Phimosis is the most common condition among the male population. It occurs when the foreskin, the skin that covers the penis, is too narrow and does not allow to reveal the glans, either totally or partially. It can occur both in a state of erection and flaccidity, so this condition is a problem when cleaning the penis, having regular sex, and even when urinating.
Some children are born with this condition, but it often resolves spontaneously within the first three years of age. If that does not happen, this disorder must be corrected. At FastlyHealwe, explain everything you need to know about phimosis, especially its symptoms and the treatment options.
Table of Contents
Symptoms and complications of phimosis
Faced with phimosis, symptoms and complications may occur that prevent everyday life from being developed. Some of these conditions are:
- Painful urination: If the foreskin cannot be retracted, urine is likely to accumulate at the end of the penis, inflaming it and causing difficulties and pain in urinating.
- Common infections: phimosis usually prevents proper hygiene of the genitals so that dirt remains in the area and causes inflammation, secretions, and pain when urinating. The irritation can spread through the urethra to the bladder and cause urine infection.
- Painful intercourse: the lack of a right sliding of the foreskin over the glans and penis causes pain and discomfort when having sexual intercourse.
- Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans, caused mainly by poor hygiene, which occurs when genital secretions called smegma accumulate in the final part of the penis.
- Paraphimosis: occurs when, when making an effort to expose the glans, the foreskin becomes trapped in the balanopreputial groove, located below the glans itself, and cannot return to its original position. This causes an inflammation of the glans that can increase progressively because of the pressure, which requires urgent surgical treatment.
Treatment of phimosis
The treatment for phimosis must be carried out to prevent the discomfort and injuries that this condition produces. In this aspect, there are two possible options:
- Corticosteroids: In general, an attempt should be made to avoid surgery. For this reason, corticosteroids in the cream are usually administered and applied at the junction between the foreskin and the glans. In turn, small retractions are made smoothly and progressively. This weakens the tissues and gives the foreskin more elasticity. It is advisable not to use corticosteroids for too long periods, so if the treatment lasts more than four weeks, it is better to stop it for a while and resume it in a few months or take other measures suggested by a urologist.
- Surgery: Surgical treatment is usually chosen when the phimosis does not remit after the previous procedure. It is advisable to wait until at least four years of age to ensure that the phimosis does not dispatch. Naturally, the most common is to operate between five and seven years. The most common treatment is circumcision, which consists of removing the part of the foreskin that prevents the glans from being discovered. It is a simple procedure performed by a urologist that only requires a few days of rest and does not usually cause complications.
It is recommended that, when dealing with a baby, parents do not try to force the foreskin to retract since it can be painful for the child and cause injuries or trauma to the penis that end in worse complications. The best thing is to be patient during the first years and resort, if not to professional help.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Phimosis: what it is, symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you enter our Male reproductive system category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.