A doctor has shared advice about a common health problem that can affect the penis.
The issue is said to affect up to 11 percent of people with a penis in the UK, and Cleveland Clinic notes it’s more likely to occur in someone who isn’t circumcised.
Although it’s widespread, its signs can look a lot like other problems, which can make it hard to identify without medical knowledge.
So what should you look out for?
Be warned: the details might make you wince.
The key symptom is inflammation at the head (tip) of the penis, which can lead to significant discomfort or pain.
Other symptoms may include redness, irritation, soreness, itching, and pain when urinating.
Because those symptoms overlap with many different conditions, it’s easy to see why people might be unsure what’s going on. In this case, the condition being discussed is balanitis.
Dr Jeff Foster, medical director of men’s health at Voy, described it as “massively common,” and said it can be seen more often in people with diabetes or those with “anatomical penis issues.”
He told Metro: “It can be really painful if you get an erection.”
One major risk factor was also highlighted.
Dr Foster said: “It tends to occur in people who are not circumcised. In fact, you can only really get it if you still have a foreskin.”
While balanitis itself usually isn’t considered dangerous, it can be intensely uncomfortable. Alongside swelling and redness, some people may also experience unpleasant-smelling discharge or even bleeding.
So what causes it?
Dr Foster explained: “This can happen due to poor hygiene leading to a build-up of smegma.”
Smegma is a substance that can collect around the genitals if it isn’t cleaned away.
Not washing thoroughly can contribute to the problem, but over-washing can also be an issue. Too much cleaning—especially with harsh soaps or fragranced products—may irritate sensitive skin and make inflammation more likely.
In some cases, the symptoms can raise worries about more serious conditions, though Dr Foster emphasised that confusion with cancer is uncommon.
“Some associated skin conditions can also change the appearance of the skin in ways that look similar to cancer, but it is not common to mix them up,” he said.
Treatment is typically straightforward, and most people recover without lasting issues when they get appropriate guidance.
Dr Foster added: “With the right care and advice, most cases settle quickly without any long-term problems.”