HomeAnswersInfectious Diseasesunprotected sexI have been on PrEP for 16 days, I have been experiencing some smudges on my glans penis 12 hours after the intercourse. Kindly help.

What is the reason for the development of smudges and itching on glans penis after unprotected sex?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At September 26, 2023
Reviewed AtSeptember 26, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am on PrEP for 16 days now, and yesterday I had unprotected sex with a couple (a man and a woman). I know that PrEP only protects you against HIV. Today, when I woke up 12 hours after the intercourse, I noticed some smudges on the head of my penis, and it is itching a little bit. Could I have contracted chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis, and already have symptoms? I am also staying at a hotel and using different a soap. The water is from a well and has a lot of sulfur (you can smell it). So I do not know if this might be an allergy, or already a sign of something. I am attaching a picture.

Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Red dots on the glans penis like the ones appearing to you, as shown in the picture (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity), are caused by many diseases, and almost all are treatable.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.

The Probable causes

1. Balanitis: This is the irritation of the glans penis and can be secondary to external causes like aggressive friction, and poor hygiene, and is common in uncircumcised patients. It is associated with itchiness and pain during urination. 2. Contact dermatitis: Due to friction or contact with a chemical compound or any topical creams or ointments that your body did not accept. It can be associated with itchiness, too. 3. Genital eczema is the same as contact dermatitis. 4. Herpes: This will present with vesicles and will be painful and sore. 5. Syphilis: This will present with a painless chance (ulcer), and you may never notice it. Does not present like the red spots you are having. 6. Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea: It will present with urethral discharges and pain during urination rather than skin manifestation. due to friction or contact with a chemical compound or any topical creams or ointments that your body didn't accept. Can be associated with itchiness, too. 3. Genital eczema is the same as contact dermatitis. 4. Herpes: will present with vesicles and will be painful and sore. 5. Syphilis: will present with painless chance (ulcer), and you may never notice it. doesn't present like the red spots you are having. 6. Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea: will present with urethral discharges and pain during urination rather than skin manifestation.

Investigations to be done

In some cases, balanitis can be resolved by practicing good hygiene. You should keep your genitals clean by using unscented soaps and patting your penis and the genital area dry. If your symptoms do not improve after a couple of days, see a doctor for possible topical creams and antifungal topical creams if there is a chance of yeast infection. If it does not improve in a couple of days, you will need the following: 1. Urethral swab. 2. A swab from the side of the lesion if needed. 3. Urine sample for analysis and cultures if there are urinary symptoms.

Regarding follow up

I am here to answer any concerns or questions. I hope I answered and reassured you. Stay safe.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for the quick answer.

I do not think an STD would appear after 12 hours, but I got a little afraid. Last night when I arrived home, I washed my penis vigorously with a soap I have never used and applied a lot of friction with a bath towel afterward. It is itching just a little bit, and not all the time. I do not feel any pain, or any burning sensation to pee at all. I will apply some Hydrocortisone ointment I have, is that okay? I will keep checking on it, and see how it develops.

Thanks again.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Glad to have you back.

I am here to help you get the best medical advice.

Well, what you mentioned about washing and rubbing is most probably the probable cause. Not having any pain or itchiness is reassuring for the time being. You will have to wait for a couple of days for your skin to recover, and if not, you will have to see a doctor for investigations.

Yes, you can apply Hydrocortisone cream but do not overuse it, not more than twice daily for three days, as cortisone can make skin fragile and prone to infections if used excessively and for long periods with no indication.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shahad Alshehri
Dr. Shahad Alshehri

Infectious Diseases

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