Phimosis can affect male sexual life, causing pain and discomfort during sex, and thus can hinder sexual relations. Learn about the main myths and facts on the subject below.
You’ve probably heard about phimosis at some point, a condition that affects many men and can cause anxiety and uncertainties, especially when it comes to sexual life.
Phimosis is characterized by the excess skin covering the penis, called the foreskin, making it difficult to expose the glans, also known as the head of the penis.
It is important to highlight the relationship between phimosis and Peyronie’s Disease. Both conditions can result in difficulties during sex and are often related to traumas and microtraumas, problems caused by friction or inflammation.
Phimosis can lead to microtraumas on the glans due to the restriction of the foreskin, which causes excessive friction and pressure, hygiene difficulties leading to inflammation, and increased tension during erection. Peyronie’s Disease is characterized by the formation of fibrous plaques on the penis due to repeated trauma, contributing to penile curvature and pain during erection.
In today’s text, we will clarify the main doubts and concerns about the relationship between phimosis and sex. Although this condition is more common in children, it can persist into adulthood, raising doubts and questions about men’s sexual health.
Below, you will find the top 5 myths about phimosis and sexual relations.
After all, does phimosis hinder sexual relations?
Phimosis occurs when the foreskin, the skin covering the head of the penis, cannot be completely retracted. Often, when the condition is diagnosed in childhood, a simple surgery to remove phimosis may be presented to parents.
In adulthood, the relationship between phimosis and sexual life may not be interesting. In general, yes: phimosis can hinder sex.
But this is not a rule for all men with the condition. Depending on the degree, untreated phimosis can bring problems related to both pleasure and fertility.
In summary, phimosis does not prevent sexual activity but can be a problem. The excess skin covering the penis can make it difficult or impossible to retract the foreskin, which can cause discomfort, pain, or even small injuries during sexual intercourse.
In certain cases, phimosis can lead to recurring infections, inflammations, and other complications, directly impacting a man’s sexual life.
What problems does phimosis cause?
Untreated phimosis can cause specific problems, including those related to sexual life, such as:
- Scarring and fibrosis, making the foreskin harder to retract (as also happens with Peyronie’s Disease);
- Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse or when trying to retract the foreskin;
- Bacterial or fungal infections like balanitis (inflammation of the glans) due to difficulty in properly cleaning the area under the foreskin;
- Paraphimosis, a serious condition (medical emergency) that can cause swelling and intense pain;
- Difficulty urinating, causing a weak or thin stream of urine;
- Increased risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
What treatment options are available?
Treatment options for phimosis can vary depending on factors such as the patient’s age or the severity of the condition.
Below, we have selected some of the main available treatment options for phimosis:
Ointments and creams
The application of corticosteroid creams and ointments may be indicated in mild and moderate cases as it helps to soften and stretch the foreskin, making retraction easier.
Exercises
Performing gentle and regular stretching exercises to stretch the foreskin can be helpful, especially in children and adolescents. These exercises should only be done with the recommendation of a specialist and with care to avoid injuries.
Circumcision and surgical procedures
You have probably heard about circumcision, the surgical removal of the foreskin. This is a definitive solution for phimosis, which may be indicated in severe cases or when other treatments have not resolved the problem.
Partial postectomy, which involves the removal of only part of the foreskin, can also be indicated in some cases.
Preputioplasty is a surgical procedure involving small incisions in the foreskin to enlarge it, allowing it to be retracted without complete removal of the skin. It is less invasive and preserves more of the original tissue.
Antibiotics or antifungals
Finally, when infections are present, treatment with antibiotics or antifungals may be necessary before considering other options, especially when phimosis is associated with conditions like balanitis.
Additionally, proper hygiene can be indicated in all cases.
For any degree of phimosis, the choice of treatment should be guided by a urologist, who can recommend the best approach on a case-by-case basis.
5 Myths and Facts about Phimosis
Below, we have separated the top 5 myths and facts about phimosis and sex. Check them out:
1. Phimosis causes pain during sex
Fact!
People with phimosis feel pain. Phimosis can indeed cause pain during sex: excessive stretching or even small injuries to the skin can occur during sexual intercourse, resulting in pain and discomfort. This is because, in patients with phimosis, the foreskin cannot be adequately retracted.
Additionally, the lack of complete exposure of the glans can increase the risk of inflammation or infection, also causing pain and discomfort.
2. Phimosis can make penetration difficult
Fact!
Phimosis can make penetration difficult because the excess skin covering the glans can cause uncomfortable tightness, making sexual intercourse difficult. The narrowing can make penetration painful and uncomfortable for the man and his partner.
3. Phimosis leads to loss of penile sensitivity
Myth!
Although it can decrease sensitivity in the region, phimosis does not directly lead to a loss of sensitivity in the male genital organ.
In reality, it is correct to say that phimosis can lead to other problems that affect sensation in the area, such as chronic infections or inflammations. While it can cause pain or discomfort in some cases, there may be reports of changes in sensitivity after treatment, but this can vary.
4. Phimosis affects male fertility
Partially true!
Men with phimosis can become fathers, as the condition does not affect fertility. However, if left untreated, depending on the degree, phimosis can cause friction and hinder semen release, causing pain, hindering conception, and leading to fertility issues.
In general, fertility is more related to sperm quality and the ability of sperm to reach and fertilize the egg.
5. Every man needs to remove phimosis
Myth!
Not every man needs to remove phimosis. This depends on the symptoms presented and the risks of the condition individually assessed by a specialist.
In general, phimosis does not cause significant problems and can often be treated with non-invasive measures. Currently, corticosteroid creams and ointments can be supplemented with stretching exercises, for example.
The surgical removal of the foreskin, known as circumcision, is recommended only when phimosis causes pain, recurrent infections, difficulty urinating, or other problems that do not respond to less invasive treatments. The decision should be made in consultation with a urologist.
Read also: Which doctor takes care of men’s health?
Today, you understood that phimosis can affect men’s sexual life and well-being, especially when not treated properly.
It is important to remember that, although the condition can cause discomfort and pain, there are currently several treatment options available, ranging from conservative methods to surgical interventions, all aimed at improving the patient’s quality of life.
If you are facing issues related to phimosis or other urological concerns, do not hesitate to seek professional guidance. Consulting a qualified urologist can help you with the correct diagnosis and recommend the best treatment plan for your case.
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