33-Year-Old Experiencing Persistent Penile Discharge with Negative STI Results
Hello everyone, I'm reaching out in hopes of finding some guidance, as I feel my general practitioner isn't addressing my situation with the urgency it deserves. Approximately two months ago, shortly after engaging in sexual activity, I began to experience symptoms that included a creamy penile discharge, pain while urinating, difficulty voiding completely, and itchiness. Concerned, I promptly consulted my GP, who conducted several swabs and urine tests while initially suspecting gonorrhea or chlamydia. I was prescribed a 7-day course of doxycycline along with a ceftriaxone injection. However, five days into the treatment, I noticed no improvement and returned to the clinic. Although tests for the two STIs turned out negative, my urinalysis revealed a positive result for "mixed bacterial growth." The doctor hypothesized a urinary tract infection and prescribed a week of cefalexin, alongside another 7-day course of doxycycline. Additional tests, including a full STI panel with blood work and swabs for mycoplasma and other potential parasites, were also performed. After completing the cefalexin course, there was a temporary alleviation of my symptoms, apart from ongoing difficulties with urination, but they recurred shortly thereafter. I went back to my GP once again, only to find all tests returned negative. Nevertheless, my urine had visible floating mucus, raising concerns. Next, the clinic suspected prostatitis and prescribed yet another 7-day course of doxycycline, along with a higher dose of cefalexin for 14 days. I have just completed this regimen, and although my symptoms initially improved, I am starting to experience them again about three days after finishing the medication. I've received a referral to a urologist, but the wait until December feels excessively long given the discomfort I'm enduring. An ultrasound examining my prostate, kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract indicated no significant issues, other than my prostate being slightly larger than average and some difficulty during the procedure due to an inability to completely empty my bladder. I'm feeling quite lost and anxious about what to do next, as I really don't want to endure this condition for an additional three months before seeing a specialist. If anyone has advice on how to address this issue more urgently, I would greatly appreciate it. Background: 33 years old, male, Caucasian, 180 cm tall, weighing 73 kg, with no other medical issues, not on any medications, and no recent lifestyle changes.
Answers (1)
9/6/2025, 5:40:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing these persistent symptoms; that can be both frustrating and concerning. Let's break down your situation and consider some practical steps to help you manage your discomfort and expedite your care.
Summary of Key Points
- You are experiencing ongoing penile discharge, urinary issues, and discomfort despite treatment for STIs and a urinary tract infection (UTI).
- You've already undergone multiple treatments, and while you've seen some temporary relief, your symptoms have returned.
- You are feeling anxious about the wait for a urologist appointment.
Explanation
It's understandable to feel lost given your complex situation. Your symptoms suggest a chronic issue that may not be solely linked to a typical UTI or STI. Conditions like prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), or other underlying factors may require a urologist to provide a thorough evaluation.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms: when they occur, their intensity, and any associated factors (diet, activities, etc.). This can be crucial for your upcoming specialist appointment.
-
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help flush your urinary system. This can often relieve some discomfort from irritation or infection.
-
Avoid Irritants: Limit substances that could irritate your urinary tract, such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and acidic fruits, which may exacerbate your symptoms.
-
Thermal Comfort: Applying a warm compress to your lower abdomen may help ease discomfort and provide some relief while you wait for your appointment.
-
Seek Urgent Care: If symptoms worsen significantly or if you develop new or severe issues (like fever, severe pain, or inability to urinate), consider seeking urgent or emergency care to address your condition.
-
Follow-Up on Urologist Referral: Contact the urologist's office to see if they have any cancellation slots available for an earlier appointment. It's worth explaining your situation to see if they can prioritize your case.
-
Consider Multiple Opinions: If waiting becomes unbearable, exploring a second opinion from a different urologist or clinic could provide you with different insights or quicker access to care.
Conclusion
Managing these symptoms can be challenging, but you're taking the right steps by seeking help and monitoring your condition. By implementing the suggested strategies, you can work towards relief until your appointment. If you have any further questions or need additional support, feel free to reach out. Remember, you're not alone in this, and there are pathways to managing your symptoms more effectively.
