Concern Over Possible Infection of Cyst in Genital Area
Approximately eight hours ago, I discovered a lump on my penis. After conducting some investigations, I concluded that it was likely a cyst. Initially, when I found it, the cyst had a small puncture but wasn’t exuding much fluid. However, if I applied pressure, it did release some clear liquid. Fast forward seven hours, and I've observed changes; the cyst appears firmer, has developed a reddish hue, and the fluid has transformed to a gel-like consistency with a greenish tint. The cyst itself feels more rigid than before. I’m concerned that it may have become infected and would like to know if this poses any risks or if I should consider seeking medical attention. There’s no unpleasant odor, and it’s not painful, although there is a slight sting when I touch it, but it's barely noticeable.
Answers (1)
6/24/2025, 6:10:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a concerning change in a cyst on your genital area. The increasing firmness, reddish hue, and change in fluid consistency suggest that the cyst may be becoming infected. While the absence of significant pain or odor is somewhat reassuring, the other symptoms warrant careful attention.
Explanation
Cysts can sometimes become inflamed or infected, resulting in changes like firmness, redness, and altered fluid. The greenish tint of the fluid you mentioned could indicate an infection, as it may contain pus or other infectious material. While not all cysts require medical treatment, changes in appearance or sensation can be significant.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the cyst. Note any increasing pain, swelling, or changes in color. If it becomes progressively more painful or there are signs of widespread symptoms like fever, seek medical attention promptly.
-
Self-Care:
- Avoid squeezing or pressing on the cyst to prevent further irritation or introducing bacteria.
- Keep the area clean and dry. You can gently wash it with mild soap and water; pat it dry instead of rubbing.
- If you notice irritation, you might apply a sterile bandage to protect it.
-
Consider Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If you experience any discomfort, you might consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as directed on the packaging.
-
Seek Medical Attention: Given the changes you've observed, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and potential treatment, especially if symptoms worsen or do not improve over the next few days.
It's understandable to feel concerned about these changes, but paying close attention to your symptoms and taking these steps can help address the situation effectively. Let me know if you have further questions or need more information!
Related Questions
Seeking a Second Opinion: What Are My Options?
Greetings. I'm a 21-year-old, standing at 5'5" and weighing 135 lbs. For the past four years, I've been grappling with a persistent lack of appetite and overwhelming fatigue. Recently, I've noticed what I thought were swollen lymph nodes, though there's a possibility they could be lipomas instead. Earlier today, a physician examined one of the lumps and suggested it was likely a lipoma because there wasn't an adequate number of other swollen lymph nodes to warrant a diagnosis of lymphadenopathy. To ease my mind, especially given my ongoing symptoms, I requested an ultrasound. Unfortunately, he declined this option. A different doctor I consulted a few months back didn’t identify them as lipomas during her examination. Compounding these concerns, I've been experiencing a low-grade fever for almost two and a half weeks. I underwent some blood tests to check for deficiencies, including a thyroid evaluation. Most results were within normal ranges, except my vitamin B12 levels were somewhat elevated. The doctor attributed this to the multivitamin I’m taking, which may indeed be accurate. However, he brushed off my fever since it wasn’t present during my visit today. Should I consider seeking a second opinion from another healthcare provider, or is it advisable to simply let this situation be?
Sustained a Severe Impact Against a Wall Five Days Ago, Experiencing Persistent Pain
A 47-year-old woman from Canada, who is overweight (I mention this as it might be relevant), encountered an unfortunate mishap at work last Thursday. While trying to navigate around an obstacle, I tripped and, in a misguided attempt to regain my balance, accelerated my momentum instead. I collided forcefully with a wall, mainly impacting my left hip and shoulder, while also making a notable connection with my head. The force was so considerable that it created a hole in the wall, which was no ordinary thin surface. I was unable to budge the wall with my hand while I awaited security assistance. Initially, my hip was in considerable pain, yet I was still able to walk without discomfort. I did experience slight dizziness and mild head pain. After being assessed by emergency medical services, they recommended a trip to the emergency room for further evaluation of my head injury. However, I opted out of that suggestion, not wishing to endure a lengthy wait just to be told I might have a mild concussion that required monitoring. Fortunately, my head feels normal now; my hip, however, tells a different story. I created a diagram for reference. The purple region represents a large, dark bruise that didn’t appear until nearly two days had passed. It is the only bruise I have, apart from a small, hidden mark on my arm. Strangely enough, most of the pain is not located where the bruise is, but rather in the yellow area. This region is tender to the touch and has a tight, hot sensation. While there isn't a constant pain, any movements—be it bending, using stairs, walking, or turning in bed—trigger discomfort. It’s a sharp pain, though not excruciating. However, when pressure is applied, such as when sitting or resting against something, the pain can escalate to an intense, stabbing sensation. Considering my size provides a considerable amount of cushioning there, I'm fairly certain that my injury isn't bone-related. It feels more like an issue with the tissue or muscle. It raises the question: why is the discomfort in this area so pronounced even after several days, while the actual bruise is only mildly sore? I'm planning to seek medical attention, but I just learned that my doctor will be going on a year-long leave starting in July, which likely means she’ll be quite busy before her departure.
