Ask the Experts About LGBT Health
Q: Penis Swelling
I am circumcised but my glans has retracted and the skin covering the glans is swollen, and the skin cracks when I try to retract the skin. It is painful. [I am] not comfortable speaking to my primary care provider (PCP) about it. [I am] concerned--wouldn't want anything entered into electronic record as I work at a hospital affiliated with [my] PCP. Any ideas what it might be or what might assist?
A: Response from Dr. Makadon
Hello,
I am sorry to hear you are experiencing pain. The medical problem you describe requires a visit to a medical provider as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we are not able to diagnose medical problems over the internet and cannot suggest a treatment. In a situation like this, you should see your primary care provider (PCP) or another medical professional urgentlyin this case, a urologist would be the appropriate specialist. If you cannot be seen, go to the urgent care center of a community health center or emergency room of a hospital. If you live in the Boston area, you can visit urgent care here at Fenway Health.
It is extremely important that you feel comfortable talking about all of your health issues with your PCP. Are you able to find a new PCP that is not affiliated with the hospital where you work? If not, it should be possible to address your concerns about the security of your medical records. Try discussing protections of medical records with the records manager where you work. Many systems have provisions to protect your record from co-workers and a system to allow you to look up anyone who has viewed your medical record. You have the right to know who has access to your information, and you have a right to protected health information.
Thanks for writing,
Harvey Makadon, MD
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Forum Experts
 Harvey J. Makadon, MD is Clinical Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of Education and Training at The Fenway Institute at Fenway Health in Boston. He is a member of the Division of General Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and is the lead editor of The Fenway Guide to LGBT Health, published by the American College of Physicians in 2007. He has long been involved in developing both educational and clinical programs to serve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender populations.  Patricia Raney, MD, is a staff physician at Fenway Health in Boston, Massachusetts. She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Medical School and is Board Certified in Family Medicine. Her clinical interests include women's health and wellness, primary care, preventive care and the health concerns of lesbians, bisexual women and transgender people. On a more personal note, she is an avid stone carver. |
