OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Discomfort and Irritation on Glans

7/12/2025, 6:01:21 PMMale25-34

I am a 23-year-old individual assigned male at birth, standing 182 cm tall and weighing 86 kg. My current medications include lithium at 18 mmol, tadalafil at 5 mg, finasteride at 1 mg, lenzetto at 2.5, elvanse at 30 mg, attentin at 10 mg, and telfast at 10 mg, alongside standard supplements like vitamin D, vitamin C, magnesium, a multivitamin, L-lysine, and vitamin B. For the past two years, I have been dealing with intermittent episodes of redness coupled with a mild discomfort on the tip of my penis, which feels akin to a minor paper cut. The discomfort is fleeting, typically persisting for just one day or a maximum of two. Despite my concern, I am at a loss as to the underlying cause of this issue. I have undergone tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs), both of which yielded negative results. This irritation has been occurring roughly every other month.

Multiple SclerosisLupusRheumatology

Answers (1)

Cony

7/12/2025, 6:01:58 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing recurring discomfort and irritation on the glans (tip of your penis) that you’ve had for two years, with negative tests for STIs and UTIs. This situation may be concerning, and it’s understandable to seek clarity.

Main Points

  • The symptoms you describe could be due to several non-infectious causes, such as irritation, dryness, or inflammation.
  • Identifying potential triggers and adjusting your hygiene or personal care routine may help alleviate the discomfort.

Explanation

The intermittent redness and discomfort on the glans could arise from various factors, including:

  • Irritation: This can occur from friction, soap, or other products.
  • Dryness: Skin that is too dry can become sensitive and irritated.
  • Allergy: Certain products (like soaps, lubricants, or fabrics) can lead to allergic reactions.
  • Dermatitis: Conditions like contact dermatitis can cause localized irritation.

Given that STIs and UTIs have been ruled out, it may be beneficial to look into these other potential causes more closely.

Next Steps

  1. Hygiene Practices: Ensure you use gentle, unscented soap when washing. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry—avoid vigorous rubbing.
  2. Moisturization: Consider using a water-based moisturizer or a specialized cream designed for sensitive skin on the area after washing to combat dryness.
  3. Product Review: Reflect on any new products (soaps, detergents, lubricants) introduced around the time the irritation began. If you suspect an allergen, try eliminating those products to see if symptoms improve.
  4. Symptom Diary: Keep track of when the irritation occurs, including any activities or products used beforehand. This may help identify patterns or triggers related to the discomfort.
  5. Clothing Choices: Opt for loose-fitting underwear and pants made from breathable materials to reduce friction and irritation.

If the situation doesn't improve with these adjustments, or if the discomfort becomes more severe or frequent, it may be essential to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. Your comfort and health are important, and seeking help is always a valid option. Please let me know if there's any more specific assistance you need!

