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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Article Home Men's Health Phimosis

Phimosis

Phimosis is tightness of the prepuce or foreskin of the penis which prevents the retraction of the foreskin over the glans. It usually is congenital but also can occur following an infection.

True Phimosis

It is due to repeated attacks of infection that cause scarring and narrowing of the preputial ring.

Difficulty with voiding and ballooning of the prepuce are the commonest reasons for patients seeking treatment, though recurrent bacterial infections occur.

Causes and risk factors of Phimosis

  • Infection of the foreskin: Phimosis begins after an infection of the foreskin. It not treated the infection spreads and the foreskin swells up eventually the foreskin becomes large and cannot be retracted. It swells up and causes tightness and unable to retract back from the glans.
  • Repeated balanitis: It usually occurs due to improper hygiene.

Symptoms of Phimosis

  • Redness of foreskin.
  • Swelling of foreskin.
  • Tenderness of fore skin.

Diagnosis

Phimosis is diagnosed by physical examination.

Treatment

  • Antibiotics are usually given to control the infection.
  • Hot soaks help to separate the foreskin from the glans.
  • Circumcision
  • Preputioplasty.
  • Preputial stretch under local anesthesia.