What Causes Genital Itching And Irritation On Top Portion Of Urethra?

Posted on Mon, 6 Oct 2014

Question: Hi Dr. I am a 59 year old male, 6'1" and 190 lbs. On XXXXXXX 6 I had unprotected sex (oral performed on me by a woman accompanied by intercourse ). Within a week or so, I felt some genital itching in only two areas: a small area on my scrotum near the base of my penis (size of a quarter) and on the underside of my penis. The area on the underside of my penis looked a little red and appeared to have a sheen to the skin, but I had no sores or blisters. The penis tip and the top portion of my shaft was fine (no itching and no redness). I also felt a slight irritation in the top portion of my urethra (about a half-inch inside). A few weeks later I noticed a slight discomfort in my right groin. Around this time my anus was a little itchy, but that seems to have subsided. Here it is September 11 and the itching is gone but I still have slight irritation in the top portion of my urethra and a litttle irritation in my anus. I was fearing herpes and so I called the woman I was with and she claaims she has always felt fine and hasn't presented with herpes-like symptoms. I realize that doesn't guarantee she doesn't have herpes as I understand herpes often times shows no symptoms. She also said she hasn't been tested for std's in many years. Could this be a yeast or fungal situation? I'm feeling worried? I have also been under a lot of stress as I am going through a divorce and it's nearing conclusion. Your thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Both options are possible.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for posting your query at HealthcareMagic!

I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

Considering the symptoms you have described ,both options of Genital Herpes and fungal infection are possible.

Not always genital herpes can present with it's typical clinic (small blisters that break causing painful sores).It also can present with:
- red areas around your genitals without pain, itching, or tingling
-Itching or tingling around your genitals or your anal region
Herpes blisters may be on or around your genitals or on your buttocks, thighs, or rectal area. More rarely, blisters may occur inside the urethra .

A person might be infected with HSV2 (genital herpes) and not be aware of it because it may cause no symptoms at all.
So even why she told you she never had any genital herpes symptoms,this doesn't exclude the possibility that she might have it and might have passed it to you.

As you can see ,the symptoms you described can be caused by genital herpes.

Fungal infection is another option.
Common symptoms of fungal infection in men include a reddish rash, itching or burning at the tip of the penis.

The only way to know it for sure is to get examined.
Genital herpes is confirmed with a swab test or a blood test and fungal infection with a swab test.
There is nothing you can do right now ,just wait for the result of blood test.

Since you had unprotected intercourse with a women that has unknown status for STD ,I would suggest to get tested for all STD and in future please always use protection.Stay safe.

Hope it was of help.
Let me know if you have other questions or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.

I wish you good luck with your test results.I hope everything will be just fine for you.
Kind Regards!
Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (19 minutes later)

Thank you, Dr. I also submitted my question to two Dr's affiliated with "Just Answer" and they both wrote back that they thought my symptoms were indicative of a fungal infection and not an std. As you said, there is only one sure-fire way to be 100% certain and that's a blood test. I have had similar symptoms like this before and it turned out not to be herpes. I remain hopeful that it is not herpes. I will be very sad and upset. Having herpes is like being branded in a bad way.

How long do herpes symptoms usually last? The itching is pretty much gone. I must say, when I did have itching it was quite intense and localised to two areas. The top area of my penis shaft had no irritation or itching whatsover. The under-side of my penis was a bit red and it had a sheen to it. Never had anything like that before. So it's been a little more than three months since I was with this woman. Is it normal for the top portion of my urethra to have a litttle irritation? How long do symptoms remain? I thought most of the symptoms, if one has any, usually lasts for a few weeks only.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Tests will confirm it.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

It is true that genital herpes isn't typically presented with symptoms like your's but in some cases it can ,so we can exclude it before we run a swab test or a blood test.
Only a negative test can exclude herpes infection.

Fungal infection it is more likely in you case but genital herpes should be excluded.
Usually symptoms of genital herpes may last 2-4 weeks.Since your symptoms have lasted for 3 months ,it makes less likely genital herpes.
Contrary to this ,an untreated fungal infection may last several weeks and it's symptoms won't go away without treatment.
This makes fungal infection more likely in your case.

Irritation in the top portion of urethra might be due to fungal infection.

I repeat that we can not tell for sure that it isn't genital herpes.
The blood test result will clear this up.
Fungal infection is more likely considering the intense itching ,the red area and the duration of symptoms.

I wish you all the best!
Take care!
Dr.Rovena Murati

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar