Balanitis

All STDs

What is balanitis?

  • Balanitis is inflammation of the glans (the tip of your penis). The foreskin is mostly also involved (then it’s called balanoposthitis)
  • You can get an itchy or burning feeling
  • Sometimes balanitis can be caused by gonorrhoea or chlamydia
  • So if you have symptoms, go to your GP or to the STD clinic

How can you get it?

How can you get balanitis?

There are bacteria and yeasts living on your glans and in your foreskin. This is completely normal. But sometimes, one of these organisms grows too much. This can cause balanitis. Men with a tight foreskin have a higher risk, because they can’t clean their glans properly. 

Sometimes, balanitis can be caused by an STD. Read more about gonorrhea and chlamydia. 

Balanitis can also be caused by allergies. For example, if you are allergic to:

  • Condoms
  • Lube
  • Spermicide (contraceptive gel)
  • Deodorant or perfume

Or you could get it because you have a skin condition, like eczema. 

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of balanitis?

  • Itch or burning sensation
  • Pain
  • Small red patches that can turn into a single, wider red patch
  • White patches with a red edge and flaky skin
  • Small wounds, scrapes, zits, blisters, pimples or bumps
  • Secretion (discharge) or pus 
  • Swollen glans or foreskin
  • Sensitive glans during sex

Testing

Getting tested

Do you have balanitis? And did you have sex without a condom? If so, your GP or the nurse from the STD clinic can test you for gonorrhoea and chlamydia. To do this, you need to give a pee sample. This way you can find out if your balanitis is caused by one of these STDs. 

Treatment

Treating balanitis

Do you have balanitis? Then it’s important to wash your penis well. To do so: 

  • Wash thoroughly your glans and foreskin 3-4 times a day
  • Use your shower head and lots of water
  • Do not use soap
  • After washing, dry your glans with a towel

By doing this, your penis will heal quickly on its own. 

Still have symptoms?

Do you still have symptoms after 2 weeks? Then go see your GP. They will determine what is causing balanitis. You will get medication to heal the inflammation. 

Make sure you don’t pass on an STD

Do you have an STD? Inform your sex partners, so they can get tested and treated too.

Inform your sex partners

Prevention

Preventing balanitis

Wash your glans and foreskin once a day thoroughly with water. Do not use soap: only use water. After washing, dry your glans with a towel. 

Make sure not to wash your glans too much. Once a day is enough. 

Sometimes, balanitis is caused by an STD. With a condom you can prevent most STDs. That’s why you should always use a condom during sex.

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