Phimosis

Phimosis is the condition where the skin is too tight and is unable to be retracted. Treatments may include manual retraction, cream or circumcision.

 

What is Phimosis?

Phimosis is the condition where the skin is too tight and is unable to be retracted.

The foreskin usually loosens over time with regular stretching. The process can take longer for some boys. However, by around the age of 17, a boy should easily be able to retract his foreskin.

A simple way to determine if you have phimosis is to pull your foreskin back until you see the penis glans (the whole head of the penis).

 

What is the difference between Paraphimosis, Frenulum Breve & Phimosis?

Paraphimosis happens when the foreskin cannot be returned to its original position after being retracted.

Long-term Paraphimosis treatment is circumcision

Phimosis happens when the foreskin cannot be retracted (pulled back) from around the tip of the penis.

Long-term phimosis treatment is circumcision.

Frenulum Breve happens when a short frenulum (the connection between the foreskin and the head of the penis) is so short that it restricts the movement of the foreskin.

The long-term solution for frenulum breve is Penile Frenuloplasty or circumcision.

 

Score to Determine How Severe is Your Phimosis Condition?

Phimosis only affects uncircumcised males and is more common in teens than men.

Score 1: Fully retractable of the foreskin, tight behind the glans.

Score 2: Exposure of the penis glans is partial

Score 3: Partial retraction and meatus just visible.

Score 4: Slightly retractable; neither meatus nor glans can be exposed.

Score 5: Unable to retract the foreskin.

 

Phimosis Can Cause Some Other Related Symptoms such as:

Some of the common infections associated with phimosis are:

• Recurrence of penile infection
• Balanitis.
• Repeated urinary tract infections
• Psoriasis
• Soreness
• Itchiness
• The odour from the penis
• Pain when urinating
• Pain during sex
• Pain during erection

 

Phimosis is a Problem...

When the foreskin is too tight it can cause pain, skin splitting, or a lack of sensation during sex for some serious cases.

The tightness of the foreskin may cause interference with the passage of urine. The tightness of the foreskin may cause retention of urine and urine infection, hence, increasing the risk of infections of the foreskin and head of the penis.

People who have Diabetes will commonly experience foreskin infection and recurring balanitis.

 

What is the Treatment for Phimosis?

A simple stretching exercise of the foreskin could help with phimosis.

Adult circumcision in Malaysia is usually the most common treatment option for our patients if the problem is severe and stretching does not help.

Circumcision is also recommended when a person has a recurring infection of the penis, pain during sex, pain during erection, and such. Circumcision can help reduce the risk of HIV and STDs.