Hello. A few months ago, I started getting a small patch of inflammation around the opening of my urethra. At first, it was nothing -- no pain, no irritation, just a small red patch. As time progressed, it become slightly larger, and I started developing small patches around my glans. Again, no pain, no swelling, no iritation at all. My urinary functions are normal, and the color of my discharge is white like it usually is. There are no symptoms associated with any sexually-transmitted infections that I can think of -- no discharge from the area, no pain, no sick-like symptoms, etc.

The last -- and first time -- I had sex was over a year ago. There was no penetration involved, rather it was merely "fooling around." i'm still extremely paranoid, though. Is it actually possible that this infection could be related to what I did a year ago? Could it be a latent infection? If so, why am I not experiencing any other symptoms? I've researched this stuff extensively, and while urethritis is common in most all infections, i'm not experiencing anything else. Does this mean it could be anything? Does this mean it could be nothing at all?

I thought it might simply be urethritis, brought on by an allergic reaction... Or exposure to bacteria? I have been fervently cleaning the area on a daily basis, and I already drink nothing but water. I figured this would flush my system of any bacteria that might be responsible. However, it still persists... I try avoiding masturbation as much as possible, as it causes the entire area to become red for a few hours. (still no pain or irritation, though)

why should I do? I'm afraid to see the doctor because I wouldn't be able to live with myself if i've contracted a disease. I'm afraid of what he is going to tell me. I'm afraid this is going to be the end of my world.