Balanitis Treatment - Types, Causes, Symptoms & Surgery

Surgical Methods of Balanitis Treatment

A circumcision surgery is generally considered to be a safe and effective balanitis treatment. Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin covering the penile glans or the head of the penis. There are primarily three methods of performing circumcision:

Laser circumcision

Laser circumcision is an advanced and minimally invasive procedure that is performed to surgically remove the foreskin using a high-energy laser beam.

Laser circumcision is extremely precise and does not involve the risk of any deep cuts or excessive bleeding. The recovery period in case of laser circumcision is considerably less and has been shown to have better results and postoperative quality of life. 

Stapler circumcision

Stapler circumcision is a more conventional form of circumcision that is safe, quick, and efficient in nature. Stapler circumcision is performed using a disposable surgical device that is specially designed to remove the foreskin.

This stapler device fits snugly around the head of the penis and, once fired, removes the foreskin in a quick motion.

Alongside, the stapler device also leaves behind a silicone ring around the incision wound to close it off and minimize bleeding. This silicone ring falls off on its own after 7-10 days once the wound heals.

Open circumcision

Open circumcision, sometimes referred to as dorsal slit technique, is a traditional method of performing circumcision that is performed using either a scalpel or surgical scissors.

In an open circumcision, the surgeon makes an incision along the upper length of the foreskin from the tip of the corona to expose the penile glans.

Compared to laser and stapler circumcision, open circumcision is more invasive and, as a result, requires longer to heal. It also carries significantly more risk of complications either during or after surgery. 

What Are The Complications Possible With Balanitis?

Balanitis is a medical condition that advances very slowly. Therefore, it doesn’t possess the power to hinder any physiological function. But, prolonged Balanitis can have severe complications if left untreated and can lead to chronic inflammation and other complications, like:

1. Lichen Sclerosus: Lichen sclerosus happens when white, hard patches evolve on the skin. It can affect urination and the flow of semen through the urethra.
2. Scar Tissue: Prolonged balanitis can lead to scarring around the head of the penis and make the foreskin tight to retract back. 
3. Ulcerative Lesions: Balanitis can lead to painful sores that bleed and ultimately cause scarring.
4. Risk of Cancer: Chronic balanitis escalates the risk of various types of cancer. Quick treatment of balanitis can significantly decrease the risk of complications. 

Risks Involved in Balanitis Surgery (Circumcision)

The possibility of risks and complications after balanitis surgery (Circumcision) is quite low. However, it does not mean it can’t cause any complications at all. Therefore, listed below are some possible risks and complications associated with circumcision surgery that you must be aware of:

• Excessive bleeding: Excessive bleeding is one of the most common complications that can occur after a circumcision surgery. While some minor bleeding is to be expected after surgery, persistent and prolonged bleeding may require medical attention.
• Infection: Chances of infection after a circumcision surgery are generally minimal but it can still occur. If you start noticing any symptoms such as increased redness around the surgical wound, excessive swelling, pus or fever, it is advisable to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. 
• Foreskin issues: In some cases, complications with foreskin might occur. The surgeon might leave the foreskin too short or too long which can lead to additional problems such as paraphimosis, tight frenulum or foreskin infection.
• If the surgeon fails to perform the procedure intricately, the foreskin could reattach to the penis improperly. This condition can be quite distressing for the patient and may require another surgery.
• Reattachment: The foreskin could reattach to the penis improperly. This condition can be very uncomfortable and may require more surgery.
• Wound complications: In some rare cases, the wound healing may be affected due to poor quality of postoperative care or some other causes. Such complications may cause skin issues or problematic circumcision scars.
• Reaction to anesthesia: Cases of complications resulting from reaction to anesthesia are rare but can still happen and may require immediate attention from your healthcare provider. While some side-effects such as nausea and vomiting are normal, they should subside on their own a few hours after surgery. But, if they continue to persist, it is advisable to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• Balanoposthitis: Inflammation of the foreskin and glans. This condition only affects uncircumcised men and typically causes itching, swelling, and irritation. It’s also common in men who have diabetes or phimosis.

So it is always recommended to do laser circumcision surgery from experienced urologist for safe and secure procedure.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Balanitis

Before moving onto surgical treatments, your urologist may recommend use of some non-surgical alternatives for treating candidal or fungal balanitis. Depending on what is causing your condition, treatment may vary as well. 

