QUESTION
After I had protected anal sex with my partner (I'm the top), I noticed two small, painless round red marks on the head of my penis. One was near the base, the other was closer to midway up between the base and urethra. What could they be and what should be my next course of action?

ANSWER
The red marks you describe may be nothing more than irritation. But some STDs like syphilis and herpes have red spots, , bumps or lesions. There is no way to evaluate your marks without seeing a medical provider in person. Make an appointment to see your health care provider for a full exam and STD screening. Be sure to be open about what type of sex you have. Most good doctors will ask but some doctors may make assumptions that may make it difficult to for them to make the right diagnosis.

If you're in San Francisco, you can also get a lab slip to get tested for syphilis online at STDtest.org. For more basic information about STD signs and symptoms, click here.

To your health,
Dr. K