When many people hear the term “gangrene...

When many people hear the term “gangrene, ” they may think of toes or fingers being affected by loss of blood flow, infection, or hypothermia, which means the person’s body temperature has dropped, and remained, below 95 degrees. But with Fournier’s gangrene, your genitals and the area around them are affected. And hypothermia or circulation problems don't cause it. Gangrene happens when body tissue is dead or is dying (known as necrosis) because of a lack of blood flow or a bacterial infection. Fournier’s gangrene involves an infection in the scrotum (which includes the testicles), penis, or perineum. The perineum is the area between the scrotum and anus for a man; or the area between the anus and vulva for a woman. The dead or dying tissue in people with this type of gangrene is often found in the genitals and can stretch to the thighs, stomach, and chest. How Common Is It? Fournier’s gangrene is rare. While it’s more common in men, women and children also can get it. The disease is most often found in men between the ages of 50 and 60. Men are 10 times more likely than women to have Fournier’s gangrene. Fournier’s gangrene is even rarer in children. Causes Fournier’s gangrene usually happens because of an infection in, or near, your genitals. Sources of the infection can include: Urinary tract infections Bladder infections Hysterectomies Abscesses (swollen body tissue that contains pus) Piercings In children, the causes can include: Insect bites Burns Circumcision While not actually considered causes of Fournier’s gangrene, there are other conditions and medications that experts believe may make you more likely to get this disease, including: Diabetes Alcohol abuse Trauma to the genital area Steroids Chemotherapy HIV Obesity Cirrhosis (a liver disease) A certain type of diabetes medicine called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor Doctors can find the cause of Fournier’s gangrene in about 90% of the cases. Symptoms People with Fournier’s gangrene can have various symptoms, including: Fever Pain and swelling in the genitals or anal area Unpleasant odor coming from the affected skin tissue Crackling sound when touching the affected area Dehydration Anemia