Concerns About an Unusual Condition
I’m a 20-year-old male from England, standing at 5’11”, and I smoke. Recently, I had an experience while trying out a device designed to restrict blood flow, which involved a cage-like element that fit around my penis and a ring positioned below my testicles. The intention was to engage in some intimate exploration, but as my partner attempted to stimulate me, I didn’t realize the sharp edges of the device were causing some harm. After two hours of use, I experienced swelling below the head of my penis once the device was removed. Although I felt embarrassed and didn’t seek immediate medical attention, the swelling subsided, leaving me with a slight reduction in girth at the top. This incident occurred in August. During an October check-up, I hesitated to indicate specific areas for examination, so the healthcare provider assured me everything appeared normal. However, in the week leading up to November 17th, I noticed intermittent stinging pain on the right side of my penis. By the 17th, I observed an unusual inward curve in the middle of my penis, accompanied by a noticeable dent behind my testicles when erect. My observations were delayed due to being out of the country at that time. Additionally, I began to notice prominent veins that didn’t seem to move with surrounding tissue, resembling obstructed lymph vessels, becoming more pronounced post-masturbation. Also, the right side took longer to regain its firmness after arousal, and the penis felt narrower post-masturbation, particularly where the inward curve was. It seemed like there were signs of fibrotic tissue or plaque along the shaft. Since October, I’ve attended a couple of appointments; during the first, the doctor felt around and assured me there was nothing to worry about, although I wasn’t erect for the evaluation. By December, it was evident that the plaque had become more significant, prompting the doctor to suggest it might be Peyronie’s disease. He advised that I should return if my condition worsened. Recently, I attempted to schedule another appointment, but the doctor I was seeing is no longer with the practice. This has left me quite distressed, as I intended to discuss the possibility of an ultrasound or other diagnostic tests to clarify my situation and explore potential remedies. I postponed reaching out sooner due to embarrassment over this intimate issue and the busyness of university life. Now, I worry that if I see a new doctor and explain my condition, they might hesitate to provide the necessary examinations since they’d be unfamiliar with my case. Currently, I feel my penis is marginally shorter, with a noticeable reduction in girth. This experience has led me into a deep state of despair. I often grapple with dark thoughts, particularly concerning my future and relationships. Since this situation arose, I’ve found it challenging to achieve an erection in front of anyone, fearing judgment or noticing changes. I feel as though my self-worth is diminished, especially as I’m actively engaged in university and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but now, I can’t envision a future with a partner or family. The stigma attached to sharing my experience has deterred me from discussing it with friends and family, which adds to my isolation. I’ve experienced cries of frustration multiple times each week, causing many sleepless nights. Lately, I reached a crisis point, contemplating self-harm. As someone deeply troubled by this experience, I feel overwhelmed by my thoughts and emotions. I’m aware that others face greater challenges, but this has significantly impacted my mental well-being. I’ve been masking my distress, pretending everything is fine while desperately trying to engage with study and exercise. Unfortunately, this coping mechanism has proven ineffective, leaving me feeling hopeless. Moving forward, I plan to contact a new doctor tomorrow. I know I need to address my situation urgently. I also need guidance on what to ask during the appointment, particularly concerning an ultrasound. I yearn to convey the mental toll this has taken on me, but articulating my feelings in that setting feels daunting. I worry that breaking down emotionally could complicate the consultation.
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 2:20:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: It’s important that you address your physical and emotional health, especially considering your symptoms and the distress you've experienced. Evaluating your condition and discussing it openly with a new healthcare provider is a crucial first step for both physical recovery and mental well-being.
Explanation: From your description, it seems likely that you're experiencing symptoms related to Peyronie’s disease or possible trauma from the device you used. Peyronie’s disease can cause changes in penile shape, pain, and sometimes emotional distress. It's completely normal to feel anxious about discussing personal health matters, especially those related to intimate areas. Your mental health is equally important, and feeling overwhelmed is a valid response to your situation.
Next Steps:
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Prioritize Contacting a New Doctor: Make that call tomorrow to schedule an appointment. Explain that you have concerns about penile health and emotional distress, which may help them understand the urgency for a thorough assessment.
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Prepare for Your Appointment:
- Write down key points: List your symptoms (curve, swelling, pain) and any changes you've noticed since your last visit.
- Mention the emotional toll the situation has taken on you. Consider adding a few notes about how this affects your daily life, studies, and relationships.
- Ask specifically about performing an ultrasound or other diagnostic tests to evaluate the extent of any potential plaque or fibrotic tissue.
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Communicate Your Feelings:
- When you're at the appointment, express that discussing this matter feels challenging, but it's crucial for your mental and physical health.
- You can start by saying, “I’ve had a hard time dealing with the emotional impact this situation has had on me, and I would appreciate support with both my physical symptoms and mental well-being.”
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Explore Emotional Support:
- Consider discussing your feelings with a mental health professional who can help you navigate these emotions. It’s completely okay to seek help for mental health challenges, and it can make a significant difference.
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Talk to Trusted Support:
- If you feel comfortable, consider confiding in a friend or family member you trust about your situation. Sharing this burden can alleviate some isolation.
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Urgent Mental Health Support:
- If you ever feel at risk of self-harm or experience severe distress, please contact a mental health resource immediately or reach out to a helpline in your area. It's crucial to talk to someone who can provide immediate emotional support.
You're taking a significant and commendable step by planning to seek professional help. Remember, your feelings are valid, and there are people ready to support you through this. You deserve to feel whole and supported—physically and emotionally.
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