I'm new... need advice

[S2sly]

Pardon me if this is the typical first post, but to the point...

I went in to the Dr. for a routine physical at the beginning of May. I was also tested for STDs since I was a little paranoid from past encounters, though I have always been reasonably careful. Only a day or two after the appointment... stinging at tip of penis and in urethra during/after urination, etc. etc. I was immediately paranoid that I had an STD and it was a long incredibly stressful week.

All test came up neg. but by this time I was a mess. Very high anxiety, urination symptoms still there, including some low back pain, dull periodic aches in various regions of the pelvis including area between testes and anus, and a skin irritation on the edge of the corona. No discharge, but maybe a clear dribble following urination. I suspected anxiety might be part of the problem, but nonetheless I was completely freaked out by the thought of an infection, so fat chance of reducing the anxiety. Dr. did not put me on antibiotics but suggested it might be "non-bacterial prostatitis", now called "male chronic pelvic pain syndrome". At the time, didn't know what to think of that. Because I wanted to be totally sure I did not have an STD I went through the tests again last week. Again, negative with urine clear and clean. But another high stress week. Spent a day or two wondering "what next"? Do I have cancer? Should I see a urologist, dermatologist, or just try to forget about it? Then I found this site and started reading.

So here I am. I have read up about chronic prostatitis and my symptoms all seem to match. Those described above, plus a noticeable decrease in ejaculation volume. If this is stress triggered, then the main source of my stress was thinking that I may have acquired an std a couple months back. Now that I think I can put that to rest, I still have symptoms. Most noticeably, the skin on the head (or corona) of my penis is very sensitive. I have a particular irritation on the right edge or rim that is reddish, like chafing but with no itch or dryness. It stings a bit and it has now been there for a month. The tip of and generally the whole head of my penis sometimes feels irritated but without the noticeable redness. Hydrocortisone reduces the discomfort and also the friction of rubbing against underwear/pants, but its not healing. Urination feels a little better, but not totally normal yet. I get some aches between by testes an anus too, but its the penis irritation I can't seem to forget about.

I feel like I'm chasing my tail here. This could all be caused by high anxiety and stress, but my anxiety and stress has much to do with the uncertainty of what health problem I am experiencing. Sure there are probably some other contributing stress factors (which I won't go into), or maybe other factors altogether, but I just don't know where to turn because my Dr. tells me I'm good to go, except oh yeah maybe I have this little known syndrome and that's it, along with unrelated "minimal chafing" on my penis that won't seem to heal.

I have always been a laid back, easy going person but I now feel like I'm losing it. I have always had little ticks, and twitches when I am experiencing anxiety, but if I now am experiencing chronic prostatitis then I have reached a whole new level of anxiety, if that is the trigger. Have to say, it sure feels like stress makes symptoms flare up.

Now I am about to take a long distance relationship to the next level (living in the same town), but my girlfriend is wondering why I seem so tense, and down. I have tried to explain but its hard. If this continues it may affect our sex life and many other aspects of the relationship. And by the way.... the relationship is NOT the cause of my stress. I am very excited to move forward with it.

So that's the story. Feel free to comment but please someone at least answer a couple questions for me:

1) what about this irritation on my penis? Is this really just a separate skin issue or could this be related? If so, how can I get it to heal so I can walk around comfortably in my jeans, masturbate, etc. This is not only the symptom that bugs me most, but also the cause of much stress.

2) Where do I go from here? I have Group Health insurance but soon I'll be in Alaska for several weeks, away from my primary care location, and probably away from any Group Health provider. I won't be back in Seattle until late August. Hoping that this get away and good companionship (girlfriend) will reduce or end these symptoms, but also want to do the smart thing. Right now I'm thinking I'll go, and seek further help if I need it when I return.

I am hopeful I can at least put THIS episode behind me if I can come to grips with everything I am feeling, and knowing that I don't have an infection, cancer, etc. On another front, I hope to deal with any other contributing stress factors in a better way. That way maybe I can also be better prepared to deal with this in the future.

