Phimosis is the excess skin covering the penis, making it difficult to properly expose the glans. In today’s blog, check out our complete guide to understand the main risks and treatment possibilities.
Phimosis is characterized by the narrowing of the foreskin (skin covering the tip of the penis), preventing its full retraction over the penile glans (the name given to the head of the organ).
Although commonly associated with the early years of life, concerns related to this condition, if neglected in adulthood, can impact general male sexual health and well-being.
The main problems of phimosis are in the difficulty of performing proper intimate hygiene, the possibility of experiencing pain during sexual intercourse, and, in more severe cases, complications such as infections and inflammations.
In today’s post, we will bring a comprehensive guide on phimosis throughout the different phases of male life. Follow along and learn more about the subject.
What is phimosis: is it normal to have the condition?
Simply put, phimosis is an excess of skin covering the penis, making it difficult to properly expose the glans.
This condition is relatively common and usually diagnosed while still a baby. Often, it resolves naturally as the child grows.
Retraction may occur on its own in childhood and, even, in adolescence. There is no age limit for the persistence of the situation.
However, if retraction does not happen normally in adulthood, it can cause discomfort, difficulty in genital hygiene, and, in some cases, problems during sexual activity. In this case, it is ideal to seek medical guidance.
What causes phimosis?
According to the Ministry of Health, in addition to physiological phimosis, which is present from birth and diagnosed in childhood, there is also secondary phimosis, which can arise at other stages of life, for example, after a case of infection or trauma to the penis.
Degrees of phimosis
Considering the severity of phimosis, the situation can be classified into four degrees, which are:
- Grade 1: when the foreskin can be retracted with difficulty and the exposure of the glans can happen partially.
- Grade 2: in this case, retraction is possible, but still occurs with limitations: the glans is visible, but not completely uncovered.
- Grade 3: Retraction is limited, with only a small portion of the glans visible.
- Grade 4: in the last situation (the most severe), the foreskin is completely unable to retract over the glans, resulting in minimal or no exposure of the glans.
Is it possible to prevent phimosis?
Physiological phimosis cannot be prevented, as its occurrence begins in childhood and varies individually according to each case.
As for secondary phimosis (which can be acquired in adulthood), local hygiene is the best way to prevent infections or inflammations that can cause the condition.
Can someone with phimosis live normally?
Maintaining phimosis is not ideal for adult life, mainly because the condition can increase the risk of diseases, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and, even, the development of penile cancer, in addition to problems in sexual performance.
In children who have not yet treated the condition, phimosis can also be uncomfortable, causing pain and inflammation.
How is phimosis diagnosed
Phimosis is commonly diagnosed through medical evaluation in a physical exam, preferably performed by a urologist.
In the case of children, it is normally done by the pediatrician. For this, the specialist will evaluate the ability to retract the foreskin over the glans.
In more severe cases, additional exams (such as ultrasonography) to evaluate phimosis may be indicated.
The consultation considers factors such as the patient’s age, the presence of symptoms, and the ability to perform intimate hygiene.
Main symptoms, complications, and risks
The main symptom of phimosis is the impossibility to fully expose the penile glans when the foreskin is pulled. In the case of adult men, it can also cause pain during sexual relations.
As mentioned above, among the main complications are the increased possibility of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, such as HPV. Phimosis is also one of the main risk factors for penile cancer.
Other possible complications are inflammations and infections in the penis, as well as urinary infections.
Main treatments for phimosis
Circumcision is the surgery for more advanced and severe cases of phimosis, aiming for the total or partial removal of the foreskin with surgical cutting.
Although surgical treatment is indicated in certain situations, intervention is not the only alternative for resolving the problem. It is also possible to treat phimosis without surgery.
Non-surgical treatments for phimosis
For some cases, there is the application of corticosteroid creams and ointments that treat inflammations and can assist in the retraction of the foreskin, treating the symptoms.
The doctor may also recommend stretching exercises in milder cases. There is also an option for manual dilation of the foreskin, performed by the doctor, who manipulates the foreskin in order to induce the retraction of the penis skin and enlarge the opening of the foreskin.
Remember that none of the treatments should be performed at home and/or without medical indication. The evaluation of a urologist is essential to determine the best option for each case.
What is phimosis surgery like
Phimosis surgery is known as circumcision, in which the foreskin, the layer of skin covering the glans, is removed. The procedure is usually carried out in cases of persistent or recurrent phimosis that does not respond to more conservative treatments.
The surgery is performed in a hospital environment and can be done under local or general anesthesia, depending on medical indication.
The surgeon makes an incision in the foreskin to expose the glans. Then, the foreskin is removed, freeing the glans. This surgical intervention is considered safe, effective, and relatively simple.
What happens if phimosis is not removed?
If phimosis is not treated, over time complications and consequences can arise, such as:
- Difficulty in hygiene;
- recurrent infections;
- pains;
- problems in male sexual life;
- urine retention in more severe cases.
In addition, the development of STDs and penile cancer are also concerns.
Does phimosis affect fertility?
Phimosis does not directly affect male fertility or cause erection problems. However, in more severe cases, complications can arise that indirectly impact fertility.
Inflammations or recurrent infections in the foreskin and glans can lead to problems in the ducts that transport sperm from the testicles to the urethra and in the testicles themselves, affecting the quality of the sperm.
Pain and discomfort can impact sexual relations, making ejaculation difficult.
Are phimosis and adhesion the same thing?
Phimosis and adhesion are not the same. In the case of adhesion, there is a connection or fixation of the foreskin to the glans. Adhesions can be identified mainly in children in the first years of life, when the foreskin has not yet completely separated from the penile glans.
Adhesions normally resolve on their own as the child grows.
Identified the problem and don’t know how to solve it?
If you’ve read the text and identified with it, remember: consultation with a health professional is essential before implementing any significant changes in your lifestyle. Each patient is unique, as is medical advice.
We can help: contact our team and understand what is the best form of treatment for you.
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