So update: All STD’s came back clear, but there was definitely bacteria in the urine. Haven’t heard back on the culture results, so I have to follow up for those. I was given a shot at urgent care (ceftriaxone, I believe) followed by a 7 day prescription of Keflex.
Visible symptoms and discomfort have cleared up, but there’s still some faint testicular discomfort, so this is something I’ll have to be persistent about to ensure the doctors take me seriously and actually look into the cause.
Thank you. I did have a full physical immediately following the STD panel back on May. I mentioned my concern to my primary doctor and they did not seem to believe it needed further testing. Honestly the pain may have been psychosomatic as it subsided shortly after receiving negative test results.
I will be getting both STD and further testing from my doctor, now that you have specified the need for further testing beyond A standard STD panel.
In May, you posted about an ache in your testicles. Did that ever get better?
Yes, it's possible for germs that cause upper respiratory infections and the like to cause infections in the penis. It causes something called NGU, or non-gonococcal urethritis, or any infection in the urethra that isn't gonorrhea.
Adenovirus is a common cause of cold and flu like symptoms, and can cause NGU, as can strep bacteria, among others.
There is also some evidence that covid can cause some bladder and urethritis symptoms, but we still aren't sure how exactly.
Since you had the ache back in May, I'd also wonder about prostatitis.
Are you getting an STD panel done? That won't test for urethritis. You'll need to get a urine test that looks for white blood cells, which needs to be done by your doctor.