Seeking Guidance: Anxious About My Condition
I'm a 22-year-old male, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 240 pounds. Since December, I have noticed a lump on my penis that isn’t painful; it feels like a vein that seems to retract when I apply pressure against the shaft. A few months ago, I underwent an ultrasound, which yielded no concerning results, yet the lump remains. Additionally, I have a cut on my frenulum that has persisted since April 2024. Coincidentally, I started experiencing bowel issues around the same time, including acid reflux and blood in my stool, as well as when wiping. Furthermore, I often notice small black dots on the tissue after I wipe myself, whether it's from urination or ejaculation. I’m reaching out in hopes of finding someone knowledgeable who can shed light on what might be happening. Despite undergoing both endoscopy and colonoscopy, my doctors insisted that there were no issues detected. This ongoing situation has been incredibly distressing for me, and I would be immensely grateful for any insights regarding my penile condition. My doctor reassures me that the ultrasound results are normal, but I’m desperate to alleviate my daily worries about this.
Answers (1)
6/15/2025, 10:50:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're feeling anxious about a few concerning symptoms you've been experiencing, including a lump on your penis, ongoing bowel issues, and persistent cuts. It's completely understandable to seek clarification and reassurance regarding your health.
Main Points
Your symptoms – the lump on your penis, cut on the frenulum, bowel issues, and the presence of blood – are understandably distressing. While you've had some tests that came back normal, the persistence of these symptoms warrants careful monitoring and some self-care strategies.
Explanation
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Lump on Penis: The lump that feels like a vein may be a harmless condition, such as a swollen vein or a lymphatic cyst. Since the ultrasound did not show concerns, this is promising, but persistent worry is understandable.
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Frenulum Cut: A cut on the frenulum can take time to heal, especially if it gets irritated. Gentle care and proper hygiene are key here.
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Bowel Issues: Blood in the stool can be alarming. It's good that you've had an endoscopy and colonoscopy which found no issues. However, persistent symptoms like acid reflux and blood may indicate inflammation or other conditions that need addressing.
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Small Black Dots: These could be normal pigmentations or minor bleeding from irritation.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms – note any changes and how you manage them. This can help you identify triggers, especially with your bowel issues and penile symptoms.
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Self-Care for Bowel Issues:
- Dietary Adjustments: Focus on a fiber-rich diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) to support bowel health. Stay hydrated to help ease digestion.
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Certain foods (spicy, acidic, or fatty items) might aggravate acid reflux, so observe and limit these if they seem to trigger symptoms.
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Penile Care:
- Gentle Hygiene: Clean gently without harsh soaps. Avoid applying irritants, and consider using a barrier cream on areas that often get irritated.
- Avoid Aggravation: Be cautious with activities that might stress the area, particularly until the cut heals.
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Seek Follow-Up: Since you have ongoing concerns despite normal results, consider requesting a follow-up appointment specifically to discuss these issues. Ask for a thorough review of your bowel issues and any additional tests that might provide insight.
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Stress Management: The emotional aspect is significant. Techniques like mindfulness or talking to someone about your feelings can be very supportive.
It’s reassuring that you've had normal test results, but I understand your concern remains. Prioritize careful monitoring and self-care strategies while staying engaged with your healthcare team. Please remember that you're not alone in this, and taking these steps can help you feel more in control.
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