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What is Phimosis?
Phimosis is a condition that affects males. It is a condition where the foreskin (the skin covering the head of the penis) cannot be retracted down. The skin becomes very tight around the head of the penis and can cause pain when tried to be pulled down.
Phimosis is very common in male children under the age of 3 who are uncircumcised (the foreskin not removed). It can occur naturally and makes it difficult to urinate. Phimosis can present its symptoms after the age of 16-17 years in males.
The foreskin of the penis is attached to the head of the penis in children till the age of 3 but it naturally starts to detach. However, if it does not detach, then it can cause problems with urination and also cause pain. This is what is known as phimosis. The easiest method to treat phimosis is through a circumcision procedure. The procedures are very safe and ensure that the person is not affected by phimosis again.
Types of Phimosis
Physiological Phimosis
In this type of Phimosis, the male infant is born with a tight foreskin. Congenital Phimosis as it is popularly known is due to the adhesions between the penis and the inner layer of the foreskin. This makes the retraction of the penis difficult. This condition is very common among male babies and as they grow older, the adhesions weaken and the foreskin begins to loosen. By the age of 5-7, complete retraction is possible. According to studies, the problem does not resolve itself in just 2% of cases. This indicates that a very small percentage of teenagers and adults suffer from congenital phimosis.
Pathological Phimosis
This type of Phimosis develops due to injuries, scarring, inflammation, infection and underlying medical issues. Skin conditions such as Psoriasis, Eczema, Lichen sclerosus and Lichen Planus can also cause Pathological Phimosis. Inability to maintain proper penile hygiene causes sweat, dirt and pathogens to accumulate under the foreskin, thereby leading to pathological phimosis. Pathological Phimosis requires timely and proper treatment, so if phimosis disrupts healthy urination or erection, or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
Causes
Phimosis during infancy
This is normal for male infants to have tightness in the foreskin of their penis, this usually starts to get loose after 2 years and is still attached to the head of the penis till the age of 3. The foreskin detaches naturally between the ages of 3 to 6 but if it does not happen, it can cause discomfort and other symptoms of phimosis.
Urinary tract infections
Repeated urinary tract infections in boys or men can lead to the development of this disorder.
Foreskin infections
Infections in the foreskin can lead to phimosis.
Rough handling of the foreskin
If the foreskin is handled roughly and causes irritation, then it might lead to infections that cause phimosis.
Trauma
Trauma like injuries to the foreskin can lead to the development of this disorder.
Skin Conditions
Skin conditions like eczema (skin becomes itchy and dry) or lichen planus (an itchy rash that spreads across the body) can also be a cause of phimosis.
Symptoms
Tight foreskin
The foreskin is very tight around the head of the penis and is wound up very tightly near the tip like a rubberband. This is the most telltale sign of phimosis.
Itchiness
Phimosis may cause a lot of itchiness in the affected area, especially where the skin tightens the most around the head of the penis.
Redness and swelling
The condition often causes redness and swelling in the affected area.
Buildup of fluid
Phimosis can also lead to the buildup of white and thick fluid in the affected area.
Pain during urination
Another major sign of phimosis is a sensation of pain and burning during urination.
Pain during erection
A person can experience pain during the erection of the penis.
Prevention
It is possible to check the occurrence of phimosis by maintaining good hygiene.
Gently cleaning the penis with warm water every day might help avoid phimosis.
Practising safe sex and gentle handling of the foreskin also help reduce the risk of developing phimosis.
Avoid using harsh soap, talcum powder or deodorant on the penile region
** All content is written and reviewed by medical experts
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Frequently asked questions
Can phimosis treatment take place without surgery?
Yes. You can try a home solution for tight foreskin by applying phimosis steroid cream.
What type of circumcision should I go for to treat Phimosis?
You should go for the surgical procedure recommended to you by the doctor. The simplest and most hassle-free procedure is the ZSR circumcision.
Is there any pain after Phimosis surgery using ZSR circumcision?
There is very minimal to almost no pain after ZSR circumcision surgery.
Does circumcision affect penis sensitivity or sexual activity?
The surgery does not affect penis sensitivity that much. Adults can feel a little less sensitive if they were used to a foreskin. However, there is no effect on the sexual activity and it can be performed as usual.
Can the foreskin be retracted forcefully if one has Phimosis?
The foreskin should not be removed forcefully at all and you should consult a doctor at the earliest.
How long does it take for a ZSR Circumcision to be completed?
It takes approximately 15-20 minutes for the Phimosis surgery to be completed.
Can I have sex with phimosis?
one of the symptoms of phimosis is pain while urinating and while the penis is erect. Though is possible to have sex while having phimosis, it will be uncomfortable. The pleasure levels achieved are much less since the stimulation to the glans penis is obstructed. Another important point to keep in mind is that phimosis increases the risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases since the retractability of the foreskin causes pathogens to accumulate under the foreskin. Men with phimosis must have protected sex and use the proper amount of lubricants.
Which doctor to consult for phimosis?
Adults must consult a General Surgeon or Urologist and children must consult a paediatrician. Or paediatric surgeon.
At what age is phimosis a problem?
Phimosis in infant boys is common and often resolves itself by the age of 10. Even after the age of 10, phimosis is not a major concern unless other symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, abnormal discharge and difficulty in urination show up. This is a sign for you to visit the doctor.
While phimosis interfere with penile growth?
Phimosis as a condition causes the tightness of the foreskin of the penis, obstructing east retraction. It however does not play a role in determining penile growth.
Does phimosis make a man infertile?
Phimosis makes sexual intercourse uncomfortable, but does not interfere with a man’s fertility. Therefore a man can definitely make a woman pregnant despite having phimosis.
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