I engaged in unprotected oral and protected vaginal with a female of unknown sexual history or health status last Thursday. Yesterday evening (4 days later) I noticed a few pin sized red bumps on the head of my penis. Does this look like Herpes? There is no discomfort or discharge of any kind. I plan to get tested in a couple of weeks for everything to get past the incubation period of most STDs but would like some feedbacks on whether I should see a dermatologist immediately regarding these bumps: http://imageshack.com/a/img20/8794/frx2.jpg Thanks
2014-12-12 02:29:56
Hi! I can understand your apprehensions about the red bumps on the penis head especially since you have unprotected oral sex with a partner of unknown sexual and STD history. Though chances of transmission of STD are lower with oral than vaginal sex you cannot take a risk since you do not know whether your partner has STD or not. Since the red spots on penis head appeared after sex fungal infection herpes secondary syphilis molluscum contagiosum should be ruled out by tests specific for them. However most of these conditions also present with inflammation discharge irritation etc. So yes it would be fine to wait for a week or two and see if you develop other symptoms or not. It could also be allergy to latex of condom if you have used a brand you normally do not use. The incubation period of herpes infection is 2-14 days (from time of exposure to appearance of symptoms). So since there was genital and direct skin contact chances of HSV2 transmission always remain. The risk of transmission is highest during an outbreak. So if the partner did not have any genital lesions the risk at this stage was low. However yes do get the above mentioned infections tested after 14 days of exposure. If after 14 days you test negative for the above mentioned infections and do not develop any symptoms it is important to test for HIV for up to 3-6 months post infection. This is because many a times the symptoms of HIV develop very late. If after 14 days you test negative for the above mentioned infections then the red spots could also be Fordyce spots. These are dilated blood vessels covered with skin and can heal on their own. The other possibility is pearly white papules. These are harmless red or purple swellings and disappear on their own. The third possibility is blocked sebaceous glands. These too often open up on their own. I would suggest you refrain from touching them and watch then for another week or so. Meanwhile if you develop redness itch irritation discharge pain or bleeding then contact your doctor immediately. If the bumps do not disappear on their own in 10-15 days then consult a doctor and get STD panel done. Blocked sebaceous glands and Fordyce spots at times require treatment. Good Luck and take care!
2014-12-12 02:30:36