I feel lucky to have stumbled across this website, which provides insight I was not finding elsewhere. Thank you to everyone who responds.

[Astrotitan]

Hi S2sly, sorry to hear about your problems. I know what your going through. The main thing right now is, DONT STRESS. I know it hard, but try.

I think its too premature to tell what your problem is. There are many tests to be done.

Do you have a reduced urine flow?

Have you gone for cytology tests?

Has the uro viewed you prostate with ultrasound (TRUS).

Have you had any slight, almost insignificant discomfort in the pelvic/back area?

Have you lifted anything heavy or put your back in any awkward positions?

How old are you?

There are many questions that you need to consider. Again the main thing is, try not to get anxious.

[webslave]

The mild balanitis you have on your glans penis is common with CPPS. It will fade over time (years). In case harsh soaps are contributing, change to clear soaps (glycerin soap) that are available at The Body Shop -- also available at Vons/Safeways.

The high levels of anxiety you have, both in relation to this issue and other issues you prefer not to disclose, have a lot to do with your symptoms.

Your travel away from medical providers / insurance does not matter. There's not much doctors can do for you, as your uro correctly tells you.

You do not have cancer or an infection, so put those thoughts to rest.

[S2sly]

Thanks guys,

I am 28 years old. I do get some of those dull aches and pains in the lower r abdomen, lower back etc. Lately my back has bothered me more than normal. I have never had a significant back injury, but being a very active person there have been times when it has bothered me throughout my life. Why, can lower back injuries take on these same symptoms because of the way all the nerves connect?

I have only been to my primary care physician, not to a urologist. So I have not had my prostate checked or had any other tests related to prostatitis. Just urinalysis and the two rounds of std tests. Honestly, for now I'm not sure its a good idea with respect to my anxiety and stress levels. I really feel like I need to step away from the Dr. visits for a while and just live my life. From the sounds of it, this might be the best thing I can do at least for now. My physician has said he believes that's the best thing for now, as there is not much that could be done.

It would be somewhat of a relief to know that I have CPPS, and that all these symptoms can be attributed to it. Not that chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome is something I want to deal with (I have heard it can really get you down), but just knowing will really really help. But for now I'm content knowing I don't have an std or cancer. I guess I'll see the urologists and do all the other tests if need be when I return in 2 months. Thing is.... I also feel I need to research a urologist through my health care plan who knows how to deal with this. I don't want to go on some antibiotic for 6 months like so many stories I have read already. Nor do I want to have neurotic episodes that last weeks as I wait for appointment after appointment and test after test.

Other Qs:

1. To the administrator and moderators... do you all agree with webslave, that diagnosis/treatment can wait? How much more do I really need to go through to get a CPPS diagnosis anyway? Its not an infection and its not cancer and it really FEELS anxiety related.

2. To the administrator and moderators, or some or all of you doctors? affected by CPPS?


3. Not sure if this could be related, but about 1.5 years ago I found a small cyst (bebee size) on the spermaticele near my left testy. A urologist performed an ultrasound and felt the cyst, and called it a "spermatacyst". At the time it was a little painful, probably due to over evaluation. It is still there and has never given me much trouble, though I was having dull aches in that region a couple of weeks ago. So... could the development of this cyst have anything to do with CPPS? I'm thinking probably not but just want to throw that out there.

I very am excited to get away from work, to do the things I love to do in the great outdoors of Alaska, with the women I love. Hoping that will be the best treatment for now.

You guys are great. Thanks,

[webslave]

can lower back injuries take on these same symptoms because of the way all the nerves connect?

Severe spinal disease, injury or deformity, yes. Not in your case.

It would be somewhat of a relief to know that I have CPPS

You're in the peak age group.

To the administrator and moderators, or some or all of you doctors? affected by CPPS?

No, we're much better than that. We're sufferers and ex-sufferers who have the knowledge that comes from long-term investigation into this topic.

could the development of this cyst have anything to do with CPPS?

No.

