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Can Balanitis Cause UTIs?

Elsie Goycoolea
By Elsie Goycoolea. Updated: January 25, 2017
Can Balanitis Cause UTIs?

Balanitis is a common medical condition among the male population that is characterized for the inflammation and swelling of the head of the penis. Many men often don’t seek treatment for this condition, which can lead into the development of further diseases or complications.

Balanitis has been argued to cause recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) often as a result of not seeking medical professional help due to feelings of shyness or embarrassment. However, both of these conditions can be treated effectively by seeking help from a physician.

In this oneHOWTO article we answer the question: Can balanitis cause UTIs?

You may also be interested in: How to Cope with a UTI at Work

Balanitis

Balanitis or the inflammation of the head of the penis, can occur as a result of bacteria or fungus infections, an allergic reaction to clothing material, medications or hygiene products; and due to tight foreskin in uncircumcised males.

The main symptoms associated with this condition are pain, redness and itching around the area, enlarged lymph glands and on more severe cases, signs can include chills, fever and burning sensations. In order to alleviate the symptoms, your physician might recommend engaging in diligent genital hygiene by cleaning the area with warm water; as well as, taking medication to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) shares many similar causes and symptoms as balanitis. It is characterized for a frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, pain and swelling around the area and feeling weak or fatigued.

Additionally, chronic UTIs from balanitis can develop in males if proper treatment is not exercised. This includes making sure that you are drinking enough water, consuming anti-inflammatory foods, and if needed, taking medication to help combat the infection.

UTIs develop as a result of an infection in the kidneys and urinary tract meaning that it would have spread from the head of the penis to the upper organs. This is an important indication that the symptoms can’t be ignored anymore and that you must contact your medical professional.

Here you can learn how to treat an inflammation of the urinary tract.

Can Balanitis Cause UTIs? - Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Balanitis and UTIs

Further complications from balanitis have been observed in the development of UTIs. While bad hygiene has been argued to cause recurrent UTIs it is highly probable that long foreskin or the decision to avoid circumcision in young males predisposes men to have UTIs. Chronic prostatitis (prostate infections) and other conditions related to long and tight foreskin might increase the chances of developing UTI since it favors the development of bacteria.

Many males choose circumcision surgery at a later stage in life while others prefer to be treated with antibiotics that would kill the bacteria alongside following thorough hygiene regiments with strong results. However, the latter may only be as effective as your body’s response to the medication and the resistance qualities of the bacteria.

Not all cases of balanitis develop into UTIs and not all people diagnosed with UTI are also diagnosed with balanitis. However, what both conditions share is the importance to exercise preventative measures and seeking for professional help early if the symptoms arise.

Can Balanitis Cause UTIs? - Balanitis and UTIs

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Can Balanitis Cause UTIs?, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.

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This is actually a pretty good article. However, it puts too much emphasis on the hygiene influence on balanitis. There is some truth that view of causes, but it was over emphasized in the old days by those MDs who relied on stereotypes and enjoyed lecturing their already suffering patients about simple solutions and so forth.
OneHowTo Editor
It is true there are other causes of balanitis, but hygiene is one of the most common and it is also the one we can do the most about at home.
Can Balanitis Cause UTIs?
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Can Balanitis Cause UTIs?

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