Signs of STDs: Symptoms and Seeking Help

Early signs of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Hello, Dr.
Hsu.
I apologize for bothering you! I just left a message, but I can't see it, so I'm not sure if my question went through successfully.
Therefore, I'm asking again.
Thank you for your understanding.
Here is my question:
In mid-January, I had unprotected intercourse with a sex worker, and since then, I have not experienced any issues.
However, in mid-February, after taking a shower, I felt intense itching at the junction of the left glans and the left coronal sulcus.
I used my thumb to rub that area, and I noticed a lot of white discharge (I usually clean that area daily with soap).
The next morning, I woke up with significant pain in the left glans and coronal sulcus.
When I retracted the foreskin and touched the left glans and the junction, it was extremely painful, like a raw wound, with redness, slight bleeding, and clear fluid oozing out.
Additionally, I experienced tearing pain at that junction during morning erections.

I visited a urologist who prescribed me a topical ointment (Bacitracin) to apply twice a day.
After a week of use, there was no improvement, so I returned to the doctor.
Upon examining the wound again, the doctor noted it resembled an ulcer and prescribed a different ointment (Tetracycline hydrochloride).
Today marks the fourth day of using it, but I still feel no improvement, and touching the left glans and coronal sulcus remains extremely painful.

I have researched online and found that sexually transmitted infections can cause ulcers, so I would like to ask you, Dr.
Hsu, if my symptoms might indicate an infection such as syphilis or genital herpes?

Pang Pang Zai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/24

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, if you are concerned about contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is best to seek medical attention and get tested as soon as possible.
Undergo relevant STI screenings.
If you have any further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask, and we can discuss and research together.
Information from the internet should only be used as a reference; it is essential to visit a healthcare facility for proper medical care.
This message is brought to you by Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department at Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/02/24

More Info

It's understandable to be concerned about your symptoms, especially given your recent sexual encounter without protection. The symptoms you describe—itching, pain, redness, swelling, and discharge—can indeed be associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including herpes and syphilis, among others. However, it's important to note that these symptoms can also arise from non-STI-related conditions, such as yeast infections, balanitis (inflammation of the glans), or other dermatological issues.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Itching and Pain: The itching you experienced, followed by pain and discomfort, could indicate an infection or irritation. In STIs like herpes, initial symptoms often include itching or burning sensations, followed by the appearance of sores or blisters. Syphilis can also present with sores, but they are typically painless at first.

2. Discharge and Ulceration: The presence of a white discharge and the description of your condition resembling an ulcer could be concerning. In herpes, lesions can appear as painful blisters that eventually rupture, leading to ulceration. Syphilis can present with a primary chancre, which is a painless ulcer. However, the pain you describe is more characteristic of herpes.

3. Lack of Improvement: The fact that your symptoms have not improved with topical treatments suggests that a more comprehensive evaluation is necessary. It's crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider, especially if the current treatment is not effective.

Recommendations for Next Steps
1. Seek Medical Attention: Given the persistence of your symptoms, it is essential to return to your healthcare provider or seek a specialist in infectious diseases or urology. They may recommend further testing, including blood tests for STIs, to confirm or rule out infections like herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

2. Testing: A thorough examination and appropriate laboratory tests are vital. Blood tests can detect antibodies for syphilis and herpes, while swabs from any lesions can help identify the specific pathogen causing your symptoms.

3. Avoid Sexual Activity: Until you have a clear diagnosis, it is advisable to refrain from any sexual activity to prevent potential transmission of an STI to partners and to avoid exacerbating your symptoms.

4. Educate Yourself: Understanding STIs, their symptoms, and their transmission can help you make informed decisions about your sexual health. Resources from reputable health organizations can provide valuable information.

5. Consider Counseling: If you find yourself feeling anxious or stressed about your sexual health, consider speaking with a mental health professional. They can help you navigate your feelings and provide support.

Conclusion
While your symptoms may suggest a possible STI, only a healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis. It's crucial to seek medical attention promptly to address your concerns and receive appropriate treatment. Remember, early detection and treatment of STIs can significantly improve outcomes and help maintain your overall health. Don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support.

Similar Q&A

Understanding STDs: Symptoms, Risks, and Insights on HIV

Sure, I can explain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS, and their symptoms. Sexually transmitted infections are infections that are primarily spread through sexual contact. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and HIV/AIDS. 1. Ch...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
This user: Hello, each type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) has different clinical symptoms. Most have specific symptoms, while a few do not. It is difficult to answer your question one by one, so I will provide a brief introduction to the more common STIs. Gonorrhea: I...

Understanding Asymptomatic STDs: Causes, Symptoms, and Testing

Hello Dr. Hsu, About two months ago, I had a sexual encounter, and approximately two days later, I started experiencing some discomfort in my urethra and glans (a burning sensation, but it is not persistent). Additionally, I have not had any other symptoms (such as yellow or whi...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
1. As that physician mentioned, most sexually transmitted infections have specific symptoms. 2. Regarding your swollen lymph nodes, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation, as there are many potential causes. 3. You can undergo testing again. 4. If the specimen collection i...

Concerns About STDs After Recent Encounters with Strangers

Hello, doctor. Recently, I engaged in unprotected oral sex, kissing, French kissing, unprotected mutual masturbation, and unprotected sharing of a sex toy (he ejaculated into the toy and then used it on me without cleaning it). I do not have any symptoms, but I am unsure of the o...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: The symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) often include rashes, blisters, protrusions, urethral discharge, and painful urination. Itching is not absent but is less common. You are at moderate risk and should get tested for STIs at least every three months. -...

Understanding the Risks of STIs: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, I appreciate it. My issue is that I have a female fixed partner (I'm not sure if she has other partners), and we have had intercourse using condoms, without kissing or oral sex. However, recently, one week a...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: 1) A medical examination is necessary, 2) Either a urologist or an infectious disease specialist can be consulted, 3) Non-gonococcal urethritis or general urinary tract infections require treatment to prevent worsening of symptoms. Wishing you good health.