Phimosis
Phimosis is a condition in the penis of an uncircumcised person, so that the foreskin cannot be pulled up because it sticks too tightly. From its physical appearance, the penis looks like it has a ring at the tip. There are two types of phimosis, namely:
- Physiological, which is a condition that occurs in children and will disappear on its own over time.
- Pathological, which is a condition commonly associated with balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO). BXO itself is a chronic inflammation involving the prepuce, glans, and urethra.
Symptoms of Phimosis
Phimosis does not always cause symptoms. New symptoms will appear when the disease has entered a severe condition and is characterized by difficulty in emptying the bladder completely. Phimosis can also trigger inflammation of the penis (balanitis) and foreskin (balanoposthitis).
Both conditions are triggered by poor penis hygiene. The symptoms themselves include:
- Pain, itching, and odor.
- Redness and swelling.
- Accumulation of thick fluid.
- Pain when urinating.
Phimosis will trigger pain during intercourse, splitting of the penis head, or lack of sensation during erection. To increase comfort during intercourse, sufferers should use condoms and lubricants.
Causes of Phimosis
Phimosis is a condition that can only occur in men who have not been circumcised. This condition is more common in children than adults. Here are some causes that you need to be aware of:
- Scarring. This condition occurs due to infection of the area around the foreskin. Scarring will reduce the elasticity of the skin.
- Aging. In adults, aging causes collagen fibers to decrease, which reduces skin elasticity and makes it difficult to retract the foreskin.
- Smegma buildup. Smegma is a white fluid that forms from dead skin tissue on the head and foreskin of the penis. The buildup of this fluid will cause the foreskin to stick and make it difficult to pull back.
Phimosis Risk Factors
There are several conditions that increase the risk of phimosis in a man. Here are some of them:
- Having recurrent urinary tract infections.
- Having an infection at the tip of the penis.
- Repeated rough movements when pulling the foreskin back can cause abrasions or wounds.
- Having an injury to the foreskin area.
- Having eczema, a chronic condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked.
- Having psoriasis, a condition that causes patches of skin to become red, scaly, and crusty.
- Having lichen planus, which is an itchy rash that can affect various areas of the body, but is not contagious.
- Having lichen sclerosus, a condition that causes scarring of the foreskin due to irritation of the urinary tract.
Phimosis Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose phimosis by examining the sufferer’s penis.
If you find adhesions at the tip of the penis skin and it cannot be pulled back, then the doctor can confirm that the condition is phimosis.
So far there is no specific supporting examination to diagnose phimosis.
Phimosis Treatment
Treatment for phimosis will depend on the age and severity of the condition. Treatment may include gentle periodic pulling, corticosteroid creams, or surgical procedures. Here is an explanation of each:
1. Corticosteroid cream treatment
This treatment is usually effective in most people. Corticosteroid creams help soften the tip of the penis foreskin, making it easier to pull back.
You can use the cream for 6-8 weeks, twice a day. Once the skin can be pulled back, you can stop using the corticosteroid cream.
2. Operating procedures
Surgery may be necessary if a child or adult has severe or persistent balanitis or balanoposthitis, causing the foreskin to become very tight. The procedure is known as circumcision, which involves removing part or all of the foreskin.
This step can be done if other treatments fail. However, this action can trigger side effects such as bleeding or infection. In other words, surgery is only a last resort and is the only best treatment option.
Phimosis Prevention
The only preventive measure for phimosis that you can take is to keep the penis area clean, including the inner foreskin, by using warm water every day.
Here are steps to maintain cleanliness of the penis area to prevent phimosis:
- Clean the penis with warm water every day.
- Gently wash the area under the foreskin.
- If you use soap, choose a mild or unscented soap to avoid irritation.
- Also, avoid pulling back the foreskin on babies or boys as it can cause pain or injury.
- Avoid using deodorant and powder on the penis as they can potentially cause irritation.
These steps can help reduce or prevent symptoms from occurring. They can help keep the skin ends loose and elastic, so you can prevent infection.
When to See a Doctor?
Although the symptoms are uncomfortable, phimosis is not life-threatening. At the beginning of the symptoms, it can be overcome by cleaning the penis and skin with warm water regularly.
If it doesn’t get better, consult a doctor immediately to get proper treatment.
