Balanitis

Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis, affecting approximately 3% to 11% of males during their lifetime. Posthitis is an inflammation of the foreskin or prepuce. When both the glans and the foreskin are inflamed, the condition is called balanoposthitis, which occurs in about 6% of uncircumcised males. Balanoposthitis occurs only in uncircumcised males. However, as balanitis and balanoposthitis often occur together, the terms are frequently used interchangeably.

Infectious causes of balanitis include certain fungi, such as yeast, and certain bacteria or viruses, including those that cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea.

Balanitis is not considered an STI. The condition itself is not transferable from one person to another, but the organisms that cause balanitis can be transferred. Recurrent episodes of balanoposthitis should raise concern for occult diabetes, so patients with recurrent episodes should undergo blood glucose testing. The morbidity of balanitis arises from prolonged patient discomfort if left untreated, symptoms from complications such as phimosis, and delayed diagnosis of an STI, penile intraepithelial neoplasia, or penile cancer.