Related Questions
Swelling Beneath My Chin Near the Jawline
18-Year-Old Male: I'm reaching out to any medical professionals who might provide insights into my situation. I've been using marijuana since I was 14, but now, at 17, I'm making an effort to stop and have been clean for 18 days. Recently, I've discovered an unusual swelling located just beneath my chin, behind my jaw. It causes some discomfort when I move, yet it doesn’t feel painful continuously. I'm somewhat anxious that this could be indicative of a more serious issue, especially considering it's positioned near my chin's lymph nodes. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as it might help alleviate my worry.
Challenges with Appetite and Discomfort While Eating — Difficulty in Gaining Weight
As an 18-year-old male, I find that I become satisfied after consuming rather minimal amounts of food. This situation presents a considerable challenge, particularly since I only need to have a standard breakfast, lunch, or dinner to feel completely satiated for the remainder of the day. My goal of increasing my weight has made this issue even more complicated. When I limit myself to one meal per day, I often face weight loss or an uncomfortable sensation of fullness that leaves me feeling sluggish. Opting for two meals makes me feel excessively bloated, distracting me from my daily responsibilities. Moreover, I suffer from an unusual issue with my throat, where almost any food I consume causes discomfort, as detailed in the list below. I have contemplated focusing on having just lunch while continuing my weightlifting regimen to maintain my current weight and gradually build muscle. What advice could you offer? Could there be an underlying cause for these symptoms? Lastly, would it be wise for me to consult a healthcare professional? Foods That Cause Discomfort: Bread, flour, pizza, fruits, sugary or starchy items, seed oils, chips, and essentially everything else. Foods That Are Tolerable: Rice, salads, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Overall Symptoms Include: * Quick satiety after normal meals * Challenges in gaining weight * Bloated and lethargic sensations when consuming more than one meal * Persistent throat sensitivity to a wide variety of foods
Seeking Insights: My Journey with Undiagnosed Neurological Symptoms
Hello everyone, I'm a 34-year-old female grappling with neurological symptoms that first appeared in October, and I’m eager to hear from anyone who might have faced similar challenges. My journey began with unexpected migraines, blurred vision, and an ongoing sensation of being off-balance or intoxicated. Gradually, I began experiencing mainly sensory-related symptoms, such as tingling and burning sensations, feelings of extreme heat and cold, sharp pains radiating in my arms and back, as well as discomfort in my hands and toes, alongside intermittent numbness. I also endure varying degrees of weakness and heaviness in my right side, specifically my arm and leg, although I haven’t suffered complete functional loss. The nature of my symptoms is erratic; they fluctuate rather than consistently deteriorate. An MRI revealed mild, scattered lesions in the white matter, which were deemed nonspecific. Further tests from a lumbar puncture returned normal results, showing no markers of inflammation, and the oligoclonal bands were not present. A thorough range of lab tests yielded no significant findings. After evaluating my case, the neurology team suggested a possible diagnosis of MS and administered a three-day course of intravenous steroids. While I noticed a slight improvement in some sensory pain, my symptoms persist and continue to vary day by day. I still experience headaches and pressure in my head along with episodes of blurred vision, but there have been no new deficits since treatment. I am reaching out to connect with others who have had similar experiences. I would like to learn about the insights or diagnoses you encountered and what treatments proved beneficial (such as those related to migraine disorders, dysautonomia, or sensory neuropathy, for example). If you have navigated a similar path, I would greatly appreciate your sharing your story. Thank you!
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?
A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?
Concerns About Angular Cheilitis
I’m a 23-year-old woman with no history of smoking, and I’m seeking assistance regarding a health issue. Back in January, I experienced angular cheilitis three times, each episode involving a minor crack at the corner of my mouth that healed within a few days. Following the last occurrence, I became quite anxious due to saliva accumulation in that area. I found myself frequently brushing my finger along that spot. After a few days, I observed a small area forming that appeared white and had a rough texture. Eventually, I realized it was not just a coincidence, and I started taking action, but only after it became noticeably larger. To address it, I cleaned the area with a mix of alcohol and apple cider vinegar. I’m uncertain about what this issue could be, but I’ve recently begun using over-the-counter Clotrimazole cream while also keeping the area moisturized with either lanolin or petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed any improvement, and I’m concerned as it seems to be expanding. The patch continues to be rough and excessively dry. Although I can open my mouth wide without any cracks forming, I do feel tension in the skin, similar to having a bandage over that location. At times, I experience a burning sensation after thorough washing, and I’ve noticed tiny red spots appearing on the outer edges of the patch sporadically.