warming/burning sensation on penis

[stumann]

Thank you Doctors for taking the time look at my issue. 3 days ago(Sunday morning) I Shaved my genitals and then I had an encounter with a woman i didn't know. i masturbated while she slapped my scrotum. that was the only contact other than shaking hands. When i finished she brought me a damp washcloth which i cleaned my genitals off with. I believe she may have used the cloth to wash her face at least 10 minutes earlier, and may have washed more than that, i don't know. 2 days later(Tuesday night) I noticed a slight warmth in my groin area. Today(Wednesday) it started as tingling in the top inch and a half of my penis and throughout the day has evolved into a burning sensation, mild at times but more noticeable at others. It is accompanied by a very slight redness in the same area. additionally i feel some discomfort around my anus which is also accompanied by redness. i have been urinating very frequently but that does not increase the burning. the burning is mostly felt on the outside but sometimes feels like it is in the urethra. I am concerned that I may have contracted an std or an infection of some kind. i have found similar posts with many shared symptoms but  I would like you take on my situation. Other than this woman, i have been in a monogamous relationship for many years. Thank you very much for your time, what you gentleman do is a great service!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum. I'll be pleased to comment.  There are no STIs which could have been transmitted by the sorts of contact that you describe- either having your genitals slapped by a partner or using a washcloth that she'd already used to wipe her face to wipe off your own genitals following masturbation. Further, the involvement of your anus and other areas that were not even contacted by her hands or perhaps the washcloth suggest that your current symptoms are not caused by any infection that you might have acquired through the contact that you describe.  

So, what might be causing this?- shaving in itself can be irritating.  As the hairs grow back itching is a typical sensation and if your attention is now focused on your genital regions as you look for possible symptoms following the events you describe, you may be more aware of these or other regional sensations that you might otherwise overlook.  (I would add that frequent urination, while not a sign of any STI, IS a frequent manifestation of genitally focused anxiety).  Alternatively, if there is local redness as well, then perhaps the areas that were shaved were infected by some of your own skin bacteria- this too sometimes following shaving.

What I am confident of however is that you are not at risk for STIs of any sort form the events you describe- there is no need for testing, no need for concern and no need to abstain from unprotected sex with your wife because of the exposure you describe.

I hope this comment is helpful.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You will not know where your infection is unless you experience lesions.  Statistically your infection is oral in location and acquired long ago.

End of thread.  EWH

[stumann]

unfortunately, late last week I was tested using herpeselect and came up positive for hsv1 with a value greater than 5.  I still have not had any sores. But I have had a few hives breakout on my arm but they were only present for a few hours then vanished. Is there any way to find out where my infection is without the presence of sores? Or do I just wait and if they appear get a swab test? I do understand that you said the thread ends here, I thought in light of this new info you may have some input. This will be my last comment. Thank you doctor.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The symptoms you describe do not suggest an STI of any sort.  STI symptoms do not come and go.  

We do not recommend herpes testing.  If you have a herpes test you risk a false positive.  Herpes tests can take up to six months to become positve as well.

You need to figure out how to move forward.  

This thread needs to end at this time.  I wish you well. EWH

[stumann]

Hello again doctor. First of all I would like to thank you for everything. You have helped relieve alot of my anxiety. Unfortunately more sensations keep arising which keep me on edge. I was honest with my wife which helped my stress. The burning sensation on my penis comes and goes, tends to be worse in the evenings. The numbness in the corner of my mouth is completely gone. My main concern is with the burning. I have also developed a light tingling in my groin, thighs, and legs. This sensation is light and it comes and goes. I'm certain that I have been reading entirely too much about std symptoms and may just be psyching myself out. Do you think this new symptom is anything? I fear the only thing that will put my mind at ease is a herpes test. When is the soonest I can take the test and get a reliable result?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

If this were HSV,  would have developed lesions at the site of your numbness within hours of the onset of the numbness/tingling.  I would not worry that this is HSV

[stumann]

Thank you doctor, you've helped put my mind at ease. My symptoms have eased. But another has risen. I have a slight numbness in the corner of my mouth.  Can the washrag situation mentioned earlier possibly transfer hsv1 to my mouth with the rag only having touched my genitals? Or since I touched the rag if I touched my mouth would that do it?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

yes, the burning sensation might well be due to irritation from the body was, particularly if it got into your urethra.  Best thing to do is to try to take your mind off the sensation. EWH

[stumann]

Excellent news! Thank you doctor. Might the burning sensation in the urethra and near the tip been caused from rigorously scrubbing my genitals with body wash following my encounter? Is there anything I can do to suppress the sensation? Thanks again for your time.