What is causing my repeated balanitis at 22?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 22-year-old male. Every single time I have sexual intercourse. Specifically protected and vaginal, I get balanitis. It started maybe a year ago, and I came back clean when I tested the first time around. I was afraid that it would be HSV (herpes simplex virus). This started with my last partner, who also got tested and came back clean.

New partner, I had sex with raw once and nothing happened. Second time around, I used protection and nothing happened. The third time, she was in her last days of menstruation, and she was on antibiotics for a UTI (urinary tract infection). I also took an antibiotic without noticing. We had intercourse early morning, and by that night, I had a little irritation in my pubic area. I woke up to balanitis once again. Please tell me why this is happening?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I understand your concern regarding irritation and redness in the pubic area and balanitis.

Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis. It is most commonly seen in uncircumcised males. It presents with symptoms like

Pain.
Swelling.
Redness
Irritation.

Infections like yeast, bacteria, or irritants like soaps and some chemicals cause balanitis.

Balanitis is a common problem, and it is treatable with medicine and preventive methods.

I would suggest you to follow the below preventive methods:

Maintain good hygiene.
Avoid using soaps or other chemicals to clean.
Ensure soaps are rinsed off properly during bathing.
Keep the area clean and dry.

You can follow these treatment methods;

Cream Clotrimazole (an antifungal medication).
Tablet Montelukast (a leukotriene receptor antagonist) and Levocetirizine (an antihistaminic medication) 10 milligrams twice a day for three days.

However, please consult a doctor before taking any medications.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.