Phimosis Explained: From Painful Symptoms to Effective Solutions, 02 Types

Phimosis – Did you know that almost every infant has phimosis? The majority of males outgrow it, although 1% still have it at the age of 16. This disorder can result in discomfort, infections, and other complications. It is a disorder in which the foreskin of the penis cannot entirely retract over the glans. It can cause pain, infections, and other consequences if left untreated. Understanding this disease is essential for proper management and treatment. Let’s explore it further and find the best solutions with Kamarth.

What is Phimosis?

There are two parts of penis: the shaft (rode like structure) and the head (also known as the glans). The shaft and glans are covered by a single, continuous layer of skin known as foreskin. In children who are not circumcised, the foreskin is tightly linked to the glans. The foreskin from the glans will slowly begin to detach. As this happens, you may detect a white, cheesy substance called smegma being secreted between the layers of skin. Additionally, “white pearls” may appear under the glans and foreskin’s fused layers. These do not indicate an infection or cyst. Smegma is nothing more than the usual shedding of skin cells throughout life.

When the foreskin of the penis separates from the glans, the glans can be exposed by pulling it away from the penis. Never pull your child’s foreskin back violently. In addition to discomfort and bleeding, this can cause adhesions (when skin sticks to skin) and scarring.

It is the narrowing of the foreskin’s aperture to prevent it from being pulled back over the penis’ glans. For a newborn male, It is a natural occurrence. Foreskin retraction in boys can occur as early as infancy for some, while others must wait until age 5 or 6. Following toilet training, the youngster who has not been circumcised should be able to draw his foreskin back forward during urinating and bathing.

Types of Phimosis

It can show as a tight ring or “rubber band” of foreskin around the penis tip, preventing complete retraction. It is classified into two types: physiological and pathological.

Physiologic phimosis: Babies are born with tight foreskins that spontaneously separate with time. Phimosis is common in uncircumcised infants/children and normally resolves at 5-7 years of age, however the infant or child may be older.
Pathologic phimosis: It refers to phimosis caused by scarring, infection, or inflammation. Forceful foreskin retraction can cause bleeding, scarring, and psychological distress for both the kid and the parent. Treatment could be necessary if the foreskin swells up when urinating, if urination is problematic, or if there is an infection.

Causes of Phimosis

It is a condition that newborns and young children are born with and often grow out of. That’s known as physiological phimosis. Other causes of pathologic phimosis include:

Scar tissue: Infections can cause scarring in the foreskin, making it less elastic. The stiff tissue might be difficult to pull out.
Injury: Never move your foreskin forcefully. Pulling or straining it can create microscopic rips and irritation, ultimately leading to this condition.
Skin conditions: Adult cases of this condition are mostly caused by a skin ailment known as balanitis xerotic obliterans, often known as penile lichen sclerosus. Eczema and psoriasis are other possible causes.
Medical conditions: Diabetes increases your risk of developing balanitis, which is an infection of the penis tip. Tell your doctor about your whole medical history so that they can treat you correctly.

What are the symptoms of phimosis?

The major sign of this condition is the inability to draw the foreskin back from the penis head. However, alternative symptoms may include:

In the bathroom. When you urinate, your foreskin expands, much like a balloon. It may be painful. You could notice blood in the stream or on the toilet. The stream could appear weaker than usual.
During sex. You may have discomfort during an erection or during having sex.
Infections: You could acquire urinary tract infections in which you can observe blood in your urine, discomfort or burning during pee.
Foreskin pain: You could notice your foreskin pain. It could also discharge.
White ring. A white ring that resembles scar tissue may be present at the entrance of your foreskin.

Diagnosis and Tests

A doctor will gather the patient’s medical history, including any past penis infections or injuries. They may also question the effect of any illnesses on sexual behaviour. They may also prescribe tests to see if you are infected. Tests can include:

Urine analysis (pee test).
Urinary discharge culture.

It increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Adults who come with a tight foreskin may be offered blood and urine tests to determine their blood sugar levels.

Erectile Dysfunction

Morning Erection

Phimosis Treatment

A urologist can provide therapy in an outpatient environment. The treatment you receive depends on the depth of your illness and the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also evaluate the source of the problem and ask what type of solutions you would prefer.

Phimosis treatment without surgery

A young child normally does not require therapy. It will eventually fade away as the kid develops and the foreskin gradually loosens. They can accelerate that process by practising softly retracting and extending their foreskin a few times a day, but only to the extent that movement causes no pain. Bath time is an excellent opportunity.

Phimosis cream

Another approach is to apply a medicinal lotion or ointment to your foreskin many times each day for several weeks. It contains a steroid, such as hydrocortisone, fluticasone propionate, betamethasone, or triamcinolone. This is frequently used in conjunction with stretching exercises to help relax and soften the skin.

Phimosis surgery

If alternative treatments fail, It might be treated surgically. In one treatment, the surgeon creates tiny slits in the foreskin to make it easier to draw back. Another treatment, circumcision, removes the whole foreskin.

Circumcision may be the best option if you have frequent infections, a large amount of scar tissue, or It caused by balanitis xerotic obliterans.

Circumcision may be the best option if the reason follows.

You get infections
You have a lot of scar tissue
It is caused by balanitis xerotic obliterans.

Conclusion

Phimosis can be painful but curable. Daily gentle retraction during washing or urinating helps to avoid hygiene-related issues. Each child develops differently, so just because one son has this condition does not guarantee the other will. Seek healthcare if symptoms become visible. Early diagnosis and treatment improve health and comfort, making It less painful.

Read Also: How do girls masturbate?

Some Additional Doubt

Question: Can I have sex when I have Phimosis?
Answer: If you have this condition, you are able to engage in sexual activity. However, it might seem awkward. Your foreskin may tear as a result of sexual activity. If you decide to have sex and you have this condition, use a condom and lots of lubricant.

Question: What is the main cause of Phimosis?
Answer: Infections like Posthitis, Balanitis, or a mix of the two (Balanoposthitis) are the most frequent cause.

Question: Is Phimosis smell?
Answer: Most of the time, even if the condition could be painful. When symptoms become visible, such as swelling or soreness of the foreskin, blood, thick discharge, or an unpleasant odour coming from behind the foreskin, you or your kid should visit a doctor.

Question: Is Phimosis a serious problem?
Answer: It is often a normal aspect of a child’s development. If it results in infection or difficulties urinating, it becomes an issue. Additionally, it may result in serious issues.

Question: What is the fastest way to cure Phimosis?
Answer: Usually, a steroid cream is used initially. If this is not resolved by the cream then surgery is advised. However, there are certain exceptions – acquired Phimosis is usually treated with surgery as soon as possible. In cases of Paraphimosis, where the foreskin becomes lodged behind the penis’ head, prompt medical attention is required.

3 thoughts on “Phimosis Explained: From Painful Symptoms to Effective Solutions, 02 Types”

Ankit singh

July 21, 2024 at 5:43 pm

I had balantis.. It’s been 6 years.. I can totally relate to this.. But now the condition is much better.
Shobhit

July 21, 2024 at 8:27 pm

Such a great article
Deepa

July 21, 2024 at 9:15 pm

Lots of help thanks