Antifungal creams

If your balanitis is caused by a yeast infection, sometimes referred to as candida balanitis, your healthcare provider may prescribe the use of antifungal cream for balanitis.

Creams for balanitis infection need to be applied on the head of the penis and foreskin. Some of the most commonly used brands of antifungal creams that your urologist may prescribe to treat fungal balanitis are given below:

• Lotrimin
• Cyclosporine ointment
• Gladic
• Glafine
• Mycophenolate
• Glazon
• 0.05% fluticasone propionate
• 2.0% sertaconazole nitrate

Antibiotics

If a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD’s) is the reason behind your balanitis, your healthcare provider may prescribe you some antibiotics to treat the infection.

Depending on the infection, the type of antibiotics best suited for you is likely to vary as well. There are primarily three types of antibiotics that are generally recommended for effective balanitis treatment:

• Amoxicillin: Amoxicillin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic that is generally used to treat certain STDs and infections caused by bacteria. While it may not be as effective for treating balanitis, it is commonly prescribed by urologists. Some brand names for amoxicillin include Moxatag and Ceftriaxone.
• Doxycycline: Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that is generally prescribed by urologists to treat severe cases of balanitis infection caused by STDs like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Some brand names for doxycycline include Vibramycin and Sumycin.
• Ceftriaxone: Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that is generally administered in the form of an injection and can be used to treat STDs such as gonorrhea and other bacterial infections. Some brand names for ceftriaxone include Cefixime and Ciprofloxacin. 

It is to be noted however, that before taking any of the above-mentioned ointments and medications, it is important to consult your urologist first.

Home Remedies

There’s no proven home remedies to treat balanitis. Some balanitis home remedies and tips can help you manage or relieve some of the symptoms related to balanitis:

• Use mild soaps and avoid any irritants – Use mild soaps for maintaining the hygiene of the penis. Remember not to use scented soaps, washes and shampoos as these can further irritate the skin and add to your miseries. Also avoid taking bubble baths as they can cause irritation and worsen the balanitis.
• Apply Coconut oil – Coconut oil has soothing and nourishing effects on the skin. It also cures mild skin allergies or foreskin infection treatment. Lauric acid and caprylic acid present in coconut oil are very effective in soothing the irritated skin. Therefore, coconut oil is one of the ideal remedies to get fast relief from balanitis. The best thing about coconut oil is that it is easily available and not at all pricey.
• Yogurt – Yogurt contains natural probiotics and has anti-inflammatory effects. Including yogurt in your regular diet increases the growth of positive bacteria in your body and thus helps fight off infections. You can also apply yogurt to the affected skin. Doing this reduces the swelling and soothes the irritation caused due to balanitis.
• Use Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is another excellent home remedy for balanitis. It is particularly beneficial in the cases of balanitis caused due to Candida infections. The topical use of apple cider vinegar provides relief from the swelling and pain of balanitis. Apple cider vinegar also has anti-fungal properties that help fight the infection. All you need to do is mix apple cider vinegar with a little water and then apply it to the irritated penile region.

What is Recurrent Balanitis & Why Does it Occur?

When balanitis occurs repeatedly, it is termed recurrent balanitis. This condition can cause significant discomfort and requires proper medical attention to manage and prevent further episodes.

Recurrent balanitis can result from various factors, including:

• Poor Hygiene – Inadequate cleaning can lead to the accumulation of smegma (a combination of skin cells, oils, and moisture), which can irritate the glans and foreskin.
• Infections – Both bacterial and fungal infections, particularly Candida (yeast), are common culprits. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause balanitis.
• Irritants – Exposure to soaps, detergents, and other chemicals can irritate the sensitive skin of the glans and foreskin.
• Underlying Health Conditions – Diabetes is a significant risk factor due to high blood sugar levels that can promote bacterial and fungal growth. Phimosis, a condition where the foreskin is too tight, can also contribute to recurrent infections and inflammation.
• Allergic Reactions – Allergic reactions to latex condoms or certain lubricants can lead to inflammation.
• Skin Conditions – Dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin conditions can cause chronic inflammation of the glans.

You can prevent balanitis from becoming recurrent by:

• Adopting good hygiene practices
• Managing chronic conditions like diabetes
• Maintaining good penile hygiene
• Avoiding known irritants and allergens
• Regular medical check-ups for early detection and management of symptoms

Sexual Activities & Balanitis

Engaging in any sexual activities, with balanitis can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know the reason behind it. Balanitis itself is not a contagious condition.

