Balanitis

Balanitis is when the head of the penis is swollen and sore. It's not usually serious but it's important to see a GP to find out what's causing it. Balanitis is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Symptoms

With balanitis, the head of your penis is usually swollen, itchy and sore. It usually looks red, but this may be less obvious on brown or black skin.

Other symptoms can include:

• pain when peeing
• a thick discharge that comes from under your foreskin
• bleeding around your foreskin
• an unpleasant smell
• difficulty pulling back your foreskin – though in young children it's normal to have a tight foreskin

Some of these symptoms are similar to STIs, so you may be unsure what to do. 

If you could have an STI, for example if you've recently had sex with a new partner, it's a good idea to get tested for STIs. You can get a test through YSH, or at your GP.

If you haven't had a new partner since your last STI test, see your GP who will be able to diagnose and prescribe treatment for Balanitis.