The penis is a susceptible area. Any sudden movement or blow can be excruciating. This one has several parts; the scrotum, which is the bag that lines the testicles, the foreskin or layer of skin that covers the glans, the trunk that contains the urethra inside, the frenulum that is where the foreskin meets the glans and is shaped of “V” and, finally, the glans or head of the penis, which is the most sensitive part due to the number of nerve endings it has. It is precisely where the precum, semen, and urine come out through the opening of the urethra. In the glans, several diseases can develop that may be related to the presence of blood in that area. Do you want to have all the information about the blood in the glans:? In the following FastlyHealarticle, we will explain you in detail!
Table of Contents
What is the glans?
The most sensitive part of the penis is known as the glans or head of the penis. It is an area of reddish or pink color with the skin much thicker than the rest of the penis. It is a sensitive area where innumerable nerve endings are located, the place of greatest sexual pleasure for man.
The foreskin covers the glans from birth, a fold of skin that is pulled back to expose the head of the penis during erection. Depending on the religions and cultures, a process called circumcision is performed to remove this skin fold (foreskin).
It is precisely through the glans that urine, precum, and semen are expelled through the opening of the urethra. The head of the penis is a sensitive area that must be appropriately groomed and cared for to avoid the onset of certain diseases.
Blood on the glans from balanitis
Balanitis is an infectious and inflammatory process of the glans, that is, of the head of the penis, which can probably spread to the foreskin and be called balanoposthitis. This condition does not discriminate against age and is associated with various reasons. Here we talk about the causes of balanitis :
- Bacterial or fungal infections: the main reason for the development of balanitis is Candida Albicans, a fungus that can live under the foreskin normally. Lack of hygiene can generate an imbalance of the natural flora and cause it grows faster than usual.
- Dermatitis: another reason related to the appearance of balanitis is dermatitis due to contact with irritant substances for the skin of the glans, such as soap or bath gel and the latex of condoms.
- Diabetes mellitus: makes people much more susceptible to diseases.
The symptoms of balanitis usually manifest with:
- Redness of the glans.
- Intense itching and discomfort.
- Red rash on the head of the penis.
- In case of ulceration, it can reflect blood in the glans, pain, and tenderness.
- Inability to retract the foreskin.
It may also appear as discharge or pus just below the foreskin (skin fold covering the glans). This may have an unpleasant odor.
The doctor is the one indicated to diagnose this condition and suggest the appropriate treatment. If it is not treated in time, it can generate certain complications such as phimosis which is defined as the inability to retract the foreskin whose treatment would be strictly surgical, that is, performing the circumcision.
Blood on the glans: other causes
Although it is the main one, balanitis is not the only cause that can cause blood in the glans. Here we talk about two conditions that can have similar symptoms:
Queyrat’s erythroplasia
Considered an early form of skin cancer located on the penis, it generally manifests itself in men who have not been circumcised and is closely related to the human papillomavirus (HPV). It manifests as a reddish rash on the head of the penis, irritated skin which can be friable, that is, it can bleed and has a velvety texture. The doctor will complete the evaluation and order a biopsy to corroborate the diagnosis.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes, generally caused by the herpes simplex virus, is considered a sexually transmitted disease. This manifests with tingling in the penis or glans, itching, pain, red spots, and blisters that may bleed slightly through the skin to give rise to painful ulcers; most of the time, the symptoms manifest up to 20 days after infection.
The Habanera journal of Medical Sciences conducted a global review about genital herpes simplex infections stating that genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease with the highest prevalence in the United States, affecting 22%, influencing factors such as marital status. , residence, educational level, promiscuity, drug use and history of sexually transmitted diseases [1].
Balanitis: treatment
The best way to treat balanitis is to:
- Keeping the glans clean and without using scented soaps that further irritate the area.
- Most likely, the doctor will indicate drug therapy depending on the cause to be treated. He will probably suggest a cream for fungi, or antifungal cream, such as clotrimazole if the reason is Candida Albicans. This is recommended to apply every 12 hours until symptoms have disappeared or fluconazole single-dose tablets.
- If the balanitis is bacterial, treatment with antibiotics such as flucloxacillin 500 mg every 8 hours would be indicated.
- A steroid-based cream will be sufficient to decrease the swelling in the glans.
Treatment for glans inflammation
Depending on what has caused your glans bleeding, you will have to start one treatment or another. Although it should always be the doctor who prescribes it, below we explain the treatment when the inflammation and bleeding of the glans are due to Queyrat erythroplasia and genital herpes:
- In the case of Queyrat erythroplasia, this is a delicate condition. The doctor will indicate the treatment to be carried out. However, he would first tell creams such as imiquimod for several months, waiting for the symptoms to disappear before deciding on another treatment such as surgery to kill cancer cells.
- On the other hand, the ideal treatment in case there is bleeding in the glans due to genital herpes is acyclovir or famciclovir; this will reduce the level of virus. The specialist must previously indicate this treatment.
Blood on the glans: how to prevent it
Before conditions appear on the head of the penis or in the intimate male area, it is essential to:
- Taking adequate hygiene measures allows the head of the penis and the foreskin to be clean and dry without bacteria or fungi growth. Washing the penis is recommended 2 times a day, without scented soaps.
- Having responsible sex reduces the possibility of acquiring sexually transmitted infections. It is advisable to use condoms or have sex with only one person.
The presence of blood in the glans will depend on the different causes to which it is related; this is a broad topic worth consulting with your trusted doctor.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Blood on the glans: causes and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Male reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.