Category Archives: Sexual health

The causes, diagnosing, testing and treatments for sexual health issues, including sexually transmitted diseases, contraceptives and erectile dysfunction.

Treating balanitis – inflammation of the head of the penis

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If the inflammation of your penis (balanitis) is caused by a candida (yeast) infection, it is normally treated with an antifungal cream, such as clotrimazole or miconazole. If you develop balanitis by picking up thrush in your partner’s vagina during sex, you may both need treatment. Avoid having sex while you are being treated for thrush or use a condom. This avoids the infection being passed back to your partner. Most cases of balanitis clear up with treatment in three to five days Continue reading →

Balanitis – inflammation of the head of the penis

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Balanitis is commonly caused by a skin condition such as eczema. It can result from an allergy or irritation to perfumed soap or washing powder, for example. It may also be caused by a yeast or bacterial infection (see the Causes section for more information). Symptoms include swelling, redness and soreness around the head of the penis and lumpy discharge under the foreskin (see the Symptoms section for more information). Continue reading →

Male circumcision for HIV prevention

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“Women are excited for medical male circumcision because they’re desperate for new prevention options, but they lack detailed factual knowledge of its benefits and risks,” says Cebile Dlamini of Swaziland for Positive Living. “For example, the fact that it only provides partial protection can be overlooked and some women and men believe once a man is circumcised, he is by definition HIV-negative.”
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