PHIMOSIS
Phimosis, or tight foreskin, is a condition where the glans is not exposed when the foreskin (i.e. the skin covering the head of the penis) is retracted backwards.
Causes
Conditions associated with the development of phimosis are the following:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Chronic inflammation
- Poor local hygiene
- Injury during sexual intercourse
- Skin conditions, e.g. balanitis xerotica obliterans
Complications of Phimosis
- Recurrent urinary tract infections, inflammations of the glans and foreskin
- Painful intercourse resulting in erectile dysfunction
- Urinary retention due to full obstruction of the glans
- Premature ejaculation
- Increased risk of developing penile cancer
- Paraphimosis
Treatment
Treatment may be conservative or surgical.
- Conservative treatment
Recommended during the early stages of the disease, when the foreskin is still elastic.
Hydrocortisone creams are applied for 20 to 30 days.
Improvement occurs after the second week of application.
- Surgical management
When scar tissue has formed on the foreskin, medication is not effective and a surgical procedure, referred to as circumcision, is required.
In this procedure, which is conducted under anesthesia, the affected part of the foreskin is removed and suturing is performed according to plastic surgery standards.