OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

An Unpleasant Encounter

8/9/2025, 6:20:25 PMMale25-34

A few moments ago, I encountered an unexpected situation that has left me feeling quite uneasy. I'm a 21-year-old male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 78 kilograms. I have been diagnosed with LSTV-type 2, although I am currently not experiencing any pain associated with it. Earlier this evening, I engaged in masturbation, but it didn’t go as smoothly as anticipated. I struggled to reach a full ejaculation; it felt resisted, similar to my current urination issues. Suddenly, I started to feel a sharp pain in the upper area of my rectum, near the anus, which was quite distressing. When I gently prodded the area, I experienced an unsettling sensation akin to a disruption in blood flow, extending to my brain. I’m not sure what’s going on. Furthermore, every time I cough, I notice that same feeling of blood circulation halting; it’s an unusual sensation that raises concerns about something being amiss. What should my next steps be?

LupusCrohn's DiseaseEndocrinology

Answers (1)

Cony

8/9/2025, 6:20:46 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing a combination of physical discomfort and distressing sensations that are concerning for you. Given your medical history of LSTV-type 2 and the new symptoms you've described, let’s break this down into manageable steps to help you find relief.

Main Points:

  1. You might be experiencing temporary muscle or nerve responses related to your LSTV condition.
  2. The sensations during masturbation and coughing may indicate pelvic floor muscle involvement or inflammation.
  3. It's important to monitor symptoms and take initial steps to alleviate discomfort.

Explanation:

Your symptoms, including the sharp pain near your rectum and the unusual sensations you felt during coughing and masturbation, could be related to your LSTV diagnosis. LSTV (lumbar sacral transition vertebra) can sometimes lead to tension or irritation in pelvic muscles or nerves that may cause discomfort, especially during physical activity. The feelings of disrupted blood flow could stem from muscle tension or heightened sensitivity in that area.

Next Steps:

  1. Rest and Relaxation: Avoid strenuous activities or anything that puts pressure on your pelvic area until you feel better. Try to relax your pelvic muscles through gentle stretching.

  2. Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the area may help soothe discomfort and relax the muscles. Ensure the temperature is comfortable to avoid burns.

  3. Hydration and Diet: Stay well-hydrated and consider a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber to keep your digestive system healthy, which can also support pelvic health.

  4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when the pain occurs, its intensity, and any triggers (like certain activities or movements). This diary could help identify patterns or guiding factors.

  5. Gentle Exercise: Engage in light stretching or pelvic floor exercises if they are comfortable and don’t exacerbate your symptoms. Focus on movements that promote relaxation rather than strain.

If you notice any worsening symptoms, such as persistent severe pain, changes in bowel or bladder function, or any signs of infection (like fever or discharge), those would be indicators to seek professional medical evaluation. Remember, it's completely okay to be concerned about your health—addressing these feelings and symptoms matters!

Keep me updated on how you're feeling, and let me know if you want more guidance on specific exercises or other self-care tips.

Related Questions

Navigating Acoustic Neuroma Treatment Options

**Profile: 45-year-old Male, 6'0", 220 lbs, No Regular Medications** My husband maintains a relatively healthy lifestyle despite experiencing some service-related disabilities. About a year and a half ago, he underwent knee replacement surgery, and he utilizes a CPAP machine due to sleep apnea—an issue linked to a jaw surgery performed many years ago. Additionally, he has a history of appendectomy. For the past three years, he has been prescribed hearing aids due to bilateral hearing loss, although he rarely uses them. About eight months ago, he experienced what he described as the "worst headache of his life." Given that he seldom suffers from headaches, we decided to visit the emergency room. A CT scan showed no abnormalities, and he was diagnosed with a migraine. Since then, he has grappled with weekly migraines. He has a triptan medication, but it offers limited relief. Additionally, he has been reporting non-migraine headaches every few days. Before this incident, he reported headaches perhaps twice a year, typically after consuming alcohol, which he does occasionally and in moderation. He also frequently mentions a sensation of pressure or fullness in his head, though he is uncertain if he would categorize it as a headache. Given the stressors our family has faced over the past couple of years, I hoped this might subside as we return to a more typical routine. Two weeks ago, my husband’s boss alerted us that an ambulance was called after he fainted while walking down the hall at work. After regaining consciousness, he attempted to sit up but felt intense dizziness, forcing him to lie back down. Although his fall wasn't witnessed, he was found roughly two minutes later. At the ER, tests including a CT scan and EKG returned normal results. He was then referred back to his primary care manager (PCM), who ordered an MRI with and without contrast. The MRI revealed the presence of an acoustic neuroma. Through my investigation, it appears that many of his symptoms—headaches, pressure sensations, dizziness, and cognitive fog—could be linked to this condition. We are currently awaiting a follow-up appointment with his PCM for a specialist referral. I want to ensure that he is equipped to advocate for himself during this process. Considering his MRI results and associated symptoms, should we seek the expertise of a specialist familiar with acoustic neuroma? I am concerned that our small-town ENT may not have extensive experience with this issue, and I want to avoid a mere monitoring approach if more proactive treatment is advisable. With a busy family and an active lifestyle, his symptoms over these past months have certainly impacted him, as well as our family dynamics and his professional duties. I would greatly appreciate any insights regarding treatment options or specialist locations you might be able to share. Thank you!

