Discomfort in the Penis: Causes and Concerns

Q: Discomfort in the Penis: Causes and Concerns

Hank： Hello, it could be a less common type of urethritis, such as caused by Chlamydia, viruses, etc. <br>General antibiotics may not be very effective. <br>Moreover, taking prophylactic antibiotics 26 days ago likely does not provide significant protection. <br>If symptoms persi

Discomfort in the penis?

Hello Doctor: About a month ago, I received a half-service at a massage parlor.
Afterwards, I experienced some itching in the urinary area, occasionally accompanied by mild pain, but everything else seemed normal, and there was no significant burning sensation while urinating.
Approximately four weeks later (around 26 days), I went to a major hospital in Taipei for an examination and also received preventive antibiotics.
The doctor prescribed an ointment, anti-inflammatory medication, and antibiotics.
The test results showed that both my urine and blood were normal, and my prostate was also normal.
The doctor advised to follow up in six months.
However, I still occasionally experience slight itching in the urinary area, and if this occurs, I also feel a bit of tightness at the base of the penis.
Sometimes, after masturbation, this tight feeling disappears for a while.
Generally, I feel almost nothing, but during an erection, the opening of the urinary area becomes more pronounced and itchier.
When I hold my urine, the urge in the urethra and at the opening is more noticeable than before.
At the massage parlor, I only used my hands and had no contact with other sexual organs.
I first took a sauna and had a full-body massage for about 30 minutes before using my hands.
I used massage oil during the hand stimulation, but the process took quite a while, possibly close to ten minutes before ejaculation.
After ejaculation, I felt uncomfortable, somewhat like the feeling of excessive masturbation.
In the past six months, aside from masturbation, I have not engaged in any other sexual activities.
I would like to ask the doctor, if it is not a sexually transmitted infection, could it be another type of infection or injury? Or could it be a sexually transmitted infection that was not detected? Thank you.

Hank, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/07/17

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hank: Hello, it could be a less common type of urethritis, such as caused by Chlamydia, viruses, etc.
General antibiotics may not be very effective.
Moreover, taking prophylactic antibiotics 26 days ago likely does not provide significant protection.
If symptoms persist, it is advisable to perform a culture of urethral secretions for further diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, it is generally recommended to have blood tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B/C six months later.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.
Answers from the internet should only serve as a reference; if necessary, it is important to seek medical care at a healthcare facility.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Chief of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2014/07/17

More Info

Understanding discomfort in the penis, especially after a potential exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can be concerning and warrants careful consideration. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing localized itching and discomfort in the urethral area, which can be attributed to several potential causes.

1. Post-Exposure Symptoms: After engaging in sexual activity, even if it was limited to manual stimulation, it is possible to experience irritation or inflammation. This could be due to friction, the use of oils or lotions, or even a mild allergic reaction to substances that came into contact with the skin.
2. Infection: While your tests for STIs came back negative, it is important to note that some infections may not be detected immediately or may require specific tests. For example, certain strains of Chlamydia or Gonorrhea can sometimes evade standard testing, especially if the infection is localized. Additionally, non-STI infections such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a yeast infection could also cause similar symptoms.
3. Urethritis: This is an inflammation of the urethra that can be caused by various factors, including infections (both STIs and non-STIs), irritants, or trauma. Symptoms may include itching, burning, or discomfort during urination. Given that your symptoms include a tight feeling at the base of the penis and occasional itching, urethritis could be a possibility.

4. Psychological Factors: Anxiety and stress related to sexual health can also manifest as physical symptoms. If you are preoccupied with the potential for an STI or other complications, this could exacerbate your perception of discomfort.

5. Physical Trauma: Engaging in prolonged manual stimulation, especially if it was vigorous, can lead to temporary soreness or discomfort. This can feel similar to the sensation of over-masturbation, which you mentioned.

Recommendations:
- Follow-Up with a Healthcare Provider: Since you have already consulted a physician, it would be prudent to follow up if your symptoms persist. A urologist may provide more specialized insight and could conduct further tests if necessary.

- Consider Additional Testing: If you are still concerned about STIs, ask your healthcare provider about more comprehensive testing options. This may include tests for less common infections or a re-evaluation of your symptoms.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, including frequency, intensity, and any new symptoms that may arise. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider.

- Avoid Irritants: Until you have a clearer understanding of the cause of your discomfort, consider avoiding any potential irritants, such as scented soaps, lotions, or oils, and practice good hygiene.

- Practice Safe Sex: In the future, using protection during sexual activities can significantly reduce the risk of STIs and other infections.

- Psychological Support: If anxiety about your sexual health is affecting your quality of life, consider speaking with a mental health professional. They can help you manage these feelings and provide coping strategies.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may not indicate a serious condition, it is essential to remain vigilant and proactive in seeking medical advice. Understanding the underlying cause of your discomfort is crucial for effective treatment and peace of mind.

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