Is Balanitis an STD?

Symptoms of balanitis and balanoposthitis include: 

• Discharge from the penis 
• Pain, tenderness, redness on the head of the penis (glans)
• White or yellow buildup under the foreskin (smegma)
• Difficulty retracting the foreskin
• Pain with erection
• Impotence (difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, also called erectile dysfunction)
• Itching
• Burning or pain on urination (dysuria)
• Fever (uncommon)
• Difficulty urinating or inability to urinate (in very severe cases)

In addition to a patient history, a doctor will perform a physical exam of the penis to check for signs of balanitis and balanoposthitis.

Lab tests used to help diagnose the cause of balanitis or balanoposthitis may include:

• Culture of the discharge to check for infection
• Urinalysis 
• Syphilis test
• Swab for yeast infection (Candida)
• Blood sugar levels
• HIV testing
• Ultrasonography or bladder scan may be performed if urinary obstruction is suspected

Treatment for balanitis and balanoposthitis depends on the underlying cause, but in all cases, it starts with cleaning the head of the penis (glans) and foreskin. 

To properly clean the head of the penis and foreskin, retract the foreskin and gently clean with soap and warm water.

Once the cause of the balanitis or balanoposthitis is diagnosed, self-care at home may be all that is needed to treat the condition. Patient education on improving personal hygiene is important. 

If there is an infection or inflammatory cause of balanitis and balanoposthitis, treatments may include:

• Antifungal creams or ointments applied topically
• Topical steroids
• Antibiotic creams such as bacitracin 
• If there is evidence of infection to the skin (cellulitis), oral antibiotics such as cephalosporins may be prescribed

If the balanitis or balanoposthitis is severe and is causing urinary obstruction, this is a medical emergency that may require local incisions to the foreskin and possibly corrective surgery. A urologist may need to be consulted in severe cases.