Balanitis

[Jon1206]

Hi all, Doc says I have balanitis and that with regular cleaning and clotramizole it should go away, it’s been 4 months since he told me this and it comes and goes, when penis is erect the foreskin gets a bit tight and Head is shiny and sometimes has a light rash as those in balanitis. I’ve been speaking to doc and he told me that there’s really nothing else it can be and wants to refer me to a urologist if I’d like for further testing. Has anyone had this issue before? Any input will help. I asked him about fluconazole incase it was an infection but he thinks I don’t need that. (Have no discharge at all) and rash comes and goes once in a while usually after a shower or sex

[Jon1206]

At times the penis head feels tender/sore and foreskin but I apply A&D ointment and it helps out, I only apply the clotramizole when the rash gets really irritated and it subsided immediately. I’m just looking for a permanent fix, also this started happening after I used a fleshlight sex toy which the doctor thinks might’ve not been cleaned properly and/or the tightness of the toy gave me the balanitis and swelling of the foreskin.(he used the cup over lips trick as an example in which the lips swell up due to the suction )

[Epah101]

Honestly get circumcised or you will be dealing with this issue for the rest of your life. It’s much easier getting circumcised now and dealing with pain or discomfort for a week or two than having to deal with pain and discomfort for your entire life

[Jon1206 in reply to Epah101]

Thanks for the input , I’ve been thinking about it and if that’s my last option then I will go forward with it. Thanks again.

[Cipher in reply to Jon1206]

I don't think that it is your last option. You can still be infection/problem free when cleaning properly and when you don't have issues pulling your foreskin down.

Whenever you have issues with genitals I really wouldn't visit a general doctor and rather go straight to a urologist. If you have to get a referral from a GP then if it isn't gone after 4 months I would deffo go see a urologist. Better be safe than sorry.

[Jon1206 in reply to Cipher]

Thanks it’s been on/off for about 4 months but I’m going to just make an appointment with the urologist.

[Cipher in reply to Jon1206]

Did he give you any antibiotics for it ?

[Jon1206 in reply to Cipher]

He only prescribed clotramizole cream, said it’s mild balanitis. I’ve heard of fluconazole tablet that kills any bacteria/infection instantly but he said just stick to the cream when it gets worse, other than that to basically ride it out. What bothers me most is that the foreskin and under the head gets tight and a little irritated when fully erect but he said if anything go see a urologist

[Cipher in reply to Jon1206]

I would go and see a urologist anyway. As for the medicine, usually with an infection you take antibiotics and you take them for a set period of time to make sure its really gone. You don't stop taking them as soon as the "symptoms" disappear as that might leave some behind to start over again. For example, if I get antibiotics for 7 days, and I start feeling better at the 4th day, you shouldn't stop taking them until you use them all up. There is a difference between taking antibiotics when not needed (doctors overusing them) and actually taking them properly when they are needed (as in, even if you feel better sooner, take the full dose). Anywho, go to a urologist is the best option I think.

[jimfromcalif in reply to Jon1206]

Limit the cleaning to one time per day and use only water. Soap often sets up yeast infections by washing away essential bacteria. You can re-establish the bacterial colony by applying a bit of plain yogurt with live culture to the space inside your foreskin.

[NightOwl71 in reply to Jon1206]

I’d just like to chime in about circumcision being a cure all for balanitis. I’ve been suffering with it for at least 20 yrs, have seen several dermatologists and also tried several ointments (including Clomitrazole) None of them worked and some even made it worse. So I finally gave in and had an adult circumcision. Even flew to Atlanta to have one of the best urologists do the procedure. But my condition only got slightly better (20-30%). I still have a moderate amount of soreness on my glans today and it’s now 6 yrs later. So don’t just assume it will cure you. It may but it also may not. And if I could do it all over again, I would’ve never had the procedure done cuz now I have no foreskin to protect me. I especially miss it whenever I exercise or am active. So just be aware of that.

[Jon1206 in reply to NightOwl71]

Thanks for your input, mines is very mild so hopefully the urologist can give me a tablet or something as I feel it’s an infection.

[Daniels95 in reply to Jon1206]

Hi Jon, I have a very similar problem and it also started after I used a fleshlight. Did you end up getting successful treatment? Please let me know because I’ve been trying to get rid of this for the past 6 months.

[Jon1206 in reply to Daniels95]

Hi, doctor gave me Clotramizole antifungal cream and I also switched soaps dove non scented soap so it doesn’t irritate me more and eventually with time it subsided and back to normal

[Daniels95 in reply to Jon1206]

Thanks, much appreciated

[John12123 in reply to NightOwl71]

Did you ever get biopsy to see what can be the cause?

[Jon1206 in reply to John12123]

Never got biopsy cuz it started healing quick and yes sex was sore but eventually got better after like 2 -3 months it started healing on its own

[John12123 in reply to Jon1206]

Are you healed now?

[John12123 in reply to NightOwl71]

Mentioned soreness. Did the rash clear up though? Is the soreness just from sex?

[John12123]

You most likely have eczema. I was dealing with the same issue for 9 months. I got Circumcisied and seen some improvement. Just need more time to heal. Do you have a photo to share? I will be able to give better Opinion

[Jon1206]

I don’t as this issue was nearly 2 years ago and it has cleared up

[John12123 in reply to Jon1206]

That’s great to hear!

[MysteryRedness in reply to Jon1206]

Hi Jon, how did you get it cleared up in the end?