Balanitis,Posthitis and Balanoposthitis (Penile and scrotal disorder)

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Consider Balanitis,Posthitis and Balanoposthitis (Penile and scrotal disorder)

INTRODUCTION

Belanitis is inflammation of the glans penis, Posthitis is inflammation of the prupuce and balanoposthitis is inflammation of both.

Inflammation of the head of the penis has both infectious and noninfectious causes. Often,no cause can  be found.

Balanitis usually leads to posthitis except in circumcised patients.

Balanoposthitis is predisposed to by

  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Phimosis(Light, non-retractable prupuce)

Phimosis interferes with  adequate hygiene Sub preputial secretions may become infected with anaerobic bacteria, resulting in inflammation.

Chronic balanoposthitis increases the risk of

  • Balanitis xerotica obliterans
  • phimosis
  • paraphimosis
  • cancer

 

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS

Pain,irritation, and a subpreputial discharge often occur 2 or 3 days after sexual intercourse. Phimosis superficial ulcerations, and inguinal adenopathy may follow.

 

DIAGNOSIS

  • Clinical evaluation and selective testing

History should include investigation of latex condom use. The skin should be examined for lesions that suggest a dermatosis capable of genital involvement. Patients should be tested for both infectious and non infectious causes, especially candidiasis. Blood should be tested for glucose.

 

TREATMENT

  • Hygiene and treatment of septic causes
  • Sometimes subpreputial irrigation
  • Sometimes circumcision.

Hygiene measures should be instituted and specific causes treated. Subpreputial  irrigation to remove secretions and detritus may be necessary. If phimosis persists after inflammation has resolved, circumsion should be considered.

Circumcision reduces the risk of balanitis and appears to reduce the risk of HIV infection by about 50% to 60% in men who have sex with HIV – positive females.

 

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