Is it an STD?
July 9, 2016 11:25 PM Subscribe
Had a one night stand a couple of weeks ago, used a condom. Now have a mildly itchy spot near my genitals that isn't going away. Do I worry?
I'm a straight guy. About two weeks ago I had a one night stand. We used a condom (which definitely did not break, slip off or visibly leak). For the last week or so I've had a slight, very localized itch near my genitals (not actually on them but an inch or two away in the pubic-hair area). There's no visible mark, palpable swelling or anything else, and the itch is mild -- most of the time I don't notice it, but it doesn't seem to be going away. Could it be HPV or some other STD? (I was tested recently for the most common STDs, but that was before this last partner.) Should I get it checked / treat it in some way / not worry about it and hope it goes away?
I'm a straight guy. About two weeks ago I had a one night stand. We used a condom (which definitely did not break, slip off or visibly leak). For the last week or so I've had a slight, very localized itch near my genitals (not actually on them but an inch or two away in the pubic-hair area). There's no visible mark, palpable swelling or anything else, and the itch is mild -- most of the time I don't notice it, but it doesn't seem to be going away. Could it be HPV or some other STD? (I was tested recently for the most common STDs, but that was before this last partner.) Should I get it checked / treat it in some way / not worry about it and hope it goes away?
If it's in the pubic hair area, I'd put money on an ingrown hair before an STD. Try putting warm compresses on it for a few days, see if that helps anything.
posted by mishafletch at 12:25 AM on July 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by mishafletch at 12:25 AM on July 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
I'd say buy some Tinactin spray at CVS, and if you're not feeling better in a day or so go to the doctor. It sounds like plain ol' jock itch, or maybe crabs. Whatever it is, it's probably something you can treat easily. Don't worry, but don't just try to wait it out or it may get itchier and tougher to treat.
posted by Ursula Hitler at 12:54 AM on July 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by Ursula Hitler at 12:54 AM on July 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
"Itchy public hair" is not a symptom of any STI except crabs. Shave your pubes and examine both what you shave off and the spot to see what's going on.
posted by DarlingBri at 12:58 AM on July 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by DarlingBri at 12:58 AM on July 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
A guy i knew (who wore condoms religiously) had a spot away from the genitals develop into a sore that, when swabbed, tested positive for herpes. See a doctor.
posted by b33j at 1:27 AM on July 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by b33j at 1:27 AM on July 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
Is it hot where you are? When it's really muggy out, I my friend have has noticed a little itching in the pubic area. Keeping the area clean, dry, and well-ventilated helps a lot.
Of course, if the itching continues/gets worse or if you do develop a sore/mark/swelling, that would be the time to see a healthcare provider.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 4:48 AM on July 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
Of course, if the itching continues/gets worse or if you do develop a sore/mark/swelling, that would be the time to see a healthcare provider.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 4:48 AM on July 10, 2016 [3 favorites]
It's possible, but more likely that it's something more innocuous like jock itch, an ingrown hair, or your worry amplifying a normal passing itch into something more serious. (I have a bedbug phobia, and every now and then I'll feel an existing mole on my back, wonder if it's a bite, and then worry it into actual itching. Psychosomatic itching is totally real.)
It doesn't sound like a definite STD sign, but it never ever hurts to go to the doctor and get tested for everything. For your own peace of mind, and for the benefit of future partners.
In the meantime, keep your crotch clean and dry. If you do any sweaty activities, change into new underwear as soon as you can.
HPV and herpes are both spread by skin-to-skin contact, so it's possible to get them even with a condom. But they're both easily managed and neither means the end of your sex life.
posted by Metroid Baby at 5:36 AM on July 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
It doesn't sound like a definite STD sign, but it never ever hurts to go to the doctor and get tested for everything. For your own peace of mind, and for the benefit of future partners.
In the meantime, keep your crotch clean and dry. If you do any sweaty activities, change into new underwear as soon as you can.
HPV and herpes are both spread by skin-to-skin contact, so it's possible to get them even with a condom. But they're both easily managed and neither means the end of your sex life.
posted by Metroid Baby at 5:36 AM on July 10, 2016 [2 favorites]
Nobody here can tell you if you have an STD, but since you're asking this question, it sounds like you're worried already.
If it would set your mind at ease, go see a doctor. They will be able to give you an answer. AskMe can't.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 6:21 AM on July 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
If it would set your mind at ease, go see a doctor. They will be able to give you an answer. AskMe can't.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 6:21 AM on July 10, 2016 [1 favorite]
I would see a Dr. I think it's probably nothing though. Crabs would itch in a more general area. Herpes would have turned into a sore by now. It could be jock itch, which can be transmitted sexually (i know when my husband has it from sitting about in the sauna in damp shorts too long because i get it too!) but also can be acquired other ways (typically by being in warm damp close-fitting undies and/or by putting socks on after underwear so that minute fungal spores from the feet are caught on the undies and pressed into the jock area).
Don't panic, but see a Dr to dispel your concerns, it's what they're for!
posted by intergalacticvelvet at 7:21 AM on July 10, 2016
Don't panic, but see a Dr to dispel your concerns, it's what they're for!
posted by intergalacticvelvet at 7:21 AM on July 10, 2016
Go to a clinic and have a panel test done.
Even if it is a sexually transmitted infection, most bacterial varieties can still be treated with antibiotics. Sooner is better than later.
Even if it is viral, the earlier you get an antiviral (if available) the better the odds of containing it.
Get tested, it'll be good for your piece of mind.
Mind you, depending on the test, viral infections will have an "undetectable" window immediately after infection. Antibody tests will have this window (it detects whether you made antibodies against the virus, this takes some time), PCR tests are more sensitive and the window is smaller (it detects directly whether or not you have virus; sometimes it takes a while for the virus to replicate enough to be detectable).
posted by porpoise at 12:01 PM on July 11, 2016
Even if it is a sexually transmitted infection, most bacterial varieties can still be treated with antibiotics. Sooner is better than later.
Even if it is viral, the earlier you get an antiviral (if available) the better the odds of containing it.
Get tested, it'll be good for your piece of mind.
Mind you, depending on the test, viral infections will have an "undetectable" window immediately after infection. Antibody tests will have this window (it detects whether you made antibodies against the virus, this takes some time), PCR tests are more sensitive and the window is smaller (it detects directly whether or not you have virus; sometimes it takes a while for the virus to replicate enough to be detectable).
posted by porpoise at 12:01 PM on July 11, 2016
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by toomanycurls at 11:44 PM on July 9, 2016 [1 favorite]