Inflammation of the glans penis is medically called balanitis. This is an inflammation of the head of the penis (glans penis) and can occur for various reasons. Here are the main causes of balanitis:

1. Infections

  • Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are a common cause of balanitis.
  • Fungal Infections: Fungi such as Candida albicans are common causes of balanitis, especially when hygiene is poor.
  • Viral Infections: Viruses such as herpes simplex virus can also cause balanitis.

2. Hygiene 

  • Inadequate Cleaning: Inadequate cleaning of the glans penis and foreskin can cause smegma to accumulate, increasing the risk of infection. Paying attention to penis hygiene will protect you from these problems. 
  • Excessive Cleaning: Excessive and frequent cleaning can irritate the skin and disrupt its natural protective barrier, which can increase the risk of balanitis. In addition, intensive use of cosmetic products in penis cleaning can also trigger irritation.

3. Irritation

  • Chemicals: Chemicals found in personal care products such as soaps, detergents and sexual retardants can irritate the skin.
  • Latex: The latex in condoms can cause allergic reactions and inflammation in some people.

4. Medical Conditions

  • Diabetes: Diabetics are more prone to infections due to high blood sugar levels.
  • Dermatitis: Skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis can cause inflammation of the glans penis.

5. Uncircumcision

Phimosis: In uncircumcised men, a narrow foreskin (phimosis) can make cleaning difficult and increase the risk of infection.

6. Medications

Antibiotic Use: Long-term antibiotic use can cause fungal infections by disrupting the balance of natural flora.

7. Sexual Activity

Friction and Trauma: Friction and trauma during sexual intercourse can irritate the skin, which is one of the causes of balanitis.

How is inflammation of the glans penis treated? Is it possible to prevent inflammation of the glans penis?

It is possible to prevent penile inflammation by practicing good genital hygiene, cleaning and drying the glans and foreskin regularly and avoiding irritating chemicals. However, if it is too late for this or if you have been infected in any way, it is a disease that can be treated with the medications recommended by your doctor. It is important to consult a health institution to treat painful sores and blisters that affect your quality of life very badly. 

Since this disease, which can also be transmitted through skin contact, is usually transmitted sexually, it is very important that you do not neglect the use of condoms during sexual intercourse. You can visit our article we have prepared so that there are no confusing issues about condom selection; “What should be considered when choosing and using a condom?”

Important information: condoms provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases, but this protection does not mean 100%. Problems such as herpes can also be transmitted by contact with parts of the body that are not covered by a condom, so it cannot provide 100% protection. Nevertheless, it is useful not to neglect condom use.