However, it is still possible to pass on the underlying infection that caused it, to the sexual partner. Thus, it is often advised to refrain from any sexual activities until either your balanitis has healed or your doctor thinks it’s safe to do so.

If you have sex anyway, given below is what you can expect before and after balanitis treatment:

Before Balanitis Treatment

• Sexual intercourse: It is likely that your urologist will advise you to avoid any sexual activities if you suffer from balanitis. Engaging in sexual intercourse will also likely cause further irritation on the penile glans and foreskin which may worsen your symptoms.

• Masturbation: Your urologist may also advise you to refrain from masturbating as well. If you have balanitis, rubbing excessively on your penis may irritate it further and cause your symptoms to worsen. 

After Balanitis Treatment

• Sexual intercourse: Circumcision is generally performed as an effective treatment for balanitis. It is advisable to refrain from any sexual activities for at least 3-4 weeks after surgery. Once your circumcision wound has healed completely, you can engage in safe sex with your partner as per normal.
• Masturbate: Once your circumcision wound has healed completely and your urologist thinks it’s safe, you can masturbate as per normal.

What Are The Complications With Untreated Balanitis?

Balanitis advances very slowly and generally does not hinder any physiological functions. If left untreated, though, balanitis can lead to severe complications such as:

• Lichen sclerosus: Lichen sclerosus is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the skin on your genitals. Lichen sclerosus can affect urination and the flow of semen through the urethra.
• Scar tissue: If left untreated for a long time, balanitis can lead to the formation of scar tissue around the head of the penis. This can make the foreskin tight and may lead to phimosis or paraphimosis.
• Ulcerative lesions: Balanitis can also lead to the formation of painful sores or lesions which can bleed and cause scarring.
• Risk of cancer: Cases of chronic balanitis can significantly increase the risk of developing penile cancer, but in rare instances. If you are exhibiting symptoms of balanitis, it is advised to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Balanitis Surgery Cost & Insurance coverage

The average cost of a balanitis surgery in India can range anywhere from Rs. to Rs. .

Depending on various factors, however, such as the method of your surgery, hospital charges, cost of preoperative tests and diagnostics, and the  cost of postoperative medications, the exact cost of your surgery is likely to vary. 

Balanitis surgery is generally covered by most health insurance plans in India if it is deemed to be a medical necessity by your healthcare provider.

If left untreated, balanitis can lead to a multitude of penis related complications and diseases that not only affect your everyday life but also may require additional, more complex surgical procedures for treatment.

However, if the reason behind your surgery is strictly cosmetic in nature, as is the case with any other cosmetic procedure, it is highly unlikely that your insurance plan will provide coverage for it.

Prior to surgery, it is best to have a detailed discussion about your insurance plan and its inclusions and exclusions with your insurance provider.

Types of infection in the penis

Penis infection can arise from various pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, leading to different types of infections with distinct symptoms and treatments. Some of the common penis infections are:

• Balanitis – This is an inflammation of the glans (head) of the penis, often caused by poor hygiene, irritants, or infections by bacteria or yeast. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. Treatment involves proper hygiene and, depending on the cause, antifungal or antibiotic medication.
• Phimosis – Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin of the penis cannot be fully retracted over the glans. It can cause discomfort, difficulty urinating, and increased risk of infections. Treatment options include topical steroid creams and, in severe cases, circumcision.
• Paraphimosis – Paraphimosis occurs when the retracted foreskin cannot be returned to its normal position over the glans, leading to swelling and restricted blood flow. This condition is a medical emergency requiring prompt intervention to prevent tissue damage. Treatment typically involves manual reduction, but severe cases may need surgical intervention.
• Yeast infections – Caused by the fungus candida, yeast infections can affect men, particularly those who are uncircumcised. Symptoms include itching, redness, rashes, and sometimes, thick, white discharge. Antifungal creams or oral medications are typically prescribed for treatment.
• Chlamydia – Often asymptomatic but can cause burning during urination, discharge, and testicular pain. Antibiotics are effective for treatment.
• Gonorrhea – Symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, pus-like discharge, and swelling. It is treated with antibiotics.
• Bacterial Infections – Bacterial infections like cellulitis can occur on the penile skin, often due to skin injuries or poor hygiene. These infections cause redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. Antibiotic treatment is necessary.

Maintaining good hygiene, practicing safe sex, and seeking prompt medical attention for any unusual symptoms are crucial for preventing and managing penis infections.