Related Questions

Navigating Withdrawal from Venlafaxine

**In Brief:** Looking for tips on alleviating side effects while gradually reducing Venlafaxine. Hi everyone! I’m a 22-year-old female who has been grappling with **chronic depression for approximately a decade.** Although I suspect this condition stems from neurochemical issues, there’s also a strong correlation with my life circumstances. For the past **two and a half years,** I have been taking Venlafaxine. My previous psychiatrist was quite aggressive with medication prescriptions, particularly since I had negative experiences with several SSRIs before, and when I reported struggles, he simply increased my dosage. Despite the medication, I still face depressive symptoms and have often questioned its effectiveness. Additionally, I find the side effects particularly bothersome, especially on days when I inadvertently skip a dose. So, I've made the decision to discontinue it. Interestingly, I’m currently doing fairly well in my day-to-day life in spite of the ongoing depression, and since I haven’t been med-free since age 16, I want to attempt this during a time when I feel stable enough. I consulted a nurse practitioner who provided me with lower-dose capsules to facilitate the tapering process, and I began this journey yesterday. I started at **300mg and reduced to 250mg.** Within hours, I experienced a full-body response: **severe brain fog, extreme tiredness, irritability, nausea, a complete lack of appetite (food just felt necessary instead of enjoyable), lightheadedness, excessive night sweats, and bizarre, vivid dreams.** Feeling rather discouraged today, I decided to adjust my dosage to **280mg**, which has helped a bit, but I’m still quite frustrated. I feel let down by my psychiatrist, who I trusted deeply during my most vulnerable times. He prescribed this medication without adequately preparing me for the challenges my body would face with increased doses. To add to that, my nurse practitioner’s manner didn’t instill much assurance; I feel like I learned more in a quick online search than from our session. I’m currently a college student trying to complete a demanding program, and the prospect of enduring debilitating symptoms during this withdrawal is terrifying. **Is there anyone who can offer guidance on how to navigate this experience?** I’m considering reducing the dosage in even smaller increments over a longer span, but any additional tips would be greatly appreciated as I embark on this daunting journey. **A Bit About My Medical Background:** I’m a 22-year-old female, standing 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 136 pounds. Ethnically, I am Caucasian and I face several chronic health challenges, including Hidradenitis Suppurativa, pelvic floor dysfunction (not related to childbirth as I’m still a virgin), heavy menstrual periods, erratic cycles, chronic fatigue, and chronic iron deficiency anemia. All these issues, along with my depression, emerged around the age of 12 during puberty, yet no medical professional has been able to link them to a single overarching cause. I’ve never consumed alcohol, smoked, or used recreational drugs, but I do have a few allergies to common antibiotics. I reside in the Northwest region of the United States.

DiabetesMultiple SclerosisInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 minute ago

Understanding Adhesion Formation

Greetings, Three months ago, I underwent laparoscopic surgery, during which my surgeon informed me that I was diagnosed with endometriosis upon waking up. **POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES:** 1. Pain in the right lower abdomen. 2. General pelvic discomfort in females. 3. Heavy and irregular menstrual cycles. 4. Primary dysmenorrhea. 5. Endometriosis affecting the pelvic peritoneum. 6. Adhesions in the intestines. 7. Adhesions surrounding the adnexa. **PROCEDURES COMPLETED:** 1. Diagnostic laparoscopy. 2. Laparoscopic excision of endometriotic tissue. 3. Laparoscopic separation of intestinal and adnexal adhesions. The appendix appeared normal but was found enveloped in scar tissue near the pelvic brim on the right side. There was also scar tissue around the sigmoid area near the left adnexa, left ovary, and the left pelvic wall. Additionally, there was no sign of pelvic inflammation. One week later, I was informed that the biopsy results showed no evidence of endometriosis. My surgeon speculated that the extensive adhesions might be a result of a previous surgery, but this was actually my first surgery. I also have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which she clarified is unrelated to my current situation. Furthermore, I have no history of infections. Ultimately, she suggested that I might simply be dealing with chronic inflammation. I find myself perplexed by the initial diagnosis of endometriosis, only to be contradicted by a negative biopsy. What explains the presence of adhesions? And how can I have chronic inflammation without a clear cause? Thank you in advance for any insights!

Crohn's DiseaseThyroid DisordersRheumatology
Male25-34
1 minute ago

Facial Swelling Concerns in a 21-Year-Old Male

As a 21-year-old man who stands 5 feet 7 inches tall, I’ve been experiencing issues with facial swelling localized on one side for the past few years. Although the condition isn’t alarming, it is visibly noticeable, especially each morning upon waking. It seems to peak in the morning and gradually improves after I’ve been up for a few hours. Initially, I noticed this swelling after engaging in masturbation, which would leave my face swollen for about a week. However, it has evolved to occur with any number of activities, such as consuming alcohol, being inactive for prolonged periods, or seemingly just about anything I do. I do not take any medications, but I smoke a few cigarettes daily. Additionally, I often feel fatigued, and despite showering, my complexion remains somewhat pale, particularly after I sit down to rest. I am seeking advice or suggestions on how to address this issue, as it’s becoming increasingly bothersome.

