially if the tests were not specifically targeted for these infections.

Your throat discomfort could also be related to oral sex, as certain STIs can be transmitted through oral contact. Pharyngeal infections caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia can lead to symptoms like a sore throat or the feeling of something being stuck in the throat. It is important to communicate this to your healthcare provider, as they may need to perform specific tests, such as a throat swab, to check for these infections.

In your situation, since your symptoms have not improved and you are experiencing ongoing discomfort, it would be advisable to seek further evaluation. You might consider returning to a urologist or visiting a specialist in infectious diseases or a sexual health clinic. These specialists can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and may conduct additional tests, including blood tests or swabs, to identify any underlying infections that may not have been detected in your initial visit.

Additionally, if you are experiencing significant discomfort or if your symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. It is essential to address these symptoms promptly to prevent any potential complications, such as the spread of infection or the development of more severe health issues.

In summary, understanding the symptoms of urological infections and knowing when to seek help is crucial for effective treatment. Given your recent sexual activity and the persistence of your symptoms, it is important to pursue further medical evaluation to rule out STIs and receive appropriate treatment. Remember, open communication with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and concerns is key to receiving the best care possible.

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