Balanitis

balanitis; penis; sexually; transmitted; infections; partners; vaginal; thrush; sexual; candida;

Contents

• Signs
• More Information
• Resources in South Australia

Balanitis is a health problem that only males get. The head of the penis (the glans) becomes red and blotchy. It isn't a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) but sex can irritate the penis and lead to balanitis.

WARNING:
If you suspect you have a Sexually Transmitted Infection, don't give it to others, get tested and treated quickly.

Signs

Signs are redness or a blotchy red rash of the glans (head of the penis). Sometimes it is uncomfortable or itchy too. Men who are not circumcised are more likely to get this. There are a lot of bacteria and fungi that live on the skin all the time without causing any problems. If the skin is damaged by being rubbed (eg during sex), or by being moist and warm, one or more of the bugs can "take over" and cause balanitis. The usual bug that causes this is candida (thrush).

More information

Sexually Transmitted Services Clinic 275 (South Australia) 'Balanitis and foreskin hygiene' http://www.stdservices.on.net/publications/pdf/Balan.pdf

Resources in South Australia

• Clinic 275 (Sexually Transmitted Diseases section of the Royal Adelaide Hospital)
  8222 5075 Country callers 1800 806 490.
  http://www.stdservices.on.net/
• The Second Story Youth Health Service (TSS)
  - Central: 57 Hyde St, Adelaide
  - South: 50a Beach Rd, Christies Beach
  - North: 6 Gillingham Rd, Elizabeth
  - West: 51 Bower St, Woodville
• Youth Health line 1300 13 17 19, 
  
• Shine SA (Sexual Health, information, networking and education South Australia)
  http://www.shinesa.org.au  
  Sexual Healthline: 9am to 1 pm Monday to Friday 1300 883 793
  Country callers 1800 188 171

The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).