Crohn's DiseaseCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
11 minutes ago

Persistent Right Ear Discomfort: Seeking Insights After A Year

Hello everyone, I’m a 33-year-old man residing in the beautiful region of Western Australia. I generally maintain a healthy lifestyle and have no significant medical concerns. In my younger years, I was an avid surfer, but now I find myself in the rural Pilbara area where opportunities for surfing are nonexistent, along with access to medical professionals. I occasionally indulge in kitesurfing here, always equipped with earplugs for protection. Since January 2025, I’ve been dealing with persistent pain and discomfort in my right ear. It all began after I spent a week enjoying freestyle swimming in the ocean in Perth. I initially consulted a doctor there who prescribed Kenacomb for swimmer's ear, but it didn’t yield any improvement. Upon returning to the Pilbara, I sought another doctor's advice, who prescribed a similar antibiotic ear drop, which also failed to provide relief. Despite my continuous visits, the physician kept increasing the potency of the ear drops until I finally insisted on seeing a specialist. Six months later, I traveled back to Perth for an ENT appointment, only to find the specialist unhelpful. Utilizing AI for diagnosis, he was unable to identify any issues and recommended an MRI, which ultimately showed no abnormalities. At a follow-up appointment three months later, the only solution he proposed was a prescription for antidepressants, which I declined. I then sought out another ear specialist in Perth, who similarly declared my ear visually healthy with no apparent issues. While in Perth for my appointments, I had a dental check-up, during which my dentist pointed out that I grind my teeth and provided me with a mouthguard to wear nightly. Another physician suggested that I might have TMJ disorder, so I received Botox injections in my right jaw muscle. Though these interventions offered some relief, the core issue still persisted. Curious about my condition, I purchased an otoscope camera to inspect my ear. To my surprise, I discovered an inflamed surfers ear growth located near the eardrum. Poking at it revealed that it very well might be the source of my discomfort. Despite this growth occupying only a quarter of the ear canal, it does not impair my hearing. The discomfort peaks in the mornings, manifesting as a sharp, stabbing sensation radiating from my right ear to the crown of my skull. However, once I rise and start my day, the pain noticeably diminishes. Additionally, I am aware of persistent tinnitus in that ear. Has anyone else encountered similar issues, or do you have any advice? I appreciate any thoughts you may have. Unfortunately, I cannot upload a photo as the application restricts that functionality.

AsthmaLupusFibromyalgia
Male25-34
11 minutes ago

Blood in Urine: Seeking Guidance

A 20-year-old female weighing 140 pounds has not been taking any medications or supplements, and has no prior or current medical conditions. Her menstrual cycle last occurred two weeks ago. While at work, she observed blood in her urine, which appeared light red but darker than pink. Accompanying this symptom, she has experienced some abdominal discomfort. Notably, there was no evidence of blood on her underwear, only when she urinated. Additionally, she felt a moment of lightheadedness upon noticing the blood, which has since subsided; she attributes this feeling to her anxiety about the potential seriousness of the situation. Given these symptoms, what could be the likely cause? She is uncertain whether to visit the emergency room or to wait until urgent care is available tomorrow for a consultation. As she recently relocated and does not have a primary care physician yet, her anxiety is heightened.

LupusInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
51 minutes ago

Exploring Endolymphatic Hydrops: Could This Be My Condition?

