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
Elevated Platelets with Normal Iron Levels: Possible Explanations?
Recent platelet evaluations revealed a notable increase in my count over a span of several months: - 411 in January 2024 - 513 by May 28, 2025 - 591 on June 13, 2025 I underwent an iron panel that returned normal results, and the rheumatologist indicated that there are no signs of inflammation in my body. Additionally, there was no evidence of any ongoing infection. I've been referred to a hematology specialist and have an appointment scheduled within the next week or two. However, I can’t help but feel concerned about the rapid rise in my platelet count over a short period—2.5 weeks, to be precise. Is this increase noteworthy? I am a 40-year-old woman, classified at the lower end of the overweight BMI range, and I identify as a white, non-Hispanic Caucasian. Appreciate any insights!
Concerning Dark Spots: What You Should Know
A 29-year-old woman, standing at 160 cm and weighing 53 kg, currently not on any medication and is a non-smoker, underwent an MRI due to difficulties with memory and issues related to her sinuses. She has a concern about a dark spot observed on her scans. Is it possible that this dark spot is insignificant?
Numbness on One Side of My Face After Sleeping on My Phone
I wanted to share a concern that arose recently. About three days ago, I dozed off with my face resting on my phone. Upon waking, I noticed a faint red mark along my right eyebrow, which was pressed against the edge of the phone case. The mark extended vertically across the middle of the eyebrow. Initially, there was a bit of numbness in that area and just above it, but I didn’t look into it too closely at the time. Yesterday during my face washing routine, I realized that the numbness had progressed to my hairline and slightly beyond it, nearing the top of my head. On the side of my ear, I began to feel some sensation returning, just past the outer edge of the eyebrow. In summary, I have no feeling from the eyebrow upwards in a region stretching from the nose to the brow’s end, and this is confined to that side of my face, while the left side remains unaffected. It’s difficult to gauge whether the numbness is worsening or spreading, but it certainly hasn’t improved. Fortunately, I’m not experiencing any pain, nor do I have issues with muscle control, and there’s no redness or irritation besides the initial mark from waking up. I’ve been consulting Dr. Google, which has suggested a variety of possible conditions, ranging from multiple sclerosis to stroke, and even shingles (I did have shingles on the same side of my body a couple of years ago, primarily affecting my back). After dismissing several of these possibilities due to certain key symptoms being absent, I feel a bit stuck. I plan to visit the emergency room tomorrow if there’s no change, which I suspect will be the case. Most sources I’ve come across recommend seeing a neurologist or a family practice physician as soon as possible. I was simply hoping for some advice to help ease my mind... and to encourage better sleep without using my phone as an impromptu pillow. By the way, the closest self-diagnosis I could find points to potential nerve damage, possibly involving a nerve with a name starting with "tri"—I can’t quite recall the full term. This nerve is reportedly responsible for sensory and motor functions, but I’m not sure what the third role is. Unfortunately, this diagnosis didn’t provide much useful information, except to suggest that numbness typically resolves within minutes to hours, often followed by a fleeting period of ‘pins and needles.’ It’s been days, and I’m still stuck at the initial stage.
Guidance on Managing a Pilonidal Cyst
Hello everyone, I’m a 23-year-old male, and I want to share my recent ordeal with a pilonidal sinus that became infected about two months back. It was extremely painful, but after a week of antibiotics and applying warm compresses, the discomfort subsided without any need for drainage. Despite the alleviation of pain, the affected area remains quite firm and has been oozing slightly every day for the past two months, although I am no longer experiencing significant pain. I recently consulted with a surgeon who informed me that I have six fistulas or fissures (I can't recall which term he used) that necessitate surgical intervention. Hence, I am now in the process of deciding on the best time for the procedure, ideally aiming for November. However, I have a concern because I am set to go traveling next week for just over ten days, and the thought of a potential recurrence fills me with anxiety. I’m reaching out for any suggestions on how to prevent an infection while I'm away. Could my current symptoms simply be a typical aftereffect of the initial infection, or am I overreacting? I still have some antibiotic body wash left that I utilize on a daily basis. Any recommendations or insights would be greatly appreciated!
Identifying a Rash: Possible Ringworm Concern
At 24 years old (5'8", weighing 190 pounds), I have been dealing with an irritating rash that has progressively worsened over the last week and a half. I've noticed that both of my knees have become quite sore from scratching while I sleep. I have no known allergies and have not ventured beyond a 50-mile radius in the last four months. To alleviate the discomfort, I've been applying Lotrimin AF and hydrocortisone, as I suspect one of the affected areas could be ringworm. Given my dissatisfaction with military healthcare, I am eager to understand what this rash might be so that I can receive an informed diagnosis from a clinic provider. I appreciate any insights you might provide in advance.