Burning in urethra from last 7 days - #10840
Doctor, here are my symptoms and history: Main symptoms: Burning sensation in glans/urethral area for the past 8–9 days. Small itchy bumps on penis. No discharge, no fever. Mild swelling of veins, penis remains mostly flaccid but can still get erections. Current status: Redness and pain are absent for the last 3 days. Bumps have not increased or decreased in size. Urination: Slightly frequent but no pain while passing urine. Medicines already taken: 1. Ciprobid 500 mg – 5 days 2. Monocef 200 mg – 3 days 3. Mega-CV 625 mg – 2 days 4. Applied Clotrimazole + steroid cream for 5 days 5. Also used coconut oil for dryness Current approach: Stopped all medicines for the last 3 days to observe symptoms. History: Burning started after sexual activity. No past history of STIs. My questions: 1. Could this be an STI or some other cause? 2. Are my current symptoms suppressed due to previous medicines? 3. What tests should I do for an accurate diagnosis? 4. Should I see a dermatologist, urologist, or both?
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Doctors’ responses
1. Your symptoms could be due to an STI, fungal infection, or irritation from sexual activity, so it’s important not to assume the exact cause without proper testing. Some infections can appear milder after antibiotics or creams but still remain present. I recommend consulting both a urologist (for urinary/sexual health) and a dermatologist (for skin lesions) for complete evaluation.
2. Yes, previous medicines may have reduced visible signs temporarily without fully curing the condition. This can make symptoms less obvious but does not guarantee the infection or cause is gone. A specialist consultation will help confirm whether further treatment is needed.
3. You should consider tests like urine analysis, STI panel (including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes), fungal culture, and possibly a urethral swab. These will help identify the exact cause and guide proper treatment. Seeing a dermatologist and urologist together ensures both skin and internal aspects are assessed.
Hello STI is possible as you had small bumps and painful urination post sexual activity Herpes could start as small itchy bumps, but herpes usually causes painful fluid-filled blisters that crust over in 1–2 weeks. You don’t mention any fluid or ulceration,
Non-STI cause Fungal balanitis (candida): common after sex, especially if there’s moisture and friction; bumps can stay for days–weeks without much change. Molluscum contagiosum: viral bumps that persist without redness/pain
For second It’s possible your current “quiet” symptoms are modified rather than fully cured as you were on antibiotics and steroids…may cause flaring of fungal or viral infection
Investigation suggested
Urine routine + culture (to check for bacterial UTI/urethritis)
Urethral swab for:
Gram stain & culture (bacteria)
NAAT for gonorrhea, chlamydia, Mycoplasma genitalium
HSV-1 & HSV-2 PCR from lesion swab if bumps suspicious for herpes
VDRL / RPR (syphilis screening)
HIV ELISA (baseline)
Fungal KOH smear from glans or bumps
You should visit Dermatologist (preferably with venereology/STD expertise) — best for skin/lesion diagnosis and STI screening in one visit. Follow up
You may had urethritis,it can be due to sexual activity and may pass from your partner to you The best approach will be treatment to both you and your partner…get a urine routine & culture and sensitivity test done…
Hello dear Please be aware See as per clinical history and current status, I can give following inference based on my clinical experience Symptoms have definitely suppressed and definitely there is reduction in inflammation So there is no need for medication right now Following tests should be done Urine culture Urine analysis which may required tlc,dlc and CBC Pcr may be required according In addition, please get rft also to know any obstruction related to metabolism. It does seems to be sti but infection due to uti can be there along with fungal infection. You must see urologist for best treatment and clarification. Hope iam clear with your doubts Regards
Hello dear ,
Kindly stop using various antibiotics and that too without completing doses, and the steroid containing creams masks the symptoms and which will further worsening the fungal infection.
Consult the doctor first,
Dermatologist: Best for evaluating bumps, rashes, and skin-related causes (fungal, dermatitis, herpes).
Urologist: If urethral symptoms persist (burning urination, frequent urination).
Tests to do
1.Urine PCR
2.VDRL
3. Fungal scraping/KOH test (if bumps persist)
4.Urine routine & culture (if UTI is suspected).
Diagnose first the treat
With regards Dr.Zahir Zolih
Investigation needed 1) Urine routine & culture 2) Urethral swab – Gram stain, culture, and NAAT
Immediate Care (while awaiting results):
Stop all steroid-containing creams. Avoid antibiotics unless prescribed after test results. Wash only with lukewarm water, no harsh soaps. Keep area dry, wear loose cotton underwear. No sexual activity until diagnosis is confirmed and treated.
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