Penile

Penile fungal infections is also known as thrush which is caused by Candida yeasts, and especially Candida albicans. It often affects women, but it can occur in men aswell.

When penile fungal infections occurs in males, it can affect the head of the penis and the foreskin. It can lead to inflammation of the head of the penis, known as balanitis.

In men, penile fungal infections affects the head of the penis and, if present, the foreskin.

There are often no symptoms, but if inflammation occurs, the following symptoms may appear around the head of the penis:

• swelling and irritation
• dull red skin with a glazed appearance
• itching and soreness
• a blotchy rash with small papules or white patches
• a thick, white, lumpy discharge under the foreskin or in the skin folds, possibly with an unpleasant odour
• difficulty pulling back the foreskin
• Pain may be present during sex or when passing urine

Anti-fungal topical creams or oral medication may help to relieve symptoms from a penile fungal infection.

Patients are asked to apply a cream topically, directly onto the affected area, usually once a day for 7 to 21 days.

Good hygiene can help to prevent a penile fungal infection. Here are some ways to conduct good hygiene:

• drying the penis carefully after washing
• washing the penis carefully with warm, running water
• not using perfumed shower gels or soaps on the genitals, because they can cause irritation
• wearing loose-fitting cotton underpants to help keep the genital area dry and cool

In men with a foreskin, poor hygiene underneath it can lead to the build-up of a cheesy-looking substance called smegma. Smegma can cause irritation.

In rare cases, a man with weakened immunity who has genital thrush may develop invasive candidiasis. This is a fungal infection of the blood, and it can cause the fungus to spread throughout the body.

In this way, it can affect different organs in the body, including the brain, the liver, and the heart.

If you would like to speak to our team about penile fungal infections, please call us on 0161 327 1269 or email us at info@urologyclinics.co.uk.

This article is intended to inform and give insight but not treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a doctor. Always seek medical advice with any questions regarding a medical condition. 

Thinking about having a vasectomy? For men, a vasectomy is one of the most effective forms of birth control. Vasectomies are almost 100% effective at preventing pregnancy, making them one of the most effective options available for male sterilisation.

Having a vasectomy reduces your ability to get your partner pregnant. The procedure does this by severing the vas deferens, or the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles into the semen in the prostate. After a vasectomy, your semen will no longer contain sperm cells that can fertilise your partner’s egg.

If you are considering having a vasectomy you should know that it is a simple, outpatient procedure that is performed under local anaesthetic. During the procedure, a scalpel is used to make a small incision in the scrotum and the surgeon will then be able to reach the vas deferens. The vas deferens are then cut, blocked or sealed off.

After the procedure, the consultant will apply ice packs to the area to reduce swelling and discomfort. It is important to note that a vasectomy does not affect a man’s sex drive or ability to have sexual activity. A vasectomy procedure usually takes about 10-15 minutes in total.

The decision to have a vasectomy is not one that should be taken lightly. You and your partner should take time to really think about whether it is the right choice for you.

A vasectomy may be right for you if:

• Your partner should not get pregnant for the sake of her own health
• You are certain that you desire no more or any children
• You and/or your partner are carriers for genetic disorders that you do not want your children to have

A vasectomy may not be right for you if:

• You are interested in temporary birth control
• You and/or your partner are still unsure about whether you should have children

Benefits of having a vasectomy

1. Low Risk: Vasectomies are a safe and low-risk procedure. The risk of complications is very low, and the procedure is generally well-tolerated.

2. Permanent Birth Control: A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control. This makes it a great option for men who are sure they do not want to have any more children.

3. Quick Recovery: The procedure itself is relatively quick, and the recovery time is usually short. Most men can return to their normal activities within a few days.

4. Cost-Effective: Vasectomies are a cost-effective form of birth control.

5. No Hormones: Unlike other forms of birth control, a vasectomy does not involve taking hormones. This makes it a great option for men who do not want to take hormones or who cannot take hormones due to medical reasons.

6. No Side Effects: Unlike other forms of birth control, a vasectomy does not have any side effects. This makes it a great option for men who want to avoid the side effects associated with other forms of birth control.

7. High Success Rate: Vasectomies are highly effective, with a success rate of over 99%. This makes it a great option for men who want to be sure they are protected against unwanted pregnancies.

If you would like to speak to our team about having a vasectomy, please call us on 0161 327 1269 or email us at info@urologyclinics.co.uk.

Uncontrolled diabetes have been associated with balantis.

Balantis is an infection or inflammation of the skin on the head of the penis. In men who are not circumcised, this area is covered by a flap of skin known as the foreskin, or prepuce. Young boys generally are affected only if they have a very tight foreskin that is difficult to pull back. Balantis can occur in both circumcised and uncircumcised men, although it occurs more commonly in men who are not circumcised.

