Balanitis

Diagnosis

Treatment

Usually it is easy to diagnose balanitis by the red and inflamed look of the end of the penis (the glans). In some cases, the likely cause can be determined by the look of the inflammation. So, the cause can be diagnosed immediately and treatment given straightaway.

If the cause is unclear, or the balanitis does not clear with treatment, further tests will be taken.

If you have recurring balanitis and have a condition where the foreskin does not pull back (retract) over the glans (called a phimosis), an option is to be circumcised to remove the foreskin. If this is the case, we will discuss the options with you in more detail.

The treatment of balanitis will depend on the underlying cause. Out experienced BUA urologists will diagnose and offer you appropriate treatment. Some possibilities are:

• An anti-yeast cream or a course of anti-yeast tablets is a common treatment if the balanitis is caused by candida
• Antibiotics will clear infection caused by germs (bacteria), including certain STIs.
• A mild steroid cream to reduce inflammation is useful for balanitis caused by allergies or irritants. Sometimes a steroid cream is used in addition to anti-yeast or antibiotic medication to reduce inflammation caused by infection. (Note: if there is infection of the end of the penis (the glans) then a steroid cream should not be used alone, as steroids can make infection worse.)
• If you have recurring balanitis, and have a condition where the foreskin does not pull back (retract) over the glans (a phimosis), an option is to be circumcised to remove the foreskin.

Treatment costs

Initial consultation: £215
Circumcision under general anaesthetic as a day case: £1869
Circumcision under local anaesthetic as an outpatient: £850