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Urology (Expert Forum)
Herpes and Prostatitis
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
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Herpes and Prostatitis
by Guy2005, Feb 13, 2007 12:00AM
About a year and a half ago, I engaged in unprotected vaginal sex with someone who later informed me that she had herpes. Two and half weeks after the exposure, I began experiencing intense penile and testicular pain. I assumed I had contacted herpes and began taking Valtrex (which offered some relief). Around this time, the sebaceous glands on the shaft of my penis began protruding, creating unsightly bumps. Neither the pain nor the bumps subsided.
I took a HerpesSelect blood test five months after the incident and the results came back negative. My urologist began treating me for prostatitis (my prostate is enlarged and the fluid is cloudy); he cultured my prostate fluid and found staph. He prescribed me a few different antibiotics, but they offered no relief. I took another HerpesSelect blood test last week, and it now detected a high amount of herpes antibodies (and I haven't had sex since the original incident).
Some questions:
1. Is it likely that my prostatitis is caused by herpes? Since herpes is incurable, can I hope for eventual relief of my chronic pain, or is there nothing that can be done?
2. What tests should I request from my urologist? What questions I should ask him?
3. What connection does the sebaceous glands have with herpes/ prostatitis? I am certain beyond doubt that the bumps were not there before the exposure to herpes, as they are quite noticeable.
Thank you.
I took a HerpesSelect blood test five months after the incident and the results came back negative. My urologist began treating me for prostatitis (my prostate is enlarged and the fluid is cloudy); he cultured my prostate fluid and found staph. He prescribed me a few different antibiotics, but they offered no relief. I took another HerpesSelect blood test last week, and it now detected a high amount of herpes antibodies (and I haven't had sex since the original incident).
Some questions:
1. Is it likely that my prostatitis is caused by herpes? Since herpes is incurable, can I hope for eventual relief of my chronic pain, or is there nothing that can be done?
2. What tests should I request from my urologist? What questions I should ask him?
3. What connection does the sebaceous glands have with herpes/ prostatitis? I am certain beyond doubt that the bumps were not there before the exposure to herpes, as they are quite noticeable.
Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 14, 2007 12:00AM
, Feb 14, 2007 12:00AM
To answer your questions:
1) Possible, but I would rule out bacterial causes first. I agree with analyzing the prostatic fluid, and can consider a transrectal ultrasound to evaluate for any abscesses.
2) As mentioned above, I would consider a transrectal ultrasound to image the prostate.
3) I am not aware of a definitive connection between the two.
You can also consider a referral to a dermatologist for another opinion on the skin lesions. Genital warts can also be considered as well.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
1) Possible, but I would rule out bacterial causes first. I agree with analyzing the prostatic fluid, and can consider a transrectal ultrasound to evaluate for any abscesses.
2) As mentioned above, I would consider a transrectal ultrasound to image the prostate.
3) I am not aware of a definitive connection between the two.
You can also consider a referral to a dermatologist for another opinion on the skin lesions. Genital warts can also be considered as well.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Member Comments (3)
by mickey0432, Mar 22, 2007 12:00AM
To: Prostate
0
by mickey0432, Mar 22, 2007 12:00AM
To: Prostate
0
by mickey0432, Mar 22, 2007 12:00AM
To: Prostate
0
by rob422, Mar 22, 2007 12:00AM
To: Prostate
0
