Balanitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Balanitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the glans, or head, of the penis. It is usually caused by an infection of the foreskin and can occur in uncircumcised and circumcised men alike. Balanitis usually heals on its own without treatment, but if it doesn’t go away or gets worse within two weeks, you should see your doctor for evaluation. Balanitis mostly occur in uncircumcised men and boys who do not maintain proper genital hygeine.

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WHAT IS BALANITIS

Balanitis is the infection of the penis tip and foreskin, leading to inflammation and pain. It can be caused by various microbes like bacteria, and fungi.

It can occur in men and women, although it’s more common in males. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as paraphimosis (when an inability to retract the foreskin results in swelling).

Balanitis can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams and antibacterial soaps that are safe for children and adults.

TYPES OF BALANITIS

Zoon's balanitis

The type of balanitis wherein the foreskin or glans penis is inflamed. The condition mainly affects men in their middle or older ages who are uncircumcised.

1

Circinate balanitis

A type of balanitis wherein painless small lesions are formed on the glans penis.

2

Keratotic and Pseudepitheliomatous

Type of balanitis wherein the lesions are scaly in appearance and present on the penis head.

3

CAUSES

Bacterial infection (for example, Staphylococcus infection)
Poor hygiene
Allergic reaction to soaps
STDs

SYMPTOMS

Swelling and redness of the foreskin and tip of the penis
Itching and pain in or around your foreskin and glans penis
Burning sensation and pain while passing urine or during sexual activity

DIAGNOSIS

Balanitis is mainly diagnosed by a healthcare provider who looks for the infection by physical examination. A swab from urethral opening (tip of the penis) is taken and send to the diagnostic lab for testing. A urine test or b;good test can also be done in order to check for the blood sugar levels and other blood and urinary infections.

DO's

Bathe regularly

Maintain proper hygiene

Dry the area after every wash

DONT's

Avoid using harsh soaps

Do not wear tight undergarments

Do not apply topical medications without a doctor recommendation

TREATMENTS

NON SURGICAL TREATMENTS

1. Antibiotics: These are commonly used to treat bacterial infections, but they can also be effective against yeast infections.

2. Antifungal creams: To help reduce symptoms like itching and burning if applied twice daily for two weeks straight after each shower or bath.

3. Steroid creams: This treatment may help speed up healing time by reducing swelling, redness, and pain associated with inflammation.

4. Oral medications: Oral antifungal medications are typically prescribed by a doctor as they are more effective at treating the infection than over-the-counter options. They can also be combined with other treatments like creams or ointments since they work from within your body instead of just on the surface.

SURGICAL TREATMENTS

Circumcision

Recurring balanitis is treated with a surgical procedure of removing the foreskin called circumcision. The best methods to treat balanitis through circumcision are modern laser circumcision and the stapler method of circumcision.

There are many types of circumcision surgery. The most common ones are:

1. Plastibell technique

This method involves using a sterile plastic device (Plastibell) to cut off the foreskin after birth. This procedure is carried out by a pediatrician or family doctor for newborns due to its simplicity and safety. However, it requires you to be careful about hygiene during healing as this method leaves an open wound on your son’s penis, which could get infected if not properly cleaned after urination or bath time.

2. Disposable clamp technique

It is similar to the plastibell method, except it uses disposable clamps instead of a plastic device; hence they can be used more than once until they lose their sterility or tear apart at some point in time.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

There are various complications that may arise due to balanitis:

Intense pain
Chronic inflammation
Excessive bleeding
Ulcers or lesions on the glans penis
Lesions may transform into malignant forms

IF LEFT UNTREATED

If left untreated, balanitis can lead to long-term complications like phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin) or paraphimosis (retraction of the foreskin behind the head).

COST

The average cost for the surgical treatment of balanitis through circumcision is between ₹32,000 to ₹42,000. The cost of the surgical treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition, type of surgical procedure, hospital facilities, and the city opted for the treatment.

Financial Options

No Cost EMI

Cashless
(Insurance)

Reimbursement
(Insurance)

INSURANCE COVERAGE

Insurance plans typically cover medically necessary treatments for conditions like balanitis. The cost of circumcision, that is, the surgical treatment for balanitis, is covered under health insurance. Almost all health insurance providers ensure the coverage of the surgery to treat balanitis. There may be variations in the provisions or policies of the health insurance providers.

It's important to check with your insurance provider to understand the specific coverage details of your policy. You can contact your insurance company directly or review your policy documents to learn more about what treatments are covered and what costs may be associated with your care.

Know more about Balanitis

Balanitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the glans penis, the sensitive head of the penis. In most cases, balanitis is caused by an infection, but other causes may include allergies and skin conditions. It’s important to treat your condition as soon as possible because it can lead to further complications if left untreated. It can be caused due to a bacterial or fungal infection of the glans penis and foreskin.

Additionally, hormonal changes in the body can cause an outbreak of balanitis. For example, men who are obese or have diabetes may experience this condition due to their hormonal imbalances that result in diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2).

Balanitis may cause serious health complications if it is not treated on time. Consult a doctor before it gets more complicated. If you are looking for permanent treatment of balanitis, you can contact Glamyo Health as it offers the best Balanitis Treatment with 0% EMI.

Circumcision is a minor urological surgery that is performed by expert surgeons at Glamyo Health to overcome the diseases of foreskin like phimosis, paraphimosis, and balanitis. Book your free consultation with Glamyo Health today and get your surgery done with our expert doctors. Get the best, Painless and Stitchless Circumcision Surgery Cost in Delhi at the most affordable cost at Glamyo Health. Book Now!

To improve erectile dysfunction and other men's health-related issues, you can get contact an expert urologist at Glamyo Health and get your health queries resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Balanitis is commonly caused due to unhygienic conditions that mainly occur in uncircumcised individuals. Among various infections, candidal infection is a common cause of balanitis.

Balanitis does not come under STD. The balanitis diseases is not itself transferable to another person, but the organism that cause balanitis can get transferred and cause infection. The infection is mainly caused due to overgrowth of fungi on the penis head (glans penis).

Balanitis is the infection of the penile head and foreskin. It is a common infection that can go away without particular treatment. Keeping the foreskin and penis clean may help in healing balanitis on its own.

Balanitis is an infection that can be cured permanently. It mostly occurs in individuals that are not circumcised. Various medications like antifungal creams and antibiotics may help permanently along with keeping personal hygiene.

Balanitis may last 3-5 days if proper treatment is started on time. The inflammation of the penile head and other symptoms subside when the condition does not become serious and topical medications are applied properly.

Balanitis is not a serious health condition, but it is important to consult a doctor to get the diagnosis done. Balanitis commonly occurs in uncircumcised and unhygienic individuals.

Balanitis is not a condition that is transferred sexually to the partner, but the infectious organism may get transferred from the infected glans penis.

Balanitis can get cleared up within 3-5 days after starting the treatment for the disease. It is crucial to get rid of the problem as soon as it appears to prevent its worsening. Delaying the treatment would lead to a more painful condition that takes time to clear up faster.

Untreated balanitis can cause serious health problems like chronic inflammation and redness. The inflamed foreskin and glans penis may cause other health-related issues. This is more common in uncircumcised individuals.

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Balanitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

WHAT IS BALANITIS