Balanitis Treatment For Men - Get Fastest Recovery at Affordable Cost

What are the Different Treatment Options for Balanitis?

As previously mentioned, most cases of balanitis can be treated with non-surgical alternatives such as antibiotics, topical creams, and slight lifestyle changes. However, if your condition is severe or recurrent, your doctor may advise undergoing a foreskin removal surgery for effective balanitis treatment.

There are primarily 3 methods of performing a foreskin removal surgery to treat balanitis. While all 3 methods are considered safe and effective, they vary in their overall procedure and equipment.

• Laser Circumcision: Sometimes referred to as laser-assisted foreskin removal surgery, laser circumcision is an advanced and minimally invasive urological procedure. Laser circumcision is one of the most commonly recommended procedures to treat various foreskin-related conditions and utilizes a medical-grade laser to cut and remove the foreskin. During a laser circumcision procedure, the surgeon makes precise incisions around the foreskin using a high-intensity laser beam. The entire procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and does not take more than 10 to 15 minutes to complete. It is also an outpatient surgery. This means that once the procedure is complete and there are no immediate complications, you will be able to go home on the same day of the procedure.
• Stapler Circumcision: Stapler circumcision is another commonly performed urological procedure that your urologist may recommend as an effective balanitis cure. In a stapler circumcision procedure, the surgeon utilizes a stapler device to cut and remove the foreskin. A stapler device is an advanced and disposable surgical tool that is specially designed to remove the foreskin and close the incision wound. This device is placed over the head of the penis itself and, if placed correctly, should fit snugly around it. Once the device is in place, it is fired by the surgeon, and the foreskin is removed in one quick motion. Alongside, the incision wound is almost immediately closed off with a silicone ring. This silicone ring is designed to minimize bleeding and promote healing. Once your recovery is complete and the incision wound has healed completely, this silicone ring will fall off on its own. Similar to laser circumcision, a stapler procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. It does not take more than 15-20 minutes to compete as well, and you will likely be able to go home on the same day of the surgery. The recovery period usually ranges between 7 to 14 days.
• Open Circumcision: Open circumcision is a more conventional form of foreskin removal surgery that utilizes a scalpel and surgical scissors to cut and remove the foreskin. Compared to laser and stapler procedures, open circumcision is more invasive and, as a result, carries a slightly increased risk of complications. Actual cases of any complications, however, are rare. In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision along the outer edge of the foreskin to slowly separate it from the underlying tissue. Once the foreskin has been separated, the incisions are closed off with dissolvable sutures. The entire surgery usually takes 35 to 40 minutes to complete and is typically performed on an outpatient basis. However, to ensure minimal risk of complication, your surgeon may instruct you to spend a night at the hospital.

What To Expect After Balanitis Surgery?

In most cases, a foreskin removal surgery to treat balanitis is performed on an outpatient basis. Hence, once the procedure is over, you will be allowed to go home on the same day of the surgery. To ensure a smooth recovery, your urologist may also instruct you to keep some things in mind, such as:

