TeenHealthFX - Answers - Dripping Penis

Penis & Testicle Concerns / Question
Published: September 26, 2002

Dear TeenHealthFX,

My penis drips even when I'm not erected I'm 17 and I have many sex partners please help me it burns when I pee.

Signed: Dripping Penis

Dear Dripping Penis,

Unfortunately, TeenHealthFX cannot make diagnoses over the Internet. Only a doctor can do that, and it is really important for you to make an appointment to see one immediately. Discharge from the penis and burning with urination is often a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and since you have many sex partners you have a high risk for contracting these. Teen health centers and Planned Parenthood can provide STD testing for little or no cost and without your parent's consent. While there you really need to educate yourself about safer sex and birth control.

Other diseases can have penile discharge and burning with urination as symptoms, but it is important to make sure that you have not contracted an STD for many reasons. STDs are some of the most widespread diseases in the US, especially in people younger than 25 years of age. Exposure to an STD can occur any time you have unprotected sexual contact with anyone, and therefore any one of your partners could have given you a STD, and you could just as easily pass it on to others. In women, some STDs do not show symptoms until the disease has progressed to a severe infection. So, it is important to know whether or not you are carrying an STD and if you have passed it on to your partners.

Fortunately, most STDs can be treated with medications. In the future, you can protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases by taking some precautions:

Limit your number of sexual partners.
Talk to your partner about their past sexual history. If there is a history of any STD, see a health care provider to discuss your options.
Practice safer sex at all times. Use a condom!
Do not forget the pregnancy prevention. Current recommendations include using a condom with another method such as, spermicidal jelly or cream, the birth control pill or injectable birth control (Depo-Provera).

If you cannot talk to your doctor and live in Northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health in Morristown at (973) 971.6475. If you live outside of Northern New Jersey, please call your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood.

Signed: TeenHealthFX