34 years old / Female Current weight: 165 lbs Navigating the challenges of motherhood In early December 2025, I caught a cold. By mid-December, my right ear felt blocked, but I attributed it to the cold virus. As New Year approached, I experienced another cold, which coincided with an onset of ringing in my ears. Disturbingly, sounds started to seem altered from the affected ear, accompanied by a persistent fullness in that area. Additionally, I noticed twitching of my eye and swelling in the salivary gland on the same side. My primary care physician prescribed a decongestant and Flonase; however, because I am currently breastfeeding, I hesitated to take the medications as directed. On January 27, I was evaluated by an ear, nose, and throat specialist, who requested a hearing assessment the following day. The results indicated that I had sensorineural hearing loss affecting my low-frequency hearing range (250 Hz to 500 Hz). The doctor prescribed a steroid with the hope of addressing the issue promptly. Now on day 10 of steroid treatment, I have experienced significant relief. Remarkably, I've noticed a substantial amount of thick, putty-like mucus clearing from my nasal passages. The pressure in my ear has subsided, and sounds are returning to normal, though I still perceive a slight ringing — possibly just a touch of hearing loss remains. What concerns me is whether ongoing sinus congestion could be the root of these symptoms or if I might genuinely be dealing with endolymphatic hydrops. Notably, I have not experienced any episodes of dizziness. In the evenings, I tend to feel considerable pressure building on the right side of my head, almost as if my sinuses are becoming blocked once more. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on this matter, as I find myself in a state of uncertainty regarding my condition.

Thyroid DisordersInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Experiencing Occasional Hematuria: Seeking Guidance

Greetings, medical professionals. I appreciate your assistance with the following situation. **Patient Overview:** - **Age:** 47 - **Gender:** Male - **Height:** 6 feet - **Weight:** 202 pounds **Symptoms Overview:** Approximately three months ago, I began to observe small traces of blood in my urine. It's a minimal amount, usually just a couple of drops occurring at the end of urination. I do not suffer from any pain, fever, chills, or urinary difficulties. Initially, I suspected that this could be linked to kidney stones or exercise-induced hematuria, as I maintain a rigorous exercise routine spanning two hours daily, seven days a week. My workouts alternate between strength training 3-4 times a week and cardio exercises, including rowing, treadmill use, the elliptical, stair climbing, and jump rope. After several weeks, I also observed tiny tissue-like fragments in my urine, prompting me to consult a doctor, as I suspected a urinary tract infection. Although I have an enlarged prostate, my physician considered it a benign issue, attributing the swelling to the potential chain reaction of a UTI leading to bladder infection and subsequently causing prostate inflammation. **Diagnostic Tests and Outcomes:** I underwent a comprehensive metabolic panel, which included tests for glucose, BUN, creatinine, and various electrolytes. All results fell within normal ranges, with the exception of a low BUN/creatinine ratio (8). Additionally, I received a Creatine Kinase (CPK) test, which returned normal results. A complete blood count (CBC) with differential was conducted, showing all parameters, including WBC, RBC, and hemoglobin, to be normal. Urinalysis reflected negative findings for GLU, BLO, NIT, and LEU. However, it indicated a small amount of bilirubin, a ketone level of 15, a specific gravity of 1.025, a pH of 5.5, and a protein level at 30. Uric acid levels were 8.1, within normal limits, though an inflammatory marker was mildly elevated. A sedimentation rate (Westergren) displayed a slight elevation at 19 (normal range is up to 15). A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast yielded several findings: - **Lung Bases:** A few small pulmonary micronodules were noted, but otherwise clear. - **Liver, Spleen, and Pancreas:** All appeared normal without lesions. - **Kidneys:** Normal with no stones or masses. - **GI Tract:** The stomach was mildly distended, but otherwise normal with stool presence noted in the colon. - **Pelvis and Vascular Structures:** Solid organs and vessels appeared normal. - **Other Findings:** Prominent inguinal lymph nodes were potentially reactive, alongside a small left inguinal hernia. **Follow-Up Treatment:** Following these evaluations, my physician prescribed sulfamethoxazole for a duration of 28 days. I adhered to the regimen fully, and while undergoing treatment, all symptoms subsided completely. However, this occurred about a month ago, concluding in late December. **Current Situation:** This evening, after my workout, I noticed the return of blood traces in my urine. While I do not experience pain, I have difficulty with bowel movements, feeling persistently constipated regardless of food intake. This change coincided with a mild tearing sensation during exercise on the adductor machine. Additionally, I have developed a reddish rash on both arms, which had resolved during the antibiotic treatment but has now reappeared. Previously, this rash was effectively treated with prednisone, leaving me unsure if this is connected to my earlier symptoms. **Concerns:** I worry that standard medical tests might overlook a significant issue affecting my prostate, colon, or urinary system. My insurance policy does not cover colonoscopy or prostate evaluation, and I have been advised to consider these procedures, though they would cost nearly $7,000 out of pocket. While I understand the necessity of these assessments if needed, I prefer to seek a second opinion before committing to such expenses. It's important to note that there is a family history of cancer, primarily lung cancer. I welcome any advice or insight into my case and will provide any additional details you may require.

Crohn's DiseaseThyroid DisordersRheumatology
Male25-34
1 hour ago