Paraphimosis: What It Is, How to Treat and Prevent It

Paraphimosis is a serious urological condition that occurs when the foreskin cannot return to its original position after being retracted, causing pain and swelling. Treatment may involve manual techniques or, in severe cases, surgical intervention. Learn more below.

You’ve probably heard of phimosis, but did you know there is also a condition called paraphimosis?

While 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), paraphimosis occurs when the retracted foreskin cannot return to its original position, causing swelling and pain in men.

This is a serious urological problem that results in intense pain and impairment of blood flow to the glans, which can lead to necrosis of the area if not promptly treated.

Preventing paraphimosis includes proper hygiene practices and awareness of correct foreskin manipulation.

When diagnosed, treatment may involve the technique called manual reduction, usually with the aid of a lubricant and cold compresses to reduce swelling or, in more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to prevent future occurrences.

Like Peyronie’s disease, which forms fibrous plaques in the penis tissue causing abnormal curvature, pain, and erection difficulties, paraphimosis can also be related to risk factors and complications. In fact, both conditions can coexist due to similar risk factors.

Penile trauma and chronic inflammatory processes are common in both Peyronie’s disease and paraphimosis, which can predispose an individual to complications that increase susceptibility to the other condition.

Comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, for example, raise the risk of developing both paraphimosis and Peyronie’s disease.

This is why male self-care and medical attention are essential to prevent and treat these issues which, if diagnosed in time, can be treated. Learn more about paraphimosis in today’s text.

What is it and what causes paraphimosis?

In summary, paraphimosis is a serious urological condition, in which the retracted foreskin cannot return to its original position over the glans.

As a result, the man experiences pain, swelling, and possibly compromised blood flow. It may also cause redness or discoloration of the “head” of the penis.

It is mainly caused by forced retraction of the foreskin or improper manipulation, especially after medical procedures or sexual activities, as well as poor hygiene and untreated infections.

Is paraphimosis serious?

Paraphimosis is indeed a serious condition and can be considered a medical emergency, as it requires immediate attention. If not treated promptly, it can lead to restricted blood flow to the glans, resulting in tissue necrosis in the region.

What is the difference between phimosis and paraphimosis?

Paraphimosis is, in short, the inverse of phimosis. While phimosis is the inability to retract the foreskin over the glans of the penis, which remains static, paraphimosis occurs when the retracted foreskin skin cannot return to its original position.

Phimosis, in general, can also cause complications and pain, but it is not considered a severe condition. On the other hand, paraphimosis results in pain, swelling, and the risk of serious complications, such as tissue death (necrosis).

Symptoms of paraphimosis

Among the main symptoms of paraphimosis are:

swelling and edema of the glans and foreskin;
intense pain in the region;
difficulty or inability to return the foreskin to its original position;
discoloration of the glans (which may turn red or bluish due to restricted blood flow);
feeling of tightness around the glans;
difficulty urinating and/or reduced urinary flow.

Complications of untreated paraphimosis

The main known (and also most serious) complication of paraphimosis is the potential for necrosis of the glans, due to restricted blood flow in the region and, consequently, irreversible damage to the tissue. However, in addition to this, there can also occur:

Scarring of the foreskin and glans;
Infection in the affected area;
Discomfort and urinary problems.

Does paraphimosis affect men’s fertility?

There is no direct scientific evidence that paraphimosis directly affects men’s fertility. Generally, the disease is not related to sperm production in the testicles or the function of the reproductive organs.

Paraphimosis is curable: what is the recommended treatment?

If treated early and appropriately, paraphimosis is indeed curable. In general, the treatment involves the manual reduction of the foreskin to its normal position over the glans, using lubricants in an attempt to compress the glans so that the foreskin returns to its original position.

But attention: this procedure must be done with medical instruction or the help of a health professional who will use appropriate techniques.

The second approach, in more severe cases, is surgical intervention, such as circumcision, to prevent recurrences.

In this surgery (performed under anesthesia in a surgical center) the skin is cut to relieve pressure, allowing the foreskin to return to normal. Generally, this surgery also involves a common circumcision, as done to correct phimosis.

Can paraphimosis be treated at home?

No. Your urologist would never recommend treating a serious urological condition like paraphimosis at home and without adequate medical supervision.

Under a clinical gaze, there are specific care and correct techniques to avoid complications of the disease. Inadequate attempts at manual reduction can worsen the problem, causing even more intense pain and possibly leading to irreversible damage.

The treatment must be carried out by a health professional, who can use appropriate techniques such as lubrication and specific maneuvers to reposition the foreskin over the glans. In more severe cases, surgical intervention will be recommended.

Is it possible to prevent paraphimosis?

Firstly, we need to explain that one of the causes of paraphimosis can be incorrect manipulation of the foreskin. With this clarification in mind, never attempt to retract the foreskin to correct phimosis without medical guidance, as this can worsen the situation.

Although it is not always possible to prevent the condition, measures such as maintaining good intimate hygiene, avoiding aggressive manipulations, and early treatment of infections can also prevent more severe cases.

Can circumcision prevent paraphimosis?

Although phimosis is not exactly the direct cause of paraphimosis, circumcision can help prevent it in some cases.

In this procedure, the foreskin is partially or completely removed, leaving the glans permanently exposed. Circumcision, therefore, eliminates the possibility of the foreskin retracting over the glans, reducing the risk of developing paraphimosis.

However, circumcision is not an absolute guarantee against the disease: in some cases (although they are rarer), it can occur even after the procedure. It is important, therefore, to discuss your case with your doctor for individual evaluation.

Remember that paraphimosis is a serious condition that requires urgent medical care. Do not hesitate to seek professional help at the first symptom to ensure proper treatment, preventing the situation from worsening.

Sexual health is fundamental to your overall well-being: if you suspect this condition or have noticed any other changes in the genital region, schedule a preliminary consultation with Dr. Paulo Egydio today. Our team is always ready to serve you!

What is Paraphimosis? Find Out How to Treat the Condition