Diabetes can make balantis more likely, especially if the blood sugar is poorly controlled. High blood sugar causes elevated amounts of sugar in the urine. Sugar-rich urine that dribbles on to the glans and under the foreskin provides a friendly environment for yeast and bacteria.

A variety of infections and skin conditions can cause balantis. These include:

• Infections with yeast (Candida) or bacteria that live on the skin
• Irritation of the skin by soap, detergents or spermicidal jelly
• Sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes simplex
• Benign (noncancerous) skin conditions such as psoriasis
• Some types of skin cancer (very rare)

Although balantis can develop on any man, the condition is most likely to occur in men who have a tight foreskin that is difficult to pull back, or who have poor hygiene.

Men who are uncircumcised should practice good hygiene, including fully retracting the foreskin during bathing. People with diabetes can help to prevent balantis by carefully controlling their blood sugar.

If you have diabetes, balantis may be a signal that your blood sugar is not well controlled and men with poorly controlled diabetes have a harder time fighting infections.

If you would like to speak to our team about balantis, please call us on 0161 327 1269 or email us at info@urologyclinics.co.uk.

A normally functioning penis is important for sexual activity, fertility and urination. Penile inflammation can interfere with these functionalities and should be addressed if issues occur.

The size of the penis is impacted by drainage of lymphatic fluid and blood. Swelling may be a sign that drainage of one of these substances is not occurring as it should. The skin of the penis can also become swollen.

Symptoms that can be associated with inflammation (depending on the underlying cause) include:

• Bruising
• Redness
• Pain
• Thickened skin
• Difficulty urinating
• Scrotal swelling
• Leg swelling
• Itching
• Sudden loss of an erection
• Penile discharge
• Pain after sex

Causes of a penile inflammation is likely due to excess fluid, injury, infection or skin conditions. Also:

• Excess fluid
• Injury
• Infection
• Skin conditions
• Uninary Tract Infections
• Penis fracture
• Nephrotic syndrome

Treatment

Depending on the cause of the penile inflammation you might be prescribed one or more of the following treatments:

• Steroid cream: This can soothe contact dermatitis.
• Antibiotic or antifungal treatment: This is for any infection.
• Other skin medication: This can treat a skin condition such as psoriasis.
• A diuretic medication: This will increase urination in order to get rid of extra fluid in the body associated with edema.
• Circumcision: This canresolve recurrent inflammation and infection of the foreskin.
• Compression and massage: This can help remove trapped lymphatic fluid, or referral for surgical management after other treatments are ineffective.

Penile inflammation is normal for the most part if it is noted after sex or masturbation. If penile inflammation does not resolve within a few minutes or if you do notice other symptoms, you should consider booking an appointment with a urologist for diagnosis and treatment as necessary.

If you would like to speak to our team about penile inflammation, please call us on 0161 327 1269 or email us at info@urologyclinics.co.uk.

Penile yeast infections can lead to a wide range of painful and uncomfortable symptoms if not treated. It can also lead to serious complications if the infection spreads to your bloodstream.

Penile yeast infections are common and can be easily treated by over the counter medication.

Symptoms that can be present from penile yeast infections can consist of the following:

• pain or discomfort during sex
• itchiness
• cracked foreskin
• redness, soreness, or swelling of the penis
• white, shiny patches at the top of the penis
• small red spots at the top of the penis
• thick, white discharge under the foreskin or other folds of skin
• difficulty in pulling back the foreskin
• burning sensation during urination

However, itchiness, redness and pain in the penis can be signs of other more serious conditions, like some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it is important not to ignore symptoms once they appear.

Usually we can diagnose penile yeast infections in a single appointment by asking you about your symptoms and we are then likely examine your genitals. Some of the white substance that forms on the penis may be examined under a microscope to confirm the type of fungus causing the symptoms.

Causes of penile yeast infections

Penile yeast infections are usually caused by a fungus called candida. There is usually already a small amount of candida is present in the body and it simply takes an overgrowth of candida to develop a yeast infection.

Having sexual intercourse with a person who has a vaginal yeast infection without using a condom can also cause a penile yeast infection. However, you can also develop an infection without any sexual activity.

These infections can sometimes come back after they look like they been cured. If this happens, your consultant will likely recommend a few weeks of daily treatments followed by a few months of weekly treatments.

If you would like to speak to our team about penile yeast infections, please call us on 0161 327 1269 or email us at info@urologyclinics.co.uk.

Penile infections are common and penis health involves more than just erections. Think of penile health being just as important as your general health.

