Patient's question:
I've been feeling uncomfortable down there for a while. It's both painful and itchy, and my glans seems particularly red and a bit swollen. The smell is also quite unpleasant, and there's yellow discharge from my glans. Is this likely balanitis? Please ask: How is balanitis best treated?Doctor's answer:
Your condition may be balanoposthitis, which can be caused by sexual activity and excessive foreskin. It can be transmitted by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, E. coli, Candida albicans, Trichomonas, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, fungi, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or other bacteria. If the foreskin is not cleaned properly, dirty substances between the foreskin and glans, known as smegma, can accumulate and irritate the local foreskin and mucosa, leading to inflammation again. It is recommended to visit the infectious disease department for a definitive diagnosis, which will facilitate timely and appropriate treatment. For patients with balanitis, timely treatment can reduce recurrence. If left untreated, it may affect overall health.