What is balanitis?

If you have ever had unexplained soreness and swelling in your penis, you were probably understandably worried. Balanitis, or pain and swelling around the glans of the penis, is a common condition and one that needs treatment. Genital swelling and pain can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection or another medical issue. It's unwise to ignore the problem and hope it gets better on its own.
Your doctor can help you determine what caused your balanitis. If you get appropriate treatments, the discomfort will go away. Your doctor can also tell you how to prevent future episodes of balanitis.
Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis, usually painful and accompanied by redness and irritation. Balanitis is more common in people who have an intact foreskin, though people who are circumcised can have it as well.
Balanitis is a symptom, not a condition. The swelling is a sign that something is irritating the skin on your penis. It isn’t always due to sexually transmitted diseases, but it can be a symptom of one. If you are concerned that you have contracted a sexually transmitted infection, you should contact your doctor right away. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can get an STD treated.
Other causes of balanitis include:
- Bacterial infections
- Yeast infections
- Allergic reactions
- Skin conditions such as psoriasis
- Complications from type 2 diabetes
- Side effects of certain medications
Not cleaning the head of the penis well or not washing under the foreskin is often the cause of balanitis. The foreskin can trap microorganisms that flourish in dark, moist environments. Those bacteria or fungi lead to skin infections and irritation.
Managing discomfort from balanitis
If you have pain and swelling in your penis, your first priority might be to reduce discomfort. Ask your doctor if you can take pain medicine or anti-inflammatory drugs to bring down the swelling and control the pain. You can also ask about using cold compresses or baths with Epsom salts to make yourself more comfortable.
Treatments for balanitis
The treatment for balanitis depends on the causes. Once your doctor has diagnosed the reason your penis is swollen, they will tell you what treatment you need.
Substances like body wash, laundry detergent, and spermicide can cause allergic reactions. If this is causing irritation and swelling, your doctor may suggest a steroid cream to bring down swelling and soothe itching. Antihistamines might help reduce the severity of the reaction. You should avoid future contact with whatever caused the reaction.
Bacterial infection
If you have a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. You might need an oral antibiotic or a cream that you apply directly to your penis.
Fungal infection
If you have a yeast infection or other type of fungal infection, you will need anti-fungal medication. There are oral treatments that clear up fungal infections as well as creams or ointments that you can apply to the skin.
If you have an STD such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, your doctor will give you medicine. Ask your doctor about safe sex practices to prevent passing the STD to your partner or getting infected again in the future.
Underlying conditions
If the swelling is related to a condition such as an autoimmune disorder or type 2 diabetes, you will need to take care of the underlying health issue to prevent balanitis from coming back. Your doctor will advise you on how to manage your overall health. They can also give you treatment to ease the pain and swelling in your penis.
If you are uncircumcised and have frequent, recurring balanitis, your doctor might suggest circumcision. Removing the foreskin can make it easier to keep the penis clean and prevent fungal or bacterial overgrowth.
Preventing balanitis
If you want to reduce the risk of future episodes of balanitis, you should be conscientious about cleaning your penis. Wash regularly with warm water and mild soap. Carefully retract your foreskin to gently clean underneath it. If you need to, you can also retract it again to pat the area dry after washing.
Some people find that soaps with fragrances irritate their skins, so choose unscented body washes. Some laundry detergents or fabric softeners have ingredients that irritate the skin as well. If you have balanitis due to allergic reactions, you may want to switch to detergent without fragrances or dyes.
If you have any underlying condition that leads to recurrent episodes of balanitis or if you require help bathing, talk to your doctor about how your caregivers should care for your penis.

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Balanitis (Inflammation of the Head of the Penis)
Balanitis is a condition in which the skin of the head of the penis becomes inflamed. If the foreskin is also inflamed, it is referred to as balanoposthitis. Balanitis usually occurs in uncircumcised males with symptoms of pain, swelling, and redness at the head of the penis. Often, balanitis is caused by poor hygiene or some medical conditions such as diabetes, and yeast infections. Treatment for balanitis is directed at the cause of the condition and may include creams or other medications.
Balanitis is not an STD; however, it may have similar symptoms.
Is Balanitis an STD and Will it Go Away on its Own?
Balanitis is a painful inflammation of the head of the penis. Balanitis is a symptom, not a condition and it can be caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD).Is Balanitis Contagious?
Balanitis is a condition in which the head of the penis and/or foreskin that surrounds the head of an uncircumcised penis becomes inflamed. Balanitis is contagious if it is caused by certain bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Risk factors for balanitis are congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, morbid obesity, poor personal hygiene, diabetes, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).Signs and symptoms of balanitis are itching, swelling, redness, and tenderness around the head of the penis and the surrounding foreskin.
Penis Disorders
Penis disorders (male reproductive problems) include priapism, Peyronie's disease, balanitis, phimosis, paraphimosis, and penile cancer. Read on for causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. These disorders can affect a man's fertility and sexual functioning. A variety of treatments are available for these disorders.Men's Health: What Foods Should Men Eat for Good Health?
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Penis disorders may affect men’s sexual life, fertility and overall well-being. Some are minor and don’t cause many issues. However, some may lead to serious emergencies. There are many different types of penis disorders.What Is the Fastest Way to Cure Balanitis?
Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis. The fastest way to cure balanitis is to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the condition.What Triggers Balanitis and How Long Does It Last?
Will Circumcision Get Rid of Balanitis?
Circumcision, which is the surgical removal of the foreskin, is a relatively simple procedure. It is effective at preventing future episodes of the swelling and inflammation associated with balanitis.