This article received expert review from Le Phuc Lien, MD, MSc - Urologist - Department of General Surgery - Vinmec Central Park International Hospital
Balanoposthitis is a condition that typically develops gradually and does not cause rapid deterioration of the genital area or sexual function. However, prolonged balanoposthitis can result in significant complications that negatively impact men's health and quality of life.
1. Balanoposthitis
The foreskin is a retractable fold of skin covering the glans penis and the urethral meatus. During penile erection, the foreskin typically retracts, exposing the glans. However, there are cases where the foreskin is congenitally narrowed, causing the head of the penis to be trapped inside the foreskin whether in a normal or erect state. This condition can lead to the accumulation of urine and smegma within the prepuce, creating an environment conducive to bacterial proliferation and infection.
Balanoposthitis is a condition that causes redness and swelling on the head of the penis, causing men to have pain when touched and have difficulty with bowel movements. In which, blocked foreskin will retain urine, bacteria and other microorganisms are the cause of this disease. Balanoposthitis also causes a discharge with an unpleasant odor in the male genitals.
Balanoposthitis is quite common and occurs in men of all ages. However, uncircumcised men, or patients with genital herpes, gonorrhea, uncontrolled diabetes,... are at higher risk of balanoposthitis.
Poor hygiene is the most common cause of balanoposthitis, besides that some other causes can also be mentioned such as bacterial or fungal infections, urinary tract infections, skin allergies, genital trauma due to strong impact or unsafe sex.
2. Complications of balanoposthitis
Usually, balanoposthitis is not too serious. But if it is not treated actively, this condition can change the shape of the penis, causing blisters and ulcers. Besides, some other dangerous complications include:
2.1. Chronic balanoposthitis
If balanoposthitis is not treated for a long time, the disease may become chronic and bring the following consequences:
- Narrowing of the urethra;
- Difficulty or pain when retracting the foreskin;
- Reduced blood flow to the glans;
- The skin covering the foreskin is obstructed due to swollen balanoposthitis.
Besides pain and discomfort, chronic balanoposthitis also reduces both sperm count and semen quality. This condition can lead to the most serious complication, which is the risk of causing infertility in men.
2.2. Inflammation of nearby organs
Balanoposthitis can easily lead to inflammation of nearby male genital organs, such as:
- Prostatitis;
- Orchitis;
- Epididymitis;
- Inflammation of the vas deferens.
All of these diseases, if not treated actively and promptly, have a very high risk of complications that greatly affect reproductive health as well as the physiological function of men.
2.3. Urinary tract infections
In addition, untreated chronic balanoposthitis can easily lead to infections of the urinary tract system, also known as ascending urinary tract infections.
The main affected parts are:
- Cystitis;
- Urethritis;
- Pyelonephritis;
- Causing the risk of kidney failure.
2.4. Affects physiological function
Balanoposthitis also affects the nervous system of men, the increased damage caused by balanoposthitis leads to:
- Premature ejaculation;
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Risk of impotence.
The decline in men's physiological function not only affects family happiness due to a declining sex life, but also makes the patient feel sad due to feelings of helplessness, prolonged stress and depression will lead to many bad consequences for health.
2.5. Transmission to sexual partners
Men with balanoposthitis can transmit the infection to their sexual partners through frequent unprotected sexual intercourse. Specifically, female partners are at risk of contracting various gynecological infections, including vaginal, cervical, ovarian, and fallopian tube infections,… the most serious complication is female infertility.
Besides the above complications, balanoposthitis is sometimes also a sign of some other diseases, such as sexually transmitted infections or fungi. Therefore, men need to see a urologist at hygienic and reputable medical facilities if they suspect they have balanitis to be diagnosed and treated early, especially for young boys.
In summary, balanoposthitis can have detrimental effects on men's health and sexual function, with infertility being the most serious potential complication. Therefore, maintaining daily foreskin hygiene to prevent infection is very necessary and important. In case the foreskin is too long or narrow, men should consider foreskin circumcision surgery as prescribed by the doctor. Sexual intercourse should be temporarily stopped to thoroughly treat genital diseases for both husband and wife, to avoid disease spread and further progression.
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