Balanitis – Inflammation Of The Glans (With Videos)

Balanitis – Inflammation Of The Glans

Balanitis Definition

Balanitis is a painful infection of the glans. The infection is caused either by bacteria or microorganisms (fungi) or by skin irritants (allergens, toxic materials). Major causes of infections: unsafe sex and poor hygiene. In rare cases, infection is associated with other diseases (diabetes, phimosis).

Generally, the introduction of drug treatment can cure the balanitis. Untreated, it presents a risk for urinary tract and can lead to prostatitis or epididymitis, or to sepsis (emergency).

Balanitis Causes

Main causes: infection by bacteria or microorganisms (fungi) results from unprotected sex, lack of hygiene, exaggerated or nonexistent. Wash out too much leads to dehydration or skin lesions allowing micro-organisms and toxic materials from entering the body.

Balanitis Other Causes:

• Too narrow foreskin (phimosis)
•  Sexually transmitted diseases, including: gonorrhea, chlamydia, candida infections
• Skin lesions after sex
• Chemical treatment of condoms (spermicide) or other toxic substances applied on the penis (lubricants).

Balanitis, concomitant illness:

• Weakened immune system (Diabetes mellitus, HIV, etc.).
• Reiter’s disease (inflammatory disease of the joints) Usually the topic is also suffering from an inflammation of the urethra and the conjunctiva.
• Behçet’s disease (autoimmune disease associated with inflammation of blood vessels)
• Sclero-atrophic lichen, this disease causes white spots, scarring and damage to the foreskin.

Balanitis – Inflammation of The Glans (img : ehealthwall.com)

Balanitis Disorders (Symptoms)

• Swelling, redness and pain at the glans
• In case of infection, purulent yellow (bad smell)
• Pain, burning when urinating
• Eventually, pain in the groin (swollen glands)
• At an advanced stage: general feeling of illness and fever may be signs of sepsis (= emergency)

Balanitis Examinations (Diagnosis)

• History with consideration of symptoms
• Examination of the penis
• Palpation of lymph nodes in the groin
• Smears and identification of the pathogen
• Blood and urine
• Eventually, biopsy

Balanitis Treatment Options

The appropriate treatment of the underlying disease is essential (diabetes). In case of bacterial infection, should be included in the sexual partner treatment.

Balanitis General Treatment

• Baths with camomile have an antiseptic action, they can be used alongside drug treatment.
• By saline enemas
• Personal hygiene: when washing, retract the foreskin and wash it thoroughly.

Balanitis Medical drugs

• Antibiotics act against bacteria
• Antimycotics: infectins to act against fungi
• possibly immunotherapy
• Ointments: depending on the pathogen, against bacteria (antibiotics), fungi (antifungal), anti-inflammatory drugs (ointments containing corticosteroids).

In case of recurrence of infection and in the presence of phimosis, a circumcision can be effective.

Balanitis Possible Complications

Treatment instituted quickly and respected will usually cure the balanitis. Without proper treatment, the infection can ascend the urinary tract and cause inflammation in the urethra or bladder. In severe cases, there is an inflammation of the prostate or epididymis.

Balanitis Preventive Measures

• The hygiene is critical: when washing, retract the foreskin and wash it thoroughly.
•  Safe sex, especially when multiple partners
• Appropriate treatment of underlying diseases (diabetes, inflammation)