Balanitis & Posthitis Treatment in Johor Bahru

Confidential Diagnosis and Treatment by Dr Gan at Southern Alphamen Clinic

Experiencing Redness, Itching or Swelling of the Penis?

Redness, swelling, itching or discomfort around the head of the penis or foreskin can be symptoms of balanitis or posthitis. These conditions are common, particularly in uncircumcised men, and are often caused by infections, skin conditions or irritation.

At Southern Alphamen Clinic, Dr Gan provides confidential assessment and personalised treatment for balanitis and posthitis. Our goal is to identify the underlying cause, relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Patients from Johor Bahru and Singapore are welcome for private consultations.

What Are Balanitis and Posthitis?

Balanitis

Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis (the head of the penis).

Posthitis

Posthitis is inflammation of the foreskin (prepuce).

When both the glans and foreskin are inflamed, the condition is known as balanoposthitis.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Redness of the penis
• Swelling of the foreskin or glans
• Itching or irritation
• Burning sensation
• Pain during urination
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• White discharge or unpleasant odour
• Difficulty retracting the foreskin
• Small cracks or sores on the foreskin
• Tight foreskin (phimosis)

Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause.

What Causes Balanitis and Posthitis?

Several conditions can cause inflammation of the penis or foreskin, including:

Fungal Infection (Candida)

One of the most common causes, particularly in men with diabetes or after antibiotic use.

Bacterial Infection

Certain bacteria can cause infection and inflammation requiring medical treatment.

Poor Genital Hygiene

A build-up of smegma beneath the foreskin may contribute to irritation and infection.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Some sexually transmitted infections, including herpes, gonorrhoea and syphilis, may present with penile inflammation or sores.

Skin Conditions

Conditions such as:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Lichen sclerosus
• Contact dermatitis

may affect the penis and foreskin.

Diabetes

Undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of recurrent balanitis, particularly fungal infections.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Risk factors include:

• Uncircumcised men
• Diabetes mellitus
• Poor genital hygiene
• Recurrent fungal infections
• Tight foreskin (phimosis)
• Skin conditions affecting the genital area
• Weakened immune system

Diagnosis

Your consultation may include:

• Detailed medical history
• Physical examination
• Assessment of the penis and foreskin
• Urine testing
• Blood sugar testing (when appropriate)
• Swab testing if infection is suspected
• STI screening if clinically indicated

Not every patient requires all investigations. Testing is individualised based on your symptoms and examination findings.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Management may include:

Antifungal Medication

For Candida (yeast) infections.

Antibiotics

For confirmed or suspected bacterial infections.

Anti-inflammatory Medication

To reduce inflammation when appropriate.

Improved Hygiene Advice

Proper cleaning beneath the foreskin (if retractable) can reduce irritation and recurrence.

Diabetes Management

Good blood sugar control helps reduce recurrent infections in diabetic patients.

Circumcision Referral

For patients with recurrent balanitis, severe phimosis or repeated infections, referral for circumcision may be recommended.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Medical assessment is recommended if you experience:

• Persistent redness or swelling
• Pain during urination
• Penile discharge
• Recurrent infections
• Difficulty retracting the foreskin
• Ulcers or sores
• Fever or severe pain
• Symptoms that do not improve after self-care

Early treatment helps prevent complications such as scarring, phimosis and recurrent infections.

Why Choose Southern Alphamen Clinic?

• Led by Dr Gan
• Certified in Men's Health by the Society for Men's Health Singapore
• All consultations and treatments are performed by certified doctors
• Comprehensive men's genital health assessment
• Confidential consultations
• Evidence-based treatment
• STI screening available when indicated
• Appointment-based service with walk-in availability (subject to doctor availability)
• Convenient for patients from Johor Bahru and Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions

Is balanitis a sexually transmitted infection?

No. Balanitis itself is not an STI. However, certain sexually transmitted infections can cause symptoms similar to balanitis or contribute to penile inflammation. Medical assessment is important to determine the underlying cause.

Can balanitis go away on its own?

Mild cases caused by irritation may improve with better hygiene and avoidance of irritants. However, persistent or recurrent symptoms should be assessed by a doctor to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Can diabetes cause recurrent balanitis?

Yes. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of fungal infections and recurrent balanitis. Men with repeated episodes may benefit from blood sugar screening.

Is balanitis contagious?

Balanitis itself is not contagious. However, if the inflammation is caused by an infection such as Candida or an STI, the underlying infection may be transmissible to sexual partners.

Will I need STI testing?

STI testing may be recommended if your symptoms, examination findings or sexual history suggest a possible sexually transmitted infection.

Can circumcision prevent recurrent balanitis?

Circumcision may reduce the risk of recurrent balanitis in selected patients, particularly those with recurrent infections or significant phimosis. Your doctor will discuss whether referral is appropriate.

Are all treatments performed by a doctor?

Yes. At Southern Alphamen Clinic, all consultations, examinations and treatments are performed by certified doctors.

Can I walk in without an appointment?

Yes. Walk-in patients are welcome, subject to doctor availability. However, appointments via WhatsApp or telephone are recommended to minimise waiting time.

Do you treat patients from Singapore?

Yes. Southern Alphamen Clinic welcomes patients from Singapore seeking confidential men's health and genital skin condition assessment.

Book Your Confidential Consultation

If you have redness, swelling, itching or discomfort affecting the penis or foreskin, arrange a confidential consultation with Dr Gan at Southern Alphamen Clinic.

Early diagnosis helps identify the cause of your symptoms and allows prompt, appropriate treatment to reduce discomfort and prevent recurrence.

Booking Options

• WhatsApp Appointment
• Telephone Booking
• Walk-in Consultation (subject to doctor availability)

For shorter waiting times and your preferred appointment slot, we recommend booking via WhatsApp.

Medical Disclaimer: Balanitis and posthitis may result from infections, skin conditions, diabetes or other medical causes. Treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis, and individual outcomes vary. A medical assessment is necessary to determine the most appropriate investigations and treatment plan.