Brief Answer:
You need specifically Herpes screening.

Detailed Answer:
I welcome you back with this question. I am happy to see you again sir. It is my duty to resolve the issues related to your health. Its a genuine concern and needs to be handled in a timely fashion. So you are on correct lines to follow it up timely.

I will come to your questions one by one, to answer more elaborately.

1. What is the difference between general irritation of the penis head and 'tingling'?

* General irritation is due solely to the outer skin of the penile shaft or the glans and can be due to local irritation or inflammation. Poor hygiene may also cause it. Local irritant may do the same.

But tingling is due to nerve ending stimulations from inside the penile shaft or glans penis.

But when it come as a symptom to the patient, there is hardly any difference among the two.


2. How long after the tingling sensation would you experience lesions or boils

* 90% 0f the patients have no symptoms and there is virus inside the body. They can infect others but don't show any boils or sores on the genitals.
11% of the population who is sexually active has the infection.

Yes herpes causes other symptoms too, some are :

Abnormal sensations including irritation, itching, burning, tingling sensations in the genital region (on the thighs, buttocks and groin areas.

Flu-like symptoms i.e fever, fatigue, headaches and chills.

Pain with urination due to blisters in the urethra is also a symptom of herpes that is overlooked sometimes.


Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the groin area due to involvement in infection.

Muscle aches and pains in the groin and lower back.

You need not worry so much as you had no sexual intercourse. The outbreak of the symptoms occurs within several days to weeks after exposure to the virus through sexual intercourse. It may or may not have a prior association with tingling or itching on the penis.

3. Do blood tests cover checking for the herpes virus or do you specifically need a PCR test.

* We specifically need a PCR testing. PCR is designed to see the DNA particles of the pathogen. Normal blood work doesn't cover screening the herpes in definite.

Hope I answered all of the queries above. Have a wonderful time ahead. Hope I answered all of your questions. Let me know if you have any further clinical concerns. I will be happy to get back to you shortly. If satisfied here, please give a five star rating and don't forget to close the discussion.

Regards!
DR. XXXXXXX HANIF
USA

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