The epidemiology of gential molluscum contagiosum has not been well studied. But one thing clear is that the incubation period is at least several weeks, typically 2-3 months. Almost certainly you did not acquire it 5 days before appearance of your lesions.
Acquisition of MC by oral sex has not been reported to occur. It might happen, indeed makes sense, since exposure to infected saliva is presumed to be the main transmission route in young children. But it's more likely that you acquired it by genital intercourse.
The infection has been reported to sometimes occur in the genital area by non-sexual routes, e.g. by towels or even, according to one report, to a swimming pool (suggesting contaminated water). However, the quality of the science in those reports was poor. Whether masturbation might have contributed to the distribution of your penile lesions also is not clear. Based on the biology of the virus, it makes sense that lesions might appear preferentially at places of abrasion or friction--not because of autoinoculation (ie, from your own hands), but simply from massaging the virus into the skin.
Yes, you would almost certainly have more prominent symptoms if you had urethral gonorrhea. As I have said many times, when a person suspects his or her symptoms might be related to stress or anxiety, s/he probably is usually right.
Sorry it's all so vague. The good news is that the main reason there is so little information is that the infection is essentially a cosmetic issue, not a serious health risk--so there isn't a lot of stimulus for research.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Sorry, but forgot some details:
(1) Molluscum appeared primarily on top of shaft of penis, 7 small lesions in particular, in the area that grasp my circumsised penis during masturbation, something I do often. Possible transmission by my hand from "something else" possible?
(2) The Molluscum is also located at base of penis and a few lesions on my lower abdomen.
Dr. H,
Thank you for such a fascinating, enlightening and stress relieving reply! That is why I think this forum, with people like you, is the best place for people to participate with questions like mine!
(1) My wife and I realize(d) that we've probably both been infected with MCV for MONTHS previous after our preliminary research and consultation with my urologist. He said: "You both probably have it, don't worry about it, you've had it for months or even years from God knows where". Neither of us have had any extramarital relations for a full 12 months prior to the outbreak guaranteed (long story, don't ask :-) ). So, the timeframe you suggest and our history prove that the oral episode was NOT the cause. And where I / we got it? Who knows! Not gonna worry about that!
BUT That was the reason for my question about oral transmission! The timing of my slip up and the sudden appearance of the lesions just threw me for a loop, and I got concerned that there WAS some kind of correlation. LOGICALLY I knew what you restated here was TRUE, but a guilty mind gets you thinking all kinds of nasty things!
(2) Thanks for the info on the friction and abrasion issue regarding the virus. That is really fascinating that the virus could have been sitting there and my actions could have exacerbated and helped the virus along! Thinking back with a clear mind, it seems that I was masturbating heavily previous to the outbreak, and there was a little area that was kinda tender on my penis near where the lesions started. Go figure!
(3) Thanks AGAIN for the clarification on gonorreah. Look, we all know that I KNEW that I likely DIDN'T have it! Say THAT three times fast! But, as you say, a guitly mind can create interesting physical symptoms when you think about them too much! Like so many folks, I just wanted to hear it for myself! I am NOT going to worry about this or testing for it etc. since this was a low risk situaton (per your numerous posts) THANKS!
AND I hope that my story and information here helps other folks that may have questions or concerns like mine!
I will be getting these pesky buggers frozen off very soon and the wife is getting checked out too so we can avoid cross contamination!
Thanks for all that you do!
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Molluscum Contagiosum was started.