Balanitis (Foreskin Inflammation) and Balanoposthitis in Men: Specialized Treatment in New York City

by Alex Shteynshlyuger MD


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-5545.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients. Find out our office hours or directions to our office.

We offer affordable prices with or without insurance.


What is Balanitis?

Balanitis refers to inflammation and swelling of the foreskin (skin that covers the penis) and the tip of the penis. The tip of the penis is called “glans penis”. 

Balanitis or swelling of the penis usually occurs in uncircumcised men as a result of an infection or inadequate hygiene.  Balanoposthitis refers to a more severe inflammation/infection of the glans penis and foreskin.  Often, ‘balanitis’ is used to refer to inflammation of the foreskin and glans penis.

Common symptoms of balanitis include redness of the foreskin of the penis, redness of glans penis, burning or pain in the penis, and small cuts or laceration of the penile foreskin; bleeding from cut skin can also occur.

Balanitis is more common in diabetic men. In diabetic men, balanitis is often caused by Candida, a fungal infection.  Balanitis can lead to phimosis, tightening of the foreskin which makes it difficult to pull the foreskin back.

Antibiotic treatment and good hygiene often lead to the resolution of balanitis.  However, balanitis may recur.  Circumcision is an effective treatment option for men with recurrent balanitis and balanoposthitis.

Read Real Stories of men who underwent circumcision at New York Urology Specialists.

Read RealStories: Circumcision for the treatment of recurrent balanitis and balanoposthitis in a 43-year-old man

Read RealStories: Circumcision for a 49-year-old man with BXO – out-of-state  – Drove

Read RealStories: Circumcision Phimosis for a 35-year-old man and urinary problems – International Patient

Read RealStories: ShangRing circumcision 73-year-old man with diabetes and balanitis.

Read RealStories: ShangRing circumcision – a 23-year-old man with recurrent inflammation

Read RealStoriesTears and bleeding of the penile frenulum after sex 36-year-old male.

Where to Get Treatment for Balanitis in NYC?

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer treatment for balanitis and same-day circumcision treatment for men

Call/text today: 1-646-663-5545 or make an appointment online.  

We perform cosmetic circumcision, circumcision revision, penile frenuloplasty, and offer treatment for phimosis, balanitis, penile irritation, and redness. We treat sexual and erection problems and offer comprehensive STD testing for infections. We offer confidential appointments. Our prices are affordable with or without insurance. 

Balanitis in Men with Diabetes

Balanitis may also be an early symptom of poorly controlled diabetes in some men. In diabetic men, balanitis is often caused by fungal infection with Candida.  For men with diabetes, treatment of infection is necessary and circumcision may be beneficial long-term in the prevention of further episodes of balanitis and balanoposthitis.

Other Causes of Balanitis

Sexually transmitted infections can lead to balanitis.  Occasionally, penile cancer is misdiagnosed for balanitis. Failure to respond to treatment should raise concern and consideration for possible biopsy or circumcision.

What is the Treatment for Balanitis?

Depending on the underlying cause of balanitis, it is treated with antifungal medications (more common) or antibiotics (less common).  Steroid cream may also be useful in decreasing the inflammation.  Balanitis can be treated with medications such as antibiotics or antifungal medications (1% clotrimazole cream or fluconazole pills).  If balanitis does not respond to medications or comes back, circumcision may be a good option to prevent balanitis recurrence. Circumcision is successful in the treatment of balanitis >90% of the time.

In patients with underlying medical problems such as diabetes or severe obesity, treatment of the underlying condition may be beneficial in the prevention of balanitis recurrence.

How Effective is Circumcision for Treatment of Balanitis?

Circumcision is very effective in the treatment of balanitis as well as recurrent balanitis.  Typically, it is preferable to treat acute balanitis with antibiotics or anti-fungal medications as necessary and to perform circumcision once balanitis resolves.  Typical antifungal creams are clotrimazole or itraconazole creams.  Oral treatment with fluconazole or itraconazole is also effective.

Sometimes balanitis is severe enough that antibiotics or anti-fungal medications do not work well.  In that situation, circumcision may be performed with a somewhat increased risk of wound infection. In diabetics, it is preferable to get better control of diabetes prior to circumcision as there is an increased risk of wound infection and poor healing with poorly controlled diabetes.

In general, circumcision is curative of balanitis in more than 90% of men.

Read real stories of men who underwent sleeve circumcision for balanitis at New York Urology Specialists and ShangRing circumcision.

What are the Complications of Balanitis?

Recurrent balanitis can cause scarring of the foreskin and phimosis.  Scarring of the foreskin may make it difficult to retract the foreskin.  Chronic and recurrent balanitis may predispose to penile cancer as well as balanitis xerotica obliterans

What You Need to Know:

Learn More About:

Why Choose New York Urology Specialists for Circumcision and Treatment of Penile Problems?

  • All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in cosmetic circumcision, circumcision revision, and penile frenuloplasty. We treat men with phimosis, balanitis, BXO, penile skin bridges, and other penile problems such as symptoms of pain, irritation, and cuts on the penis, foreskin problems, and genital warts.
  • We are one of the few practices in the region to offer a full range of options for the treatment of sexual and erection problems in men.
  • We offer diagnostic testing in our office, which avoids hospital costs.
  • Extensive Experience: Thousands of men have been treated successfully using medical therapy, surgery including circumcision, circumcision revision, penile frenuloplasty, ShangRing Circumcision, as well as complex penile surgery including penile plication for Peyronie’s disease, and penile implant surgery for ED.  We perform over 100 adult circumcisions each year. There are very few board-certified urologists who perform as many.
  • Safety – We are one of the very few practices that offer circumcision under local anesthesia with same-day consultation and circumcision options. The safety of local anesthesia is unparalleled.
  • Confidential and Understanding Care. We understand that most of our patients desire privacy.  We see patients with a variety of urological problems. Your reason for visiting us is entirely confidential.

Scheduling Appointments for Balanitis Treatment at New York Urology Specialists


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-5545.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients. Find out our office hours or directions to our office.

We offer affordable prices with or without insurance


Circumcision With Fast Recovery at New York Urology Specialists

Excellence-Urology_Care-banner2At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of sexual problems in men.  We understand the challenges that penile problems such as pain in the penis, cuts on the foreskin, irritation, and curvature create for our patients, their relationships, and their self-esteem.  We help you find a treatment for penile problems including appearance concerns, foreskin problems, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction that fit your needs, lifestyle, and your preferences.

Urologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of men with sexual problems that include penis problems, scrotal problems, and erectile dysfunction. By virtue of our experience and skill, we are able to offer an effective treatment option for nearly every man who desires an effective treatment for any problem that affects the penis.  We offer medical and surgical treatment for men’s sexual problems.

We Treat Some of the Most Complex Penis and Foreskin Problems Including:

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Shteynshlyuger:

Call/text today: 1-646-663-5211 or make an appointment online

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a fellowship-trained, board-certified urologist with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of sexual and erection problems in men using modern, effective, and proven treatment methods.  We offer circumcision, circumcision revision, penile frenuloplasty, penoscrotal web repair, testicular implants, inflatable penile implant, shockwave therapy for ED, and treatment for Peyronie’s disease.

He is highly recommended by top primary care physicians in the New York area. If you or someone you know has been experiencing urological symptoms, make an appointment to take advantage of Dr. Shteynshlyuger’s expert advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-5545.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients. Find out our office hours or directions to our office.

We offer affordable prices with or without insurance

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