• Diet: You can return to your normal diet after a foreskin removal surgery. You may also feel slightly nauseous during the first 6 to 8 hours after the surgery. This is usually a side effect of anesthesia and should resolve on its own. To help relieve some symptoms, it is recommended to drink clear liquids and have a light meal the first evening after the surgery.
• Activity: It is advised to remain relatively inactive for the first 72 hours after your balanitis treatment. While brisk walking is encouraged, make sure not to over-exert yourself. Walking around for a few minutes every 2-3 hours is enough to maintain good circulation throughout the body. At least 2 to 3 days after your surgery, you can return to your daily routines however, high-impact activities such as running, weightlifting, and participating in contact sports are to be avoided.
• Wound Care: Apply ice packs on the genitals for the first 48 to 72 hours to ease of some of the pain and swelling. It is typically advised to alternate between 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. Use a thin cloth or towel in between the skin and an ice pack to reduce skin irritation.
• Sexual Activities: Sexual intercourse or sexual activities, such as masturbation, are to be avoided. Erections, in general, should be avoided for the duration of your recovery. Erections can cause early disruption of the stitches and can hinder recovery. Additionally, they may even lead to bleeding.
• Hygiene: You can take a shower 48 hours after your surgery. However, bathing in a tub is to be avoided for at least 4 weeks. Use mild soap and warm water to clean the penis. However, avoid rubbing the glans or exerting too much pressure. It is also advised to not let the water hit the penis glans directly. Instead, gently pull back the penile tissue to expose the suture line and allow water to hit your abdomen. Then, allow the water to trickle down to the area.
• Medications: In most cases, postoperative care for foreskin removal surgery does not include any medications. If you require, your urologist will provide you with a prescription pain management pill. It is also advised to avoid Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs), such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Advil, and Motrin, for at least 72 hours after surgery. Such medications can lead to bleeding and cause complications.
• Follow-Ups: You must attend all the follow-up consultations scheduled by your healthcare provider. These consultations will help your doctor keep track of your recovery and make sure there are no complications. These consultations are also a good opportunity to ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding the recovery.
• When To Contact Your Balanitis Treatment Doctor: If you have noticed any odd symptoms during recovery or have excessive pain around the surgical site, it is advised to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Some other symptoms to keep an eye out for include:
  • A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
  • Moderate or severe swelling under the swelling
  • Redness around the genital area that appears to be spreading
  • Adverse reactions to drugs, such as rash, vomiting, or difficulty breathing

Postoperative Care and Recovery

On average, it can take anywhere from 7 to 10 days for patients to have a complete recovery after a foreskin removal surgery to treat balanitis. It is to be kept in mind, however, that each patient has different healing capabilities. Depending on your overall health, method of surgery, and quality of your postoperative care, the exact duration of your recovery period may differ. If your recovery is taking slightly longer than expected, it is best to inform your balanitis treatment doctor about it.

Certain side effects, such as slight swelling, pain, redness, and bruising around the surgical site are to be expected and considered normal. These side effects are not typically indicative of any complications and don’t require any medical attention. They should subside on their own in a few days after surgery. To help reduce some of the swelling and discomfort you may be experiencing, your urologist may also advise you to place an ice pack on the groin every 2 hours for at least 10-20 minutes as well.

Things To Follow During Recovery

To help you recover and minimize the chances of any complications, below is a list of things you should perform after balanitis surgery:

• Stay hydrated. Drink 2-3 liters of water every day.
• Perform low-impact exercises such as walking
• Eat nutritious food that is rich in protein and fiber
• Wear comfortable, snug underwear that can hold the penis and surgical dressing in place
• Attend all postoperative follow-ups scheduled by your doctor

Things To Avoid During Recovery

To minimize the chances of complications, your healthcare provider will likely instruct you to avoid some things, such as:

• Avoid eating junk or highly processed foods
• Avoid strenuous activities or contact sports such as football
• Avoid going to swimming pools or using public lavatories for a few weeks after surgery
• Refrain from sexual intercourse or any sexual activities for at least 4 to 5 weeks after surgery
• Refrain from consuming alcohol or smoking
• Avoid wearing baggy boxer shorts

How to Prevent Balanitis from Reoccurring?