[S2sly]

So what exactly is balanitis? Is that basically just skin irritation of the penis? like dermatitis? You say it fades with time... but years!? Do you mean I will experience this during a flare up, or constantly for years? If I do have chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome and this is balanitis, isn't there something a dermatologist can do for me to treat it? If there is one symptom I could do without it would be this one, my urinating is sometimes troublesome but not too bad, some discomfort in other areas too but this irritation on the head of my penis (or "glans" as you call it) is driving me crazy. I just went for a jog and now I have a newly irritated spot just below the head toward the top of the shaft. This totally sucks, but there has got to be a way to get some skin treatment. What is it, bacterial? fungal? Or is it that the nerves are hypersensitive for another reason. The right edge of my head (or corona/glans) has been irritated for a month, also around the opening to the urethra periodically, and periodically a light rashy irritation on the top of the head. Hydrocortisone makes it feel a little better but I know it doesn't heal it. Please, anybody help with this? I don't want to go into the dermatologist, family dr. or other and hear "minor chafing" again. I've had minor chafing before and it heals in a reasonable amount of time. Getting frustrated here. Its the main reason I can't actually relax. How can you relax when exercise, masturbation, sex, or too much sitting can exacerbate the symptoms?

Thanks,

[scotsman]

So what exactly is balanitis?

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=ba ... gle+Search

[webslave]

What is it, bacterial? fungal?

Neither. It's mediated by the disturbed immune system in the area, possibly as a result of abnormal nerve activity (speculative). Something similar happens in Reiter's Syndrome.

[Richie]

You mentioned something about living in the same town. If a move was involved these are commonly incredibly stressful and a likely trigger for the initial event. Same with Divorces. I have seen it here all the time.

[S2sly]

just going for the summer. I'm a teacher and I usually get away for the summer. Thats something I really look forward to. My friends, a fun job, and my girlfriend are there waiting for me.

[MB]

S2sly,
I have the exact same symptoms you have and at the same annoying location. The redness eventually went away after a couple of months but the pain stayed.
Another member of this forum had also the same symptoms (bti20).
I have been living with this condition for 3 1/2 years. I unfortunately did not find a secret fix but can manage by stress reduction, relaxation, and moderate doses of Ultram.
Physical therapy did not work at all for me.

[S2sly]

So who thinks I should go to the urologist or dermatologist to see if I can get this skin thing treated, in case it is a regular type of stubborn rash?

OR do I really just need to get on with my life and quit dwelling. I mean, if it is just a run of the mill skin condition it should heal on its own anyway, right? And if its CPPS related I can't do anything about it.

Like I said, I can't be positive that I have chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome but I do have symptoms. Is it safe to assume my glans skin problem is def. related to these symptoms (see above posts)?

I know I can't get a quick fix here, but I'm confused if I should continue seeing doctors. Must say it really is adding to the stress. I'm just paranoid I could be ignoring a different problem (like infection or something), but also want to just accept what I am feeling and move forward with life.

MB - thank you for responding.

1)How did this affect your sex life. I have had sex once with the irritation and it didn't bother me too much, but the whole issue is affecting my drive.

2) did it/does it bother you everyday, or just during a flare-up?

3) Should I just stop with all the hydrocortisone and let it be?

anything else you can tell me?

webslave - I dont think it is Reiter's (sp?). My eyes are fine and I don't have any joint pain.

[MB]

1)How did this affect your sex life. I have had sex once with the irritation and it didn't bother me too much, but the whole issue is affecting my drive.

Not too bad for the first 2 years but then my libido went down drastically.
It is in my head no doubt.

2) did it/does it bother you everyday, or just during a flare-up?

Yes, it is all the time. A severe burning pain. It goes away partially on vacation.

3) Should I just stop with all the hydrocortisone and let it be?

Yes I would. I was prescribed a bunch of cortisone creams (locoid, cutivate) by dermatologists who did not know better and in retrospect it aggravated the problem.
It is very sensitive skin down there and the combination of the cream that stings and rubing against underwear made things worse. Also after a while the skin got thin and discolored.
As an experiment, I tried hydrocortisone again a while ago and the pain kept moving slightly. This shows that it is referred pain and direct application of cortisone is futile.