Understanding Phimosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Does Phimosis make your penis retraction difficult or impossible? While this disorder is often found in young males, it can continue into adult life and treatment may be necessary. Read on to learn about phimosis, its causes, symptoms, and possible treatments.

What is Phimosis?

Phimosis means when the foreskin cannot be pulled back from the end of the penis. He said the condition, often found in uncircumcised baby boys usually goes away on its own before age 3. However, phimosis can sometimes also persist or worsen and cause symptoms amongst other problems.

Symptoms of Phimosis

The main symptom of phimosis is being unable to retract the foreskin by the age of 3. In time, the foreskin will tend to free up but in some boys, this process may take a longer period of your energy. A boy should be able to retract his foreskin by about the age of 17. Another common sign is the ballooning of the foreskin when the child passes urine.

Causes of Phimosis

Phimosis is something that can happen by itself; however, the cause of it, remains for many unknown. It can also happen in response to scarring, such as if the foreskin is forcefully retracted before it's ready. Phimosis can also occur due to inflammation (infection) or swelling, such as balanitis involving the foreskin and glans. Balanitis is caused by poor hygiene or disease and can be riddled with problems such as lichen sclerosis.

When to Seek Medical Help

In some cases, phimosis may remain untreated-especially in young boys-but medical help will be required if the problem leads to pain or recurrent infections and if it interferes with urination. Symptoms may include redness of the glans or foreskin, spots, pain, and itching.

How To Treat For Phimosis

Most likely with the physical exam and questioning of symptoms phimosis is diagnosed. Treatment — depends on the root cause of health concern and its intensity. Antibiotics or antifungal ointments will be prescribed if there is an infection Gentle retraction of the foreskin, along with a topical steroid ointment can ease out an overly tight or stuck part and help to prevent infection.

For more severe cases, circumcision or partial circumcision could be needed. The surgical procedure removes some or all the foreskin and prevents any phimosis-related problems.

Phimosis vs. Paraphimosis

A related condition is paraphimosis, in which the foreskin that has been retracted will not return to its original location. Such a situation can decrease the blood flow to your penile glans and consider it as an emergency case. The treatment for paraphimosis is much the same as phimosis and includes lubricants to help align the foreskin properly. Nonetheless, for severe circumstances of toe problems surgical procedures may be required.

Conclusion

I have phimosis, a medical condition that can be painful but is curable. Detecting phimosis soon enough and giving remedies at the earliest is one of the most effective ways to manage this condition. If you or your child experience symptoms of phimosis, consult a healthcare provider for the correct method. If you take good care of your foreskin, most likely phimosis will be resolved to have a long and problem-free life.