Balanitis, Cystitis, Non-Specific Urethritis, Proctitis and Thrush
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
