Patient's question:
Although my sexual life is a bit chaotic, I am also quite cautious about safety. Recently, I had a sexual encounter, and a few days later, I felt intense itching and redness on my glans. When I retracted my foreskin, I noticed that the glans was swollen and covered with a purulent discharge. I went to the hospital for a thorough examination and was diagnosed with balanitis. It is necessary to treat it promptly. What are the causes of balanitis?Doctor's answer:
Balanoposthitis is caused by local uncleanliness and the long-term accumulation of smegma, leading to secondary infection. It commonly recurs in cases of phimosis or excessive prepuce. The main symptoms include local pain, relief during urination, and the possibility of purulent discharge. Examination reveals congestion and edema in the preputial area, with purulent discharge when the prepuce is pushed. In severe cases, there may be skin erosion and ulcers. After the inflammation subsides, circumcision is recommended for individuals with phimosis or excessive prepuce to prevent recurrent balanoposthitis.