Both uncircumcised and circumcised boys are typical. The majority of boys (almost 60%) in the US are circumcised after birth. However, a significant number of boys are born uncircumcised. Generally, most uncircumcised boys can pull back their foreskin by the age of 10. They may also undergo circumcision during this time. For some, it may take a bit longer than usual, around 17 years.
Those who remain uncircumcised after 17 years or cannot retract the foreskin may develop phimosis. This condition involves the inability to pull back the foreskin from the tip of the penis. Phimosis is not a fatal condition. It often resolves with time. If it persists, phimosis surgery can help retract the foreskin. It can prevent future health complications.
Today, we will discuss everything you need to know about phimosis. This includes its definition, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more.
Before we discuss more about phimosis surgery for adults and others who need it, we will briefly discuss what it is first. Phimosis is a condition of the penis and only occurs in the uncircumcised children and adults. In this situation, the foreskin is not pulled back on its own from the tip of the penis head. In most uncircumcised boys, phimosis is common during childhood. There is nothing to worry about if it does not cause any serious symptoms. Also, in most cases, phimosis goes away as they grow up.
Phimosis in uncircumcised boys and toddlers is very common. However, phimosis in adulthood is comparatively rare. Adults with Phimosis should not neglect their condition and seek medical help if needed.
Phimosis is diagnosed by a health care expert based on certain information and symptoms. Diagnosis also helps a doctor to understand whether the condition is phimosis or paraphimosis. It then provides treatment accordingly. First, a healthcare expert will ask you certain necessary questions. The questions might include any previous penis injuries or infections.
They can also inquire about any symptoms experienced during sexual activities. A physical examination of the penis and foreskin are also common parts of phimosis diagnosis. This process helps them mark any anomaly in the penis.
You might complain about penile irritation, or bleeding during urination. You may notice painful ballooning of the foreskin during urination. A doctor may suggest a urine test then. It is especially true if you experience painful urination or erections. A doctor can check for the possibility of a urine infection. Your doctor may suggest a test for bacteria in the foreskin area.
Phimosis is also considered a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Phimosis in adulthood usually presents this problem. To diagnose this aspect, a healthcare professional may suggest urine and blood tests for adults with Phimosis. After checking blood sugar levels and related conditions, a doctor may advise phimosis surgery.
The phimosis occurs only in uncircumcised boys and men. This is because the foreskin of the penis tip is still attached. It relates to the glands.
Phimosis is more common in children than in adults. Also, in most cases, Phimosis goes away as the child grows up. On average, a 1-year-old uncircumcised boy can retract 50% of the foreskin, and it reaches 90% around 2-6 years old. For some boys, it can take 10 to 17 years.
But some adults also face Phimosis or the inability to retract the foreskin from the top of the penis. Those adults may need phimosis surgery to resolve the issue. The primary cause of Phimosis is unknown and still under research. But there is a list of possible reasons that can be responsible for Phimosis in adults. We'll talk about them in-depth here:
Early retract:
Too early retraction of the foreskin, when it is not ready, can be a major reason behind Phimosis. In such cases, the foreskin becomes scared, swollen, and unable to move further.
Frequent urinary tract infection:
Repeated or frequent urinary tract infections can often cause Phimosis. It affects the bladder and penis.
Balanitis:
Balanitis is an inflammatory infection of the glands that can make retraction of the foreskin difficult.
Lichen Sclerosis:
Lichen Sclerosis is also a skin infection. It can lead to Balanitis. It makes the foreskin itchy and brittle.
Sexually transmitted infection:
Adults and young teens tend to develop sexually transmitted infections. These infections can also cause Phimosis.
Phimosis is more common in uncircumcised boys than adults. In most cases, Phimosis goes undiagnosed and untreated in small boys, especially if it doesn't have symptoms. Remember, not all Phimosis shows symptoms. But when it does, you must seek medical help immediately. Below are some common symptoms of Phimosis faced by young and adults -
When witnessing these symptoms, you should consult with experts.
Phimosis is divided into two groups: physiological and pathological. However, phimosis surgery can only be required for pathological Phimosis. It is because most physiological Phimosis goes away as the child grows up.
On the other hand, pathological Phimosis requires treatment. Here are some common treatments for pathological Phimosis-
If the Phimosis is not severe, your healthcare provider may suggest a steroid cream to apply to the penis. They will suggest you gently retract the foreskin within 2 weeks of cream application.
If retraction or stretching doesn't work, the healthcare provider may suggest a phimosis surgery or circumcision. This is especially true if your child faces severe symptoms.
Phimosis surgery can be performed in newborns as well as in adults. Many well-trained and experienced pediatrics can perform newborn phimosis surgery or circumcision. You might be planning to do a phimosis surgery for your newborn. In that case, you must talk to your child's healthcare provider first. You must understand the entire procedure before you agree. You will also need to sign a consent paper to allow the surgery to take place.
Phimosis surgery in adulthood is also possible for older kids and adults. Here, you need to understand the procedure and what medicine you need to take for the surgery. You should also talk to the physician about your medical history. They should know if you are allergic to the anesthesia or antibiotic they are using for the surgery. Also, clear/ modify your schedule according to the recovery time you will need after the surgery.
After phimosis surgery, one might need 9-10 days for recovery. A person must follow some strict rules during the recovery period. It is to avoid any future health complications. A doctor will recommend regular dressing of the operated area. People must avoid extreme physical activities 3 days after the surgery. Your healthcare provider will also prescribe you some painkillers. They might advise using an ice pack to avoid swelling and pain.
The stitches can be removed after a week. After that, one can resume their regular life after day 11. However, one should not have any sexual intercourse after one month of the surgery. Phimosis laser surgery takes less time for treatment and recovery.
Dr. Gautam Banga is a pioneer urology surgeon in India. He has vast experience in treating various urology-related issues like phimosis and Peyronie’s disease, etc. He is an expert in phalloplasty and other cosmetic urology.
Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta is widely known as a penile implant surgeon. He is also efficient in urology surgeries. Dr. Viajayant Gupta does surgeries like frenuloplasty, phimosis(child & adult), paraphimosis, circumcisions, etc.
Dr. Raman Tanwar is one of the top urological surgeons in India. He has expertise in surgeries like vasectomy, phimosis, penile implant surgery, and minimally invasive surgery like LASER circumcision.
Dr. Vineet Malhotra is the best urology doctor. He performs various endourology, reconstructive, and laparoscopic procedures. With his extraordinary talent, Dr. Vineet Malhotra is now a member of many renowned institutions globally.
You have already learned about Phimosis and its various aspects. Now, it is time we discuss Phimosis vs Paraphimosis.
Paraphimosis is a condition that is similar to Phimosis. These two conditions have certain similarities and differences. Paraphimosis and Phimosis are both health conditions where the foreskin of the penis is affected. Paraphimosis is an emergency medical condition. Here a person is required to contact a healthcare provider if lubrication does not work.
Phimosis is not an emergency condition and usually gets better on its own. Phimosis generally occurs in male infants and goes away on its own. It can often be caused by scarred tissue, aging, and other medical conditions. But Paraphimosis is an emergency condition that results from penis piercing, sex, or mishandled foreskin.
Phimosis is usually treated in the outpatient section of a clinic. It requires time for overall treatment. However, paraphimosis needs an emergency set up for treatment. Here, a doctor tries to resolve the issue within a short time. Because in paraphimosis, the tight foreskin cannot be pulled back to its place. It could cause lesser to no blood circulation to the head of the penis. It could lead to life-threatening health conditions. However, circumcision is used in both phimosis and paraphimosis as a major cure option.
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