Are Cluster Of Small Bumps On The Shaft Of Penis Signs Of STD?

Posted on Mon, 25 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 Answered on

Fri, 11 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : So I feel I may have an STD and have an appt with my doctor, but don't want to wait if there is an idea of what it is. I had sex without a condom and with someone I have slept with before. Then I got 2 pimple looking bumps....I ended up popping them, and then it felt like it spread as they started showing up in other places. I tried applying neosporn to them and then it seemed to get worse where at the base of my shaft I had a cluster of small little bumps pop up. So now I have the little cluster of tiny tiny bumps plus the pimple looking ones on my shaft. I don't feel any pain and have no fever like symptoms, and there's no discomfort when peeing. The only time it stings is when I wash it with warm salt water, but then it all feels fine when it dries. Thanks for your help on this.

Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Better to rule out herpes for a safer side.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.

I have gone through your query and understand the concern.

These pimple looking bumps with other tiny bumps in clusters on the shaft of penis are unlikely to be related to STD since you had a sexual intercourse (even without condom) with some known sexual partner.

But I will want to rule out genital herpes by doing HSV1 and HSV2 antibodies testing for a safer side if I would have your treating doctor because on few occasions (but not commonly),these kinds of tiny bumps or clusters seen in genital herpes,so better to rule out it after discussing to your doctor.

Also, it is a bit difficult to comment regarding STD (especially herpes) only on the basis of clinical features.

So,if you go for HSV testing or if your doctor advises,then better to do the tests after 4 weeks of unprotected sex to get the accurate result.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Dr.Sandip Kabra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Sandip Kabra (7 hours later)

Thanks for this insight. In addition it feels like my lymphy nodes on the left side, not the right side, of my groin are a bit swollen. Do you think all encompassing that this is a sign of infection? I have also attached a couple of picture to show everything.s

Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Could be a bacterial infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for sharing pictures.

From the pictures,it could be some bacterial infection from which you have got small pimple like bumps over the shaft of penis and swollen lymph nodes of groin.

Short course of oral antibiotics would be effective in this case.Your family doctor or some local physician may prescribe it.

But as we discussed,you should rule out chances of HSV infection for a safer side.

Regards,

Dr.Sandip kabra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Sandip Kabra (9 hours later)

So i went to my doctor today and he looked at it and said he was 100% sure it's herpes and said its pointless to get a test. I started on the antiviral tonight, but wanted to get your perspective on if youve seen symptoms like the ones below that is not herpes. Was thinking of just doing an at home test rather than doing an in person doctor visit again

Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can go for confirmation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the response.

I think you may go for antibody testing to confirm genital herpes.

I may also agree with your doctor that herpes can be diagnosed clinically by just looking at the lesion and can be sure of having it.

But in my patients,I always go for blood tests to confirm the lesion before starting antiviral drugs.

So,it is feasible for you,then you should go for it,upon confirmation you may start antiviral medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Dr.Sandip Kabra

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina