You and Me and HSV
A safe place to land after a STI diagnosis
Balanitis
Common questions
It's safe to have sex, but it might be uncomfortable and it might take longer to clear up if you continue having sex because of friction in the area.
Balanitis is not a notifiable infection. So you are not required to contact trace (tell past sexual partners). Whether you share your diagnosis with sexual partners is a personal choice based on intimacy and trust.
Balanitis is inflammation to the head of the penis (glans penis).
It's very common, and most cases clear up pretty quickly.Balanitis is more common in people who have an uncircumcised penis.
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Causes can include:
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overuse of soaps (you don't need to use any soap on the genitals!)
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irritation to the skin from products (like laundry soap, new lube, moisturiser or cream)
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skin disorders
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infection
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poor hygiene
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uncontrolled diabetes
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blotchy pink or red rash (sometimes tiny little red dots) on head of penis or foreskin or both
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pain or swelling of the head of the penis
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itching and discomfort
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discharge from under the foreskin (smegma)
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Most people who are diagnosed with balanitis don’t need medication.
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It can often be cleared completely with simple genital hygiene tips and small lifestyle changes.
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For detailed treatment advice and options, see the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre fact sheet.
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You and Me and HSV
A safe place to land after a STI diagnosis
The boring, but important legal stuff
You and Me and HSV offers emotional support, education and general wellbeing guidance concerning sexual health topics. We are not a medical, psychological or psychiatric service and do not provide diagnosis, treatment or prescriptions. Our service is not suitable for emergencies. For medical questions or symptoms, please consult a registered health professional.
If you are in crisis or at risk, call 000 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
You And Me And HSV acknowledges that nothing in these terms limits your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.