Penis problems can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Ongoing health issues affecting your penis also can impact other areas of your life causing low self-confidence, stress and relationship problems.

How do you know if you have a penile infection?

You might have some or all of the following symptoms:

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects the skin of the genitals but it can also affect any part of the skin.

In men is usually often seen on the foreskin and tip of the penis. In some patients, lichen sclerosus also affects the skin elsewhere on the body, where it can cause whitish patches of skin, but usually no discomfort is reported. It can affect boys or men of any age.

What causes a male genital lichen sclerosus?

Currently, the causes of lichen sclerosus are not fully understood. It almost never occurs in men who have been circumcised early in their life. Lichen sclerosus is not caused by an infection, even though the genital area is affected, it cannot be passed onto a sexual partner.

Lichen sclerosus can affect some men with auto-immune diseases such as diabetes or thyroid disease. It may also be linked to atopic conditions such as asthma, eczema and hay fever. Damage or friction to the skin can bring out lichen sclerosus and make it worse. Some men dribble a small amount of urine after passing water, and it is thought that the trapping of urine under the foreskin may cause male genital lichen sclerosus.

In rare cases there is sometimes a link between lichen sclerosus and penis cancer. Although undergoing a circumcision may reduce the risk, it does not prevent penis cancer.

What are the symptoms of male genital lichen sclerosus?

Symptoms of lichen sclerosus can be as follows:

• The skin may tear and bleed during sexual intercourse.
• The affected skin may feel uncomfortable, sometimes itchy, burning, and sore, especially during or after sex.
• Often the foreskin gets tighter and more difficult to retract, leading to painful erections.
• When the opening in the tip of the penis is affected, the urine may spray.

However, some men do not experience any symptoms.

What does male genital lichen sclerosus look like?

Usually, the affected skin of the penis can appear red, with little cracks, sores, bleeding points or small blood-blisters. When the skin has been inflamed for some time, it can turn white and become thinned. Sometimes, thickening of the skin may be seen. Scarring can develop and change the appearance of the foreskin or tip of the penis. When the tightened foreskin is retracted, it may draw in around the shaft of the penis like a tight band.

 Sometimes the foreskin may be too tight to withdraw, making it impossible to clean the tip of penis. If this happens it is important to seek advice from a doctor as there may be an increased risk of cancer if this problem is left untreated.

How is male genital lichen sclerosus diagnosed?

A small skin sample may be taken and checked under the microscope to confirm the diagnosis, especially if there is an open sore or a thickened area of skin. This is known as a skin biopsy and requires a local anaesthetic injection and possibly stitches to close the wound, leading to a small scar.

Can male genital lichen sclerosus be cured?

Although circumcision can cure lichen sclerosus in some patients, in others the condition may continue or change after surgery. Lichen sclerosus will not go away on its own but may not cause any symptoms when the correct treatments are used.

How can male genital lichen sclerosus be treated?

Treatments can include:

• Strong steroid ointments which are used to stop the inflammation and soften the affected skin. This reduces the need for surgery. After the initial treatment period, a maintenance treatment plan may be required. This may include the regular use of moisturisers and intermittent use of steroid creams, which may be less strong.
•  If the foreskin becomes too tight to function properly and is not softened by creams, referral to a urologist for circumcision or other surgery may be necessary. This may cure the lichen sclerosus, even on the shaft and tip of the penis.
•  If the opening at the tip of the penis becomes so narrow that urine cannot pass through it easily, the urologist may recommend gently stretching it and / or apply steroid ointments to the area and, failing this, consider surgery. It is therefore important that you seek advice if you have any problems passing water.

 What can I do at home?

• If you are a smoker, stop smoking to reduce the risk of penis cancer.
• Carefully dry yourself after passing urine to reduce the contact of urine with your skin.
• Avoid washing with soap and instead use an emollient soap substitute/ cream to wash. Many different non-perfumed creams can be used, however aqueous cream can lead to irritation in some men and should be avoided.
• Keep pubic hairs trimmed so they do not get trapped between the foreskin and the penis.
• A lubricant for sex will reduce excessive friction.
• Using a moisturiser or yellow soft paraffin (such as Vaseline) as a barrier cream can protect your skin from exposure to urine.
• Lifelong regular self-examination is very important for all men who have or have had genital lichen sclerosus. If any skin changes develop which do not respond to steroid creams, in particular any persistent skin thickening or soreness, it is important to tell the doctor without delay. A skin biopsy may be necessary to test for skin cancer.

If you would like to speak to our team about Lichen sclerosus, please call us on 0161 327 1269 or email us at info@urologyclinics.co.uk.

This article is intended to inform and give insight but not treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a doctor. Always seek medical advice with any questions regarding a medical condition.