Phimosis: Reasons, Signs, and Ways to Treat
What is Phimosis?
Phimosis is a condition associated with failure in the foreskin’s retraction, and the process of pulling the foreskin back over the head of the penis becomes impossible. While the most frequent cases are those in infants and toddlers, the disease can also be observed in adults, causing pain, or secondary complaints. In adults, the malformation of foreskin may occur because of either infection, swelling, or the scars of the cells present on the foreskin.
Reasons for Phimosis
There are several reasons for phimosis, some of which include:
Phimosis at Birth: Some little boys begin life with a foreskin that won’t pull back, but it goes away as they grow up.
Bad Cleaning: Failure to cleanse the area underneath the foreskin properly will lead to infections and scars.
Balanitis and Balanoposthitis: Mystified penis and its foreskin are synonyms for blisters and infections caused by bacteria and fungi.
Skin Problems: Some diseases like balanitis xerotica obliterans (also known as lichen sclerosus) can result in scars and infrequent foreskin movement.
Recurrent Infections: Irregular diseases can turn tissue into stone like the one that usually appears in foreskins around the age of 20.
Diabetes: stable diabetes enables the occurrence of infections which over time makes phimosis likely.
Symptoms of Phimosis
Depending on the fore/ foreskin tightness degree, the symptoms are different, and they can vary from mild to severe. The general complaints include:
- Difficulty in pulling back the foreskin
- Pain at erection or sexual activity
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness around the foreskin
- Unpleasant urine urination because the urine flow is restricted
- A visible white, scar-like ring around the foreskin opening (in case of severe phimosis)
- Ongoing infections (balanitis or urinary tract infections)
Complications of Phimosis
If the condition persists and the appropriate treatment is not given, phimosis might trigger the following:
Paraphimosis: It’s a medical emergency when the foreskin gets stuck in a retracted position and the blood flow to the glans is impaired.
Recurrent Infections: Recurrent infections might cause inflammation and the condition to deteriorate.
Painful Sexual Intercourse: Inflexible foreskin can be rather discomforting and may lead to the pain experienced during sex.
Urinary Issues: Severe phimosis may hinder the urinary stream leading to infections and bladder issues.
Treatment Options for Phimosis
Phimosis treatment may vary depending on the condition’s severity and underlying cause type. Some methods are:
Conservative Management
Topical Steroid Creams: The application of corticosteroid creams such as betamethasone can help the foreskin to become ease over time.
Gentle Stretching Exercises: These exercises are done regularly under the guidance of medical personnel to elongate the foreskin gradually.
Medical Treatment
Antibiotic or Antifungal Medicines: Proper drugs can be administered to treat infections causing inflammation.
Improved Hygiene Practices: Extensive cleaning of the area and keeping it dry help to prevent future infections.
Surgical Treatment
Preputioplasty: A simple surgical technique that can be done to enlarge the foreskin opening while, at the same time, the foreskin is conserved.
Circumcision: Besides major, or repeated cases of phimosis, the removal of the foreskin as a last resort is also prescribed as a final remedy in this condition.
Dorsal Slit Procedure: An incision made to the foreskin partly
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience persistent symptoms, difficulty urinating, pain, or recurrent infections due to phimosis, it is crucial to seek medical advice. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve overall genital health.
Consult Dr. M.S. Siddiqui for Expert Guidance
At Nisha Health Care Clinic, Dr. M.S. Siddiqui specializes in treating sexual health conditions, including phimosis. If you or a loved one is experiencing discomfort due to phimosis, schedule an appointment today for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
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