Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin cannot be pulled back over the edge (glans) of the penis. It may be a result of infection, scarring or other health problems.
Over time the foreskins of infants and young boys tend to loosen. It is generally not necessary to treat it unless it causes urinary difficulty or other symptoms.
Causes
Phimosis is a natural condition that can be found in men who are uncircumcised (usually around 1 percent). It usually goes away on its own, without treatment.
It can occur for a few reasons, including scar tissue or an infection which makes the skin less elastic. As you age, your skin loses elasticity due to changes in your body.
The foreskin may be tight foreskin adults (twitter.com) due to this, and it may get stuck behind the penis’s head. This is known as paraphimosis, and it can stop the flow of blood to the glans. This can cause swelling and pain that prevents you from urinating.
It can be treated in children using a topical steroid and gently retracting each day. In the case of severe cases the need for a complete or partial circumcision is needed. Circumcision involves the removal of the entire foreskin. It can be effective in treating phimosis as well as other ailments. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you.
Symptoms
Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin is not able to be pulled back over the head of the penis (glans). Most uncircumcised babies and toddlers will have phimosis.
This happens because the foreskin gets fused with the glans at birth and gradually separates following. It’s a normal part of development, however it could be a problem when it becomes too tight or is scarred from an infection or skin condition like lichen swelling.
The most common phimosis signs are the foreskin ballooning when you urinate, or being incapable of retracting the foreskin completely. It may also appear discolored or swollen, causing discomfort when it is pulled back.
If you suspect your son may have phimosis see your doctor or a nurse for a check up. The doctor will conduct a thorough history and perform a physical examination of the foreskin as well as the head of the penis. They may also order urine tests to determine urinary tract infections, or a swab from the foreskin to check for bacteria.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of phimosis can be determined by a physical examination of the penis and foreskin. It can also be diagnosed by a swab or urine test to see if there are any infections that may cause the symptoms.
The treatment of phimosis usually involves applying steroid creams to the foreskin three or four times a day to loosen the area that connects the foreskin with the penis tip. If this doesn’t improve the condition, it may be recommended that a circumcision be performed.
Another alternative is that a first-of-its-kind clinical trial is looking at an alternative treatment for phimosis. It uses a balloon to gently and slowly stretch the foreskin. This is thought to help the foreskin relax over time and decrease the need for surgical intervention.
In the majority of cases, phimosis goes away on its own by the age of three years old. However, some boys will never completely retract their foreskin, and may require surgery at a later time.
Treatment
It is normal for infants and toddlers to have a tightly woven foreskin. It protects the head of the penis (glans) from germs that could enter it.
Phimosis usually goes away on its own in the first few years of life. However, if it causes any problems like making urination (peeing) difficult – it may need treatment.
Applying a specific cream to help the foreskin become looser may be enough. However, a small percentage of boys will require surgery.
Your GP will identify phimosis through conducting a physical exam and taking a look at your medical history, and checking your penis and the anterior skin. They can also order urine tests to check for infection or a swab.
It is important to get treated for phimosis, as it can lead to urinary tract issues and penile carcinoma in severe instances. Circumcision could be one option, but there are other options being considered.
