Understanding Male organ Pain – Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans Symptoms and Treatment

Men who are affected by unusual spots, thickening of the male organ skin, male organ pain, and phimosis – the inability to retract the sheath – may be affected by a condition known as balanitis xerotica obliterans. While this condition is not generally serious, it can get worse without treatment and may lead to more serious complications. Not all doctors are familiar with this condition, so men who experience the related symptoms should be familiar with the disorder so that they can help their doctors understand what to look for.

Following is a brief overview of balanitis xerotica obliterans, as well as the available treatments and some tips to proper male organ care.

What is balanitis xerotica obliterans?

Commonly abbreviated as BXO, this condition is considered as the male manifestation of lichen sclerosis, a benign condition that affects the skin. While the symptoms are not confined to the male organ, they can be most worrying in this area, as they can cause some uncomfortable side effects.

To date, no definitive cause has been identified. However, there appears to be a hereditary component, and men who suffer from BXO are also likely to experience other autoimmune type conditions. While BXO may appear unattractive and cause issues with intimacy, the condition is not contagious and cannot be passed to a partner, either through intimate contact or otherwise.

Common Symptoms of BXO

The most common symptoms of BXO include male organ pain; white patches on the head, as well as under the sheath; a thickened ring of tissue may also form around the tip of the head. Adhesions of the sheath to the head may also occur and lead to phimosis, a condition in which it is difficult or impossible to retract the sheath over the crown of the male organ. Male reproductive issues may also accompany these symptoms.

In more advanced stages, the white or grayish patches may reach the shaft, and even the sac. Scrubbing or otherwise attempting to move the lesions is not effective and may cause further damage to the skin.

Complications

If allowed to progress without treatment, the toughened tissue that characterizes BXO can lead to urinary stricture, blocking the elimination of urine and increasing the risk of liver and kidney damage. In addition, BXO has been linked to increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma (a form of skin cancer), although it is unclear whether the condition is causative.

Is there a cure?

Currently, there is no single cure that has demonstrated consistency in treating and curing BXO. The first step in treating the disorder generally involves topical steroid creams. While these may alleviate some of the symptoms, they are not effective for curing the disease and may cause further damage to the skin if used for a lengthy period of time.

The most effective method of addressing the problem generally involves circumcision. Removing the sheath can eliminate the lesions and prevent them from recurring, as the urine-rich, moist environment created by the presence of the sheath is removed. For lesions on the shaft or sac, laser therapy or surgical excision may be recommended.

Male organ care for all men

While BXO has not been linked to hygiene issues or other aspects of male organ care, all men can benefit from treating the male organ right. The pelvic area should always be kept clean, using a mild cleanser to gently wash away any dirt, sweat, urine and other body fluids. Wearing underwear is always recommended to prevent rubbing and chafing, as well as to reduce the risk of injury.

While BXO is not contagious, all men who are intimately active should use a condom for every encounter, unless they are in a monogamous relationship where both partners have tested clean for any intimately transmitted diseases.

Adding a high-quality male organ vitamin cream  (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) to the daily male organ care regimen can improve the overall tone, texture and elasticity of the male organ skin, as well as improving sensation levels in some men. While male organ creams should not be applied to damaged or diseased male tissue without a doctor’s approval, even the most healthy male organ can benefit from natural moisturizers and male-friendly nutrients.

For additional information on most common male organ health issues, tips on improving male organ sensitivity, and what to do to maintain a healthy male organ, visit: http://www.man1health.com. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous online web sites.