Maintaining good genital hygiene and thoroughly cleaning the penis is usually enough to prevent balanitis from reoccurring. However, by taking a few precautions, you can minimize the chances of its recurrence even further. Some precautions your urologist may recommend to prevent balanitis include:

• Avoiding harsh soaps or skin irritants
• Using substitutes for soap, such as emollient
• Practicing safe sex to avoid STDs
• Use a latex-free condom if you are allergic to latex
• Cleaning the penis regularly

Potential Risks and Complications

While actual cases of complications after balanitis surgery are rare, they can still happen and should not be taken lightly. Some risks and complications that are associated with foreskin removal surgery to treat balanitis are given below:

• Bleeding: While minor bleeding after a foreskin removal surgery is to be expected, excessive or persistent bleeding could be a sign of complications. In such a case, apply direct and firm pressure on the incision wound. Once the bleeding is under control, contact your healthcare provider and let them know of your symptoms.
• Infection: Infection is an uncommon yet serious complication that can occur after your foreskin removal surgery. If you are noticing symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, drainage or yellowish pus from the surgical site, or redness around the penis, you must seek medical advice as soon as possible. If caught early, most cases of postoperative infections can be treated with antibiotics and topical creams.
• Inclusion cysts: Inclusion cysts are asymptomatic cysts that may form along the incision line due to accumulation of smegma. These cysts usually aren’t a problem but can become one if they become infected. In such a case, you may require surgical excision of the cysts.
• Insufficient or Excessive Foreskin Removal: Due to improper placement of the stapler device or imprecise incisions, there can be insufficient or excessive foreskin removed. Such a complication can not only lead to unsatisfactory cosmetic results but may also cause functional problems. In such a case, you may require a revision procedure for treatment.
• Meatal Stenosis: Meatal stenosis is a rare complication that may occur after balanitis surgery. Meatal stenosis is a condition where the opening at the end of the penis becomes narrower than normal, leading to difficulty urinating. While steroid creams may provide you with some relief, a surgical procedure known as meatotomy is considered to be the best treatment for this condition.

How to Treat Balanitis Without Surgery?

Non-surgical balanitis treatment for men highly depends on the exact cause of your condition. Once your healthcare provider has determined the cause of your balanitis, they will be able to recommend the relevant, non-surgical treatment for balanitis in adults. Some of the most common non-surgical balanitis cure options include:

• Antifungal Creams: Fungal infections, such as yeast infection, are some of the most common causes of balanitis. If your healthcare provider suspects a fungal infection to be the primary cause behind your condition, they may recommend you with topical antifungal creams. Examples include Clotrimazole, Miconazole, and Fluconazole. These creams are applied directly over the penis and foreskin in amounts and frequency prescribed by your doctor.
• Antibiotics: If your healthcare provider suspects a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) to be the primary cause of your condition, they may prescribe you some antibiotics as effective balanitis treatment. The antibiotic best for your treatment depends on the type of your infection. Some of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics to treat balanitis include Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, and Clarithromycin.
• Thoroughly Cleaning the Penis: For mild cases of balanitis, maintaining good genital hygiene and cleaning under the foreskin is enough to treat the condition and prevent it from reoccurring. Use a mild soap and warm water to clean off any smegma or harmful bacteria that may have accumulated over the penis over time. However, refrain from scrubbing too much.
• Diabetes Management: If you suffer from conditions such as diabetes, it could also lead to balanitis. In such a case, managing your diabetes could also treat balanitis. It is best to consult with your healthcare provider about how to manage the symptoms of diabetes.
• Home Remedies: While home remedies are not considered effective balanitis cure, they can still help you manage some of its symptoms.

Food for Balanitis: What to Eat and What to Avoid to Cure Balanitis

Diet plays a major role when it comes to not only preventing balanitis but also treating it. Below is a list of foods that you should prioritize and foods you should avoid if you are suffering from balanitis symptoms.

