Balanitis: A Penis Condition Explained
Balanitis: A Penis Condition Explained
Balanitis is an infection that can make you uncomfortable in one of the most sensitive areas -- the end of your penis and the loose flap of skin that covers the tip. It can be treated, and it’s often easy to prevent with some TLC.
You can get balanitis at any age. If you're circumcised, you’re not likely to get it. But if you still have your foreskin, you need to take extra care of the head of your penis.
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If you don’t keep that area clean, you raise your chances of getting the infection. Use a mild soap, because harsh chemicals can irritate the skin on your penis and trigger balanitis, too.
It can also happen if your diabetes isn’t under control, or as a side effect of certain drugs prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. For example, if you take dapagliflozin (Farxiga), you’re more likely to get balanitis, because the drug works by flushing sugar out of your body in the urine. Sugar creates a breeding place for yeast to grow.
Bacteria can also cause the infection. Make sure to keep your penis clean after you use to bathroom.
It can also be caused by a type of arthritis known as reactive arthritis or Reiter’s syndrome, which can also affect the joints and the eyes.
Some medications can cause allergic reactions that can lead to balanitis, too, including tetracycline and aspirin-type medicines.
You’re also more likely to get the infection if you're overweight or have a condition that makes your body retain water, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease.
You might have redness, swelling, pain, itching, or discharge in the tip of your penis. Skin folds can trap dead cells, discharge, and oils. If you don’t wash regularly, this debris can build up and form smegma, which smells bad.
If it gets worse, it can start to hurt when you pee or cause problems with your sex life. You might not be able to get an erection.
In most cases, your doctor can diagnose balanitis based on the symptoms you describe to him. He may run these tests to be sure, such as:
You can get balanitis at any age. If you're circumcised, you’re not likely to get it. But if you still have your foreskin, you need to take extra care of the head of your penis.
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Causes
If you don’t keep that area clean, you raise your chances of getting the infection. Use a mild soap, because harsh chemicals can irritate the skin on your penis and trigger balanitis, too.
It can also happen if your diabetes isn’t under control, or as a side effect of certain drugs prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. For example, if you take dapagliflozin (Farxiga), you’re more likely to get balanitis, because the drug works by flushing sugar out of your body in the urine. Sugar creates a breeding place for yeast to grow.
Bacteria can also cause the infection. Make sure to keep your penis clean after you use to bathroom.
It can also be caused by a type of arthritis known as reactive arthritis or Reiter’s syndrome, which can also affect the joints and the eyes.
Some medications can cause allergic reactions that can lead to balanitis, too, including tetracycline and aspirin-type medicines.
You’re also more likely to get the infection if you're overweight or have a condition that makes your body retain water, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease.
Symptoms
You might have redness, swelling, pain, itching, or discharge in the tip of your penis. Skin folds can trap dead cells, discharge, and oils. If you don’t wash regularly, this debris can build up and form smegma, which smells bad.
If it gets worse, it can start to hurt when you pee or cause problems with your sex life. You might not be able to get an erection.
Diagnosis
In most cases, your doctor can diagnose balanitis based on the symptoms you describe to him. He may run these tests to be sure, such as:
- Serum glucose test (to screen for diabetes)
- Lab tests of any discharge
- Tests to see if you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
- Tests for the medical conditions that cause balanitis
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