Mild Penile Discomfort and Redness Concerns After Condom Break - #20744
I recently had a single sexual encounter with a woman in Germany, age 32, who is a schoolteacher. The sexual contact was vaginal with a condom, but the condom broke. From the moment of breakage until the end of the encounter, no more than one minute passed, and ejaculation did not occur. After realizing the condom broke, the sexual activity was immediately stopped. Additionally, there was a brief period of oral stimulation, but without ejaculation, discomfort, unusual odor, or visible secretions. Since then, I have experienced a mild, dull discomfort around the glans of my penis and a feeling of reduced sensation, particularly noticeable during erections, which feel weaker or incomplete. I also noticed more frequent urination, though urination itself is painless, without burning or blood in the urine. Recently, I observed slight redness on the skin just below the glans, with pain only when the area is pressed or rubbed. There are no sores, blisters, discharge, or ulcerations, and no spontaneous pain. I am particularly worried about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and herpes, and whether these symptoms could indicate an infection. I am anxious about whether I should get tested before starting sexual activity with a new partner.
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Based on what you describe, the risk of a serious STI from this single encounter is low, especially since:
A condom was used and broke only briefly
There was no ejaculation
Exposure time after breakage was very short
There are no classic STI signs such as sores, blisters, ulcers, discharge, or burning urination
Your current symptoms (mild dull discomfort around the glans, slight redness, sensitivity changes, frequent urination without pain) are more consistent with local irritation, friction injury, mild inflammation (balanitis), or anxiety-related pelvic/sexual tension, rather than an acute STI.
Regarding specific infections:
HIV: Extremely unlikely in this situation. HIV does not cause symptoms within days, and your described signs are not typical of early HIV infection.
Herpes: Primary herpes usually causes painful blisters or ulcers, often with burning or flu-like symptoms. Your symptoms do not fit a typical herpes presentation.
Gonorrhea/Chlamydia: Usually cause discharge and burning during urination, which you do not have.
The reduced erection quality and altered sensation are very commonly seen with anxiety, stress, and hyper-focusing on genital sensations after a worrying sexual event.
What you should do:
Avoid excessive touching or checking the area
Maintain gentle hygiene (no harsh soaps)
Avoid sexual activity until irritation settles
Stay well hydrated
Testing advice:
Routine STI testing can be done for peace of mind, especially before a new partner
HIV testing is reliable at 4–6 weeks (earlier tests may be falsely negative)
Herpes testing is not recommended without symptoms, as blood tests can be misleading
Seek medical review if:
You develop blisters, ulcers, discharge, fever, or worsening pain
Symptoms persist beyond 1–2 weeks
Anxiety remains overwhelming despite reassurance
Overall, your symptoms are unlikely to indicate an STI, and the situation appears low-risk. Anxiety and local irritation are the most probable explanations.
Hello dear See there can be chances of fungal infection or STD Iam suggesting some tests for confirmation Please share the result with gynaecologist in person for better clarity and for safety please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Culture Esr CBC Vdrl Rt PCR Elisa Western blot Regards
Hello,
Your symptoms are very unlikely to be HIV, herpes, or another STI.
The risk from this encounter is extremely low, and what you’re experiencing is most consistent with minor irritation or anxiety-related effects, not an infection.
Testing is optional for reassurance, not because symptoms suggest an infection.
I trust this answered your concern Thank you
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.