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Balanitis or Herpes?

Balanitis and Herpes are both very common viruses affecting thousands of men across the world. One major similarity between them is they both cause inflammation on a penis. So, if you are experiencing inflammation on the tip of your penis, you might be confused whether it is balanitis or herpes or something else.

In this article, we will be going through both these viruses to help you determine whether your symptoms are related to either balanitis or herpes.

So, what is Herpes? Herpes is a common virus that results when you are infected with herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV. There are two different types of HSV which are HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is a type of herpes that affects an individual orally, whereas HSV-2 is the type of virus that causes genital herpes and can be transmitted through sex.

Herpes has no cure and will affect a person for the rest of their life. However, some treatments can reduce the symptoms.

Unlike herpes, balanitis is a type of virus that only affects the glands and head of a penis. Since both viruses can affect the genitals of a man, many people confuse whether their infection is balanitis or herpes. 

While a person contracts herpes through skin-to-skin contact, a person can contract balanitis in various ways. The most common way is through bacteria present under the foreskin. The other cause of balanitis is STDs like herpes. So basically, balanitis is caused by herpes.

Top three reasons to consider testing yourself for an STI

 

26 MILLION

new STI cases in 2018

Nearly HALF

of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24

1 IN FIVE

people in the USA have an STI

Main Symptoms of Balanitis Herpes:

The main symptom that you’ll see in a person with herpes is blisters and sores in and around the genitals or mouth. They will first experience some sort of itching and burning as well. However, some people with herpes never show any symptoms. This is one of the main reasons why you should always go and get a test for herpes, especially if you are seeing a new partner.

Some of the signs and symptoms that you’ll see if you have balanitis are redness around the penis, soreness, shiny skin, discharge under the foreskin, unpleasant smell, and painful urination.

So by comparing the symptoms of both these viruses, one can easily differentiate between the two. However, it won’t be a surprise if a person cannot determine whether it is balanitis or herpes since they are quite similar. If you have any concerns about your sexual health, make sure to contact a doctor. The best thing to do if you’re having symptoms of either balanitis or herpes is to go and get yourself tested. You can get a test for balanitis, herpes, and several other STDs as well. This will give you peace of mind and also make you feel better.

Top three reasons to consider testing yoursef for and STI

26 MILLION

new STI cases in 2018

Nearly HALF

of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24

1 IN FIVE

people in the USA have an STI

Top three reasons to consider testing yoursef for and STI

26 MILLION

new STI cases in 2018

Nearly HALF

of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24

1 IN FIVE

people in the USA have an STI

GET TESTED NOW
medical-staff
Secure and confidential
Same day testing
Results in 1-2 days
Doctor consultations available
Fast lab visits
touch
package
Mall-in-kits at home
Results in days
100% pain free
Free consultations for positives
Free shipping
touch