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