Foods To Eat

• Fiber-rich Foods: Including fiber-rich foods in your diet, such as wheat, barley, rye, broccoli, oats, oranges, and melons, is a great to improve your digestion and prevent constipation. Such conditions can aggravate your balanitis symptoms and cause significant discomfort.
• Protein-rich Foods: These include seafood, eggs, chicken, dairy products, lentils, beans, etc. A protein-rich diet can be extremely beneficial in boosting your immunity and helping your body fight the infection-causing balanitis better.
• Yogurt: Adding yogurt to your diet can help you significantly in managing yeast balanitis symptoms but also treat it. Yogurt is a well-known probiotic and can help promote the growth of positive bacteria on the penis and combat infections such as candida (which can lead to candida balanitis) and thrush. You can also consider applying a small amount of plain yogurt directly over the penis as an effective candidal balanitis treatment.
• Garlic: Garlic is another vegetable that is known to have antifungal and antibacterial properties. Including garlic in your daily diet can help you manage balanitis symptoms but also treat it.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is known to be very effective against fungal balanitis treatment (especially against candida balanitis) and can help ease your balanitis symptoms. Including it in your diet can have several additional health-related benefits as well.

Foods To Avoid

• Processed Foods: Processed foods, such as chips, fries, and instant noodles, contain very low amounts of beneficial nutrients. Alternatively, they contain high amounts of preservatives, sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Eating such foods too much can make it difficult for your body to digest them and could aggravate your balanitis symptoms.
• Junk Foods: These typically include deep-fried and grilled foods such as chips, pizzas, burgers, etc. Such foods have high amounts of fats, salts, and sugar and can lead to conditions such as constipation. It is best to avoid them as much as you can if you are suffering from balanitis.
• Sugary Foods and Drinks: Foods and drinks with high amounts of sugar can cause your blood sugar levels to rise. This can further weaken your immune system and make you prone to other infections. If you are suffering from balanitis symptoms, it is best to avoid foods and drinks such as cookies, soft drinks, ice creams, candies, etc.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can leave you extremely dehydrated and thin your blood. It is best to avoid it as much as you can.

What Happens if Balanitis is Left Untreated?

Balanitis is usually not very serious. However, if left untreated for a long time, balanitis could lead to serious consequences. Some complications that are associated with untreated cases of balanitis are given below:

• Lichen Sclerosus: Lichen sclerosus, or Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO), is a common complication that can occur due to balanitis. Lichen sclerosis is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects the foreskin and causes various functional problems, such as difficulty passing urine and semen. In most cases, lichen sclerosis can be treated with topical steroid creams.
• Formation of Scar Tissue: If balanitis is left untreated for a long time, it can also lead to chronic inflammation and formation of scar tissue on the penis. Due to this, the foreskin can become too tight and lead to foreskin-related problems such as phimosis or paraphimosis.
• Ulcerative Lesions: Untreated cases of balanitis can lead to the occurrence of painful ulcerative lesions on the penis glans. These lesions can bleed and may even cause scarring. The open scars resulting from these lesions can also facilitate the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses on the penis and lead to infection.
• Increased Risk of Cancer: While actual cases are rare, studies suggest that chronic inflammation caused by untreated cases of balanitis can put you at an increased risk of penile cancer.

What Happens if Balanitis is Left Untreated?

Balanitis is usually not very serious. However, if left untreated for a long time, balanitis could lead to serious consequences. Some complications that are associated with untreated cases of balanitis are given below:

• Lichen Sclerosus: Lichen sclerosus, or Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO), is a common complication that can occur due to balanitis. Lichen sclerosis is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects the foreskin and causes various functional problems, such as difficulty passing urine and semen. In most cases, lichen sclerosis can be treated with topical steroid creams.
• Formation of Scar Tissue: If balanitis is left untreated for a long time, it can also lead to chronic inflammation and formation of scar tissue on the penis. Due to this, the foreskin can become too tight and lead to foreskin-related problems such as phimosis or paraphimosis.
• Ulcerative Lesions: Untreated cases of balanitis can lead to the occurrence of painful ulcerative lesions on the penis glans. These lesions can bleed and may even cause scarring. The open scars resulting from these lesions can also facilitate the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses on the penis and lead to infection.
• Increased Risk of Cancer: While actual cases are rare, studies suggest that chronic inflammation caused by untreated cases of balanitis can put you at an increased risk of penile cancer.