Swollen Foreskin Following Intercourse
For over a year now, I've been experiencing sporadic bouts of balanitis. Just to be clear, I am uncircumcised. At 29 years old, I've never faced this condition before, nor have I contracted any sexually transmitted infections. I've been happily married for the last five years. The onset of my balanitis coincided with my wife’s period of basic military training when we re-engaged sexually after a couple of months apart. Initially, I suspected that a particular soap was the culprit, leading me to switch to a different one. Since her return, I've continued to experience intermittent issues with my foreskin. Recently, after having sex, I noticed that the right side of my foreskin becomes swollen, resembling a blister. I'm uncertain about the cause, but I don't believe it's related to hygiene. After our latest encounter today, the inflammation occurred again. This symptom has recurred several times after intimacy, though it tends to resolve itself after a while. I do not experience any discomfort when urinating or similar issues, just a slight burning feeling during penetration.
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 11:10:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing recurrent swelling of the foreskin, particularly after sexual activity, alongside previous bouts of balanitis. This condition can often be frustrating and concerning. Let's address your concerns step-by-step.
Main Points:
- The swelling of the foreskin especially after intercourse, in conjunction with a history of balanitis, may suggest irritation or localized inflammation.
- It's good that you're not experiencing pain while urinating or other severe symptoms, but the recurrent nature of the issue warrants attention.
Explanation: Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans (the head of the penis) and can occur for various reasons, including irritation from soaps, personal hygiene products, or even friction during intercourse. Given that you mentioned a significant change (your wife’s military training and less intimate contact during that time), it’s possible that the sudden return to sexual activity could have led to irritation or even mild trauma to the foreskin, especially if the area is sensitive. Blister-like swelling could indicate localized irritation or inflammation, and the slight burning sensation during penetration may also point to this.
Next Steps:
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Gentle Hygiene: Ensure you're practicing gentle hygiene. Use mild, unscented soap and warm water to clean the area daily, and avoid soaps with irritants or fragrances.
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Lubrication: During intercourse, use a water-based lubricant to help reduce friction and irritation. This can be especially helpful if there is a tendency toward sensitivity in that area.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of when the swelling occurs in relation to sexual activity, types of lubricants or products used, and other factors (like stress or changes in your routine). This can help identify potential triggers.
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Avoid Irritants: If you suspect a particular product might be causing irritation, discontinue its use. Consider switching to hypoallergenic personal hygiene products.
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Cool Compresses: Post-intimacy, applying a cool, clean compress to the swollen area may help soothe inflammation.
If these steps do not improve your symptoms after a few weeks, or if you experience new symptoms such as itching, discharge, or worsening pain, it would be advisable to seek evaluation from a healthcare professional. They can provide tailored treatment options and rule out any underlying conditions.
Remember, you’re not alone in this, and addressing these symptoms can lead to a better quality of intimacy and comfort. Let me know how it goes or if you have further questions!
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