Neck Discomfort Following a Cold
A 27-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and measuring 5 feet 4 inches tall, reports no significant medical history or current medications. Recently, she embarked on a lengthy 10-hour flight, and shortly after, began to experience flu-like symptoms. The most prominent symptom was a sizable lump sensation in her throat while swallowing, accompanied by a persistent headache. Initially, these symptoms led her to suspect Covid due to the intensity of her headache. Within a few days, her sore throat descended to her chest, followed by a particularly severe cough. Her symptoms emerged about a week ago, with the headache still persisting and a notably worsening cough over the past couple of days, causing frequent bouts of coughing. Yesterday, she began to notice discomfort in her neck, and today, the left side of her neck feels notably tender and rigid. Flexing her neck is quite painful. She seeks advice on whether this neck discomfort could be a result of muscle strain from coughing, the presence of swollen lymph nodes (although she questions why this symptom would manifest now rather than during the initial phase of her illness), or if it might necessitate an emergency visit to rule out meningitis. Thank you for your assistance.
Understanding a Cyst on the Labia Minora
Greetings, medical professionals. I’m a 56-year-old female and recently, following an ultrasound examination, it was revealed that I have a cystic lesion located on my left labia minora, measuring approximately 1.4 x 1.2 cm. It has now been eight weeks, and I’ve tried various home remedies without any success. I first became aware of the cyst after using vaginal estrogen cream for a week. Currently, I am on a five-month waitlist to consult with a gynecologist, but the doctors are unable to confirm whether it is a Bartholin cyst. I am feeling quite anxious about the nature of this cyst. While it is not causing pain, the initial week was uncomfortable, making walking challenging. I’ve noticed that it tends to become irritated after consuming coffee or sugary foods. I would appreciate any recommendations you might have, including the use of tea tree oil or castor oil, which I’ve seen suggested in menopause discussions. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Navigating Mild Chronic Inactive Gastritis with Digestzymes
At 22 years of age, I'm a male standing at 5'5" and weighing 110 pounds. Recently, I was diagnosed with mild chronic inactive gastritis. My dietitian, who has expertise in gastrointestinal (GI) issues, recommended I try a supplement called Digestzymes. Currently, I experience a sensation of air trapped in the upper part of my stomach, particularly around my ribcage, which seems to worsen when I consume excessive amounts of food or opt for certain types of meals. My appetite is quite diminished, making it challenging for me to maintain a sufficient dietary intake. Consequently, my weight loss has become a concern due to the limitations imposed by both my diet and my ability to eat more. The diagnosis of my gastritis indicates it is mild and inactive. My previous GI specialist confirmed its mildness, showing me images that depicted only very faint red lines, which were difficult to discern. When I inquired about the loss of appetite, he admitted he was uncertain about the cause. This left me questioning whether my symptoms were truly linked to the gastritis. Fortunately, I don’t experience any pain, burning sensations, or cramps. However, I do encounter lower GI disturbances characterized by alternating constipation and diarrhea, largely influenced by the foods I consume. My stools are typically yellow and well-formed, though inappropriate food choices can lead to loose stools. Suspecting Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, my dietitian has me using the Digestzymes supplement brand, which comprises ingredients like pepsin, betaine HCl, and ox bile extract. She brings 35 years of experience to her practice, and the positive reviews from her past clients suggest she effectively addresses their GI concerns through the appropriate supplements. As for a meal plan, she has yet to provide guidance as she wants to monitor my response to the enzymes first to determine their effectiveness before proceeding with dietary suggestions. However, I've noticed a concerning trend over the past three days; the air sensation in my stomach has intensified. Additionally, alongside my usual yellow stools, I've observed a yellowish-orange sludge. This occurrence isn't entirely new to me—it happened months ago during flare-ups of loose stools, where I also noted similar sludge post-episode. Now, this yellowish substance is appearing with my formed stools, though this has only been evident in the mornings for the last two days, and it feels somewhat sticky as well. Given these developments, I’m unsure if I should continue taking this supplement or if it is contributing to my discomfort. What should I consider?