Balanitis, Cystitis, Non-Specific Urethritis, Proctitis (part of a group infections called NSGI’s or Non-Specific Genital Infections) and Thrush are all common infections which are caused by an inflammation of the lining of certain parts of your body. Most are caused by a bacterial infection in the area which has irritated the lining. Some like Non-Specific Urethritis can be commonly linked to STIs like Chlamydia. However Balanitis, Proctitis and Cystitis are not always caused by the presence of a Sexually Transmitted infection whilst Thrush is caused by an over-abundance of the Candida Bacteria in your body.

Below you will find a fact checker to help you identify what these STIs look like, how they are transmitted, symptoms of them, treatment and curability.

Overview:

Balanitis

• Balanitis is the inflammation of the glans (or head) of the penis caused by the overgrowth of bacteria naturally occurring in the area.

Causes of Balanitis:

• Lack of hygiene and or/cleaning around or beneath the foreskin
• Sometimes caused by a tightness in the foreskin making it difficult to clean (this is called Phimosis)
• Most commonly occurs in uncircumcised men as the foreskin provides the perfect environment for Balanitis to multiply

Symptoms of Balanitis:

• Spots
• Rash
• Itching
• Discharge
• Pain during sex
• Difficulty Urinating

Treatment for Balanitis:

• Anti-fungal creams
• Saline baths
• Gentle washing with non-irritating soap and warm water
• In extreme circumstances a circumcision may be required

Is Balanitis curable:

• Balantitis is treatable and curable. Some men will have recurrent Balanitis which will require continual attention.

Do I need to contact my previous sexual partners:

• No – unless an infection has been detected.

Cystitis

• Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder caused by a bladder infection.

Causes of Cystitis:

• A bacterial infection which develops during a blockage of your urinary system.

• Damage around the urethra – chemical irritants such as perfumed soap.

Symptoms of Cystitis :

• Pain when urinating
• Pressing need to urinate
• Strong smelling urine which is dark or cloudy
• Feverishness
• Pain in abdomen

Treatment for Cystitis:

• Painkillers
• Hydration
• Abstinence until symptoms clear up
• Antibiotics

Is Cystitis curable:

• Cystitis is curable.

Do I need to contact my previous sexual partners:

• No – unless an infection has been detected.

Non-Specific Urethritis 

• Non-Specific Urethritis is an unknown inflammation of the urethra caused by an infection (which is often a Chlamydia infection).

Causes of Non-Specific Urethritis:

• Irritation to the Urinary tract

• STI infections such as Chlamydia

Symptoms of Non-Specific Urethritis:

• White/Cloudy discharge from penis
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Tip of penis irritated
• Need to urinate

Treatment for Non-Specific Urethritis:

• Antibiotics

Is Non-Specific Urethritis curable:

• Non-Specific Urethritis is curable.

Do I need to contact my previous sexual partners:

• Yes – even though an infection may not have been found the likely case is usually a Chlamydia infection.

Proctitis

• Proctitis is the inflammation of the top 6 inches of rectal lining called the rectal mucosa which is situated in the rectum.

Causes of Proctitis:

• STIs such as Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Herpes and Warts.
• Auto-immune conditions such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
• Chemical irritation or foreign agents in the rectum

Symptoms of Proctitis:

• Pain during a bowl movement
• Soreness around the anus and/or in the rectum
• Feeling of not emptying bowels after passing a stool
• Involuntary spasms and cramping

Treatment for Proctitis:

• Antibiotics
• Medications to suppress immune system such as steroids for those suffering as a result of Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis

Is Proctitis curable:

• Proctitis is curable.

Do I need to contact my previous sexual partners:

• Yes – if it has been not identified as an auto-immune cause then partners should be treated.

Thrush

• Thrush is a yeast infection caused by a fungus called Candida Albicans. It is more commonly associated with women but men can also have Thrush

Causes of Thrush:

• Develops when harmless bacteria which suppresses the infection is destroyed. This can be done by antibiotics or when your immune system is weak.
• The Candida fungus will cause the thrush to multiply
• Caused by also not drying after washing or using chemical irritants

Symptoms of Thrush:

• Irritation
• Burning under foreskin
• Redness or red patches on tip of penis
• Discharge under foreskin which looks like cottage cheese
• Difficulty pulling back the foreskin

Treatment for Thrush:

• Anti-Fungal Creams such as Topical Imidazoles

Is Thrush curable:

• Thrush is curable.

Do I need to contact my previous sexual partners:

• No – unless an infection has been detected

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