LupusThyroid DisordersInternal Medicine
Male25-34
11 minutes ago

Does a 7-Year History of Mycoplasma Genitalium Imply PID?

Hello, I’m a 29-year-old female, standing 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 100 pounds. I don’t smoke and I abstain from alcohol. For at least the past seven years, I have been aware of my Mycoplasma genitalium positivity, primarily because I have not engaged in sexual activity during this time. In the past, I underwent numerous medical evaluations, all of which returned negative results. Unfortunately, it seems I overlooked the fact that tests for Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma were not part of those screenings. At that point, I was asymptomatic. However, I have recently begun experiencing unusual discharge, prompting me to undergo testing again. This time, the results showed negativity for all infections, yet confirmed the presence of Mycoplasma genitalium. I’m concerned—have I missed the opportunity for effective treatment? Is there an inevitable risk of developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) given my situation?

ArthritisMultiple SclerosisLupus
Male25-34
11 minutes ago

Searching for Answers: A Journey with Walking Difficulties

As a 23-year-old woman, standing at 5'4" and weighing 127 pounds, I have faced significant challenges with walking for the past three years. My range is limited to about a block before I begin to stumble, making leg movement increasingly difficult. While I don’t experience pain, it feels akin to moving through water. My gait is rigid, and bending my knees presents a struggle. I’ve observed that my thigh muscles remain perpetually tense, which I suspect might be a crucial factor in my condition. During the initial half hour of my day, my walking appears relatively normal. However, as I engage in more movement, my situation deteriorates. Several triggers aggravate my symptoms: stress, prolonged standing or walking, heat, specific foods (which are hard to identify, but meals often exacerbate the issue), low blood sugar, and exposure to UV rays. Any form of exercise beyond walking significantly impacts me; for instance, I tried cycling for just ten minutes and found myself struggling to walk for the whole week. Ironically, I do not experience actual pain through this ordeal. Additionally, stretching tends to worsen my mobility. Fortunately, I have found relief through certain medications—curiously, lorazepam and lidocaine have both improved my ability to walk without that 'water' sensation and helped with knee movement. Other strategies that assist include resting, ensuring optimal levels of B12 and iron, eating when my blood sugar dips, and limiting UV exposure. I maintain a clean lifestyle: I don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or use illicit drugs. I’m on birth control (Vyfemla) and take famotidine at night for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some pertinent aspects of my medical background include spinal fusion surgery at age 15, which left me with kyphosis, and a celiac disease diagnosis that led to gluten ataxia prior to adopting a gluten-free diet. I had been severely deficient in B12 and iron when diagnosed with celiac disease but have since successfully addressed those deficiencies. I wonder if celiac or the B12 deficiency have caused lasting damage, although the fluctuation in my ability to walk normally gives me pause about that theory. I have been tested for multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis, both of which have returned negative results. My neurological examinations consistently yield normal findings. An EMG/NCS showed mostly normal results as well, though there’s a possibility of a pinched nerve in my back, and I’m currently undergoing a series of spinal MRIs for further insights. My neurologist conducted blood tests for lupus and various forms of myositis; while the tests for myositis were unremarkable, my lupus screening showed a positive result (elevated anti-ds DNA levels), prompting a forthcoming consultation with a rheumatologist. I suspect that I might have mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), as I experience allergic reactions to nearly all foods, and I am planning to address this with a healthcare professional. My main concern is whether MCAS could be influencing my walking difficulties, particularly given how significantly my symptoms seem to correlate with food intake. Could either lupus or MCAS be behind the challenges I face with walking? Has anyone experienced anything similar? I would greatly appreciate any insights you might have!

LupusFibromyalgiaCOPD
Male25-34
21 minutes ago