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Contents
  • Understanding Balanitis
  • Common Causes and Risk Factors
  • Potential Complications

What You Need to Know About Balanitis: The Inflammation of the Glans Penis

What You Need to Know About Balanitis: The Inflammation of the Glans Penis

What's This About?

Balanitis is a condition causing inflammation of the glans penis, often linked to poor hygiene. This article breaks down the causes, symptoms, and potential complications of balanitis.
Contents
  • Understanding Balanitis
  • Common Causes and Risk Factors
  • Potential Complications

Understanding Balanitis

Balanitis refers to the inflammation of the glans penis, often due to infections or poor hygiene. It is more prevalent in uncircumcised men as the foreskin can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This condition can cause pain, redness, and sometimes a discharge.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Infections are the primary cause of balanitis, especially in those with poor genital hygiene. Other risk factors include diabetes, obesity, and a history of sexually transmitted infections. In some cases, it may also be caused by dermatological conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.
Balanitis is the inflammation of the glans penis, often caused by infections or poor hygiene, and is more common in uncircumcised men.

Potential Complications

If left untreated, balanitis can lead to complications like phimosis or paraphimosis, conditions where the foreskin becomes trapped. Chronic balanitis might also increase the risk of developing penile cancer, though evidence is mixed.

FAQs

What is balanitis?

Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis, often caused by infections or poor hygiene.

Who is at risk for balanitis?

Uncircumcised men, those with diabetes, and individuals with poor hygiene are at higher risk.

Can balanitis lead to cancer?

Chronic balanitis may increase cancer risk, though evidence is mixed.

Is balanitis contagious?

It can be if caused by a contagious infection.

The Bottom Line

Understanding and addressing the causes of balanitis promptly can prevent complications.
Concerned about balanitis? Talk with Doctronic for personalized advice.
Additional References
  1. Waugh MA. Balanitis. Dermatol Clin 1998; 16:757.
  2. Leber MJ. Balanitis. Medscape, 2018. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/777026-overview
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.