Penis & Testicle Concerns / Question
Published: April 17, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Since I was little I have had canker sores. Later I learned this was a mild form of herpes, from what I understand so far, Herpes I. I shave my pubic area all but about a two inch strip across the top. At the shaft of my penis I have a sore that resembles a pimple. When i squeeze it pimple like stuff comes out but its more solid, not like ooze. I also have what looks like a cross between an ingrown hair and a wart in the area I dont shave in. They dont hurt, ooze, or bother me at all (besides apperance) and come and go as they please. There arent many of them at all and the problem seems to be getting better. (the second symptoms not the first) AND I had not had sex in the previous two months of them appearing. Could semen that isnt cleaned immediatly have anything to do with it??? Thanks for helping, Scared and learning a lesson.
Signed: Sore & Wart/Ingrown Hair On Shaft Of Penis
Dear Sore & Wart/Ingrown Hair On Shaft Of Penis,
First of all, none of the symptoms you are describing would be caused by not cleaning semen off the penis immediately. FX understands why you are concerned, but unfortunately, there is no way for us to diagnose you over the internet. It is important that you see a doctor. If you do not have a doctor and you live in Northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.6475. If you live elsewhere, get in touch with your local adolescent health center or clinic.
You mention that you had not had sex for two months before these symptoms appeared, but we are not sure if that means you have abstained from all sexual contact. It is possible for STDs to be transmitted through sexual contact that does not involve intercourse (such as oral sex). If you did not have sexual contact for two months before these symptoms appeared, it is unlikely they are the result of an STD. However, there is no way to know this for sure without seeing a doctor.
FX also wants you to be aware of how to avoid transmitting herpes to another person. You need to take precautions whenever you have an outbreak. There may be some early warning signs before an outbreak occurs - tingling, burning, or itching where sores were before. The warning signs may start a few hours or a day before the sores flare up. Touching sores may spread the virus to other parts of the body.
If you have active herpes:
- Don't touch the sores. If you do, wash your hands with soap and water - this kills the virus. Wash your hands:
- before rubbing your eyes
- before touching a contact lens
- Don't wet contact lenses with saliva
- If you have a cold sore on your mouth, don't kiss anyone - especially infants, children, or pregnant women.
You also need to know that you can give someone genital herpes by performing oral sex on them. Make sure you do not go down on anyone without using a barrier (a condom or a dental dam).
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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