Phimosis and Paraphimosis
Phimosis is a condition created when a man has an extremely tight foreskin.
Symptoms of Phimosis
- Difficulty retracting the foreskin
- Inability to pull the foreskin behind the glans (head) of penis
- Pain or discomfort
- Redness of the foreskin and/or penis
- Pain or discomfort during sexual activity
- Decreased or weakened urine stream
Diagnosis
An accurate diagnosis can be made during a physical examination performed by a doctor.
Treatment
If a man is experiencing the symptoms of phimosis, he should immediately contact his physician for diagnosis and treatment. The physician may give the patient an antibiotic, if the phimosis is determined to be caused by an infection. Otherwise, soaking the penis in warm water may help separate the foreskin from the glans. If this soaking method does not work, the doctor may make a small incision to release the foreskin from the glans. In the case of repeated episodes of phimosis, circumcision is usually (but not always) recommended.
Cause and Prevention
There are two types of phimosis: congenital and acquired. Congenital phimosis begins early in life and is a completely normal condition found in many infants, and it usually resolves itself as the infant transitions into childhood. Acquired phimosis, on the other hand, begins later in life and can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Poor hygiene
- A severe build-up of smegma
- An infection of the foreskin
Many forms of acquired phimosis—particularly those caused by a build-up of smegma— can be prevented by practicing proper hygiene. A man should wash underneath his foreskin daily with water and a mild soap. Circumcision is a guaranteed way to avoid phimosis, because the foreskin is removed during this operation.
Paraphimosis is a less common, but more serious, version of phimosis in which the foreskin is so tight that it can cut off blood flow once it is pulled back behind the glans (head) of the penis —causing serious problems. If the foreskin gets stuck and will not return to its original position, or if it begins to swell, seek medical attention immediately since this is a very serious condition which may traumatize the penis if not treated.
Symptoms of Paraphimosis
- Extremely tight foreskin
- Inability to pull the foreskin behind the glans (head) of the penis
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Difficulty or pain during urination
- Foreskin gets stuck and will not return (easily or at all) to its original position
- Swelling (edema) of the foreskin or penis
References
Crooks, Robert and Baur, Karla. (2005) Our Sexuality. Thomson Learning, Inc
www.nlm.nih.gov
www.healthscout.com
www.foreskin.org
www.emedicine.com
www.webmd.com