What Is Phimosis?
Jul 06, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Luo Yong
Introduction
Phimosis refers to a condition where the foreskin covers the urethral meatus but can be retracted to expose both the urethral opening and glans penis. True phimosis is characterized by the inability to fully expose the glans even during penile erection, whereas pseudo-phimosis describes a situation where the glans cannot be fully exposed in the flaccid state but becomes completely visible upon erection. For patients with non-inflammatory phimosis, surgical intervention may not be necessary if the foreskin is regularly retracted and cleaned.
The prepuce (foreskin) refers to the fold of skin that covers the glans penis in males, serving a protective function for the penis. So, what is phimosis?
Phimosis refers to a condition where the foreskin covers the urethral meatus but can be retracted to expose both the urethral meatus and the glans penis. This condition is associated with genetic factors and can be classified into true phimosis and pseudo-phimosis.
In true phimosis, the glans remains fully covered even during penile erection; in pseudo-phimosis, the glans is not fully exposed at rest but becomes completely visible upon penile erection.
Phimosis may cause damage to the urinary and reproductive systems and, if severe, may even lead to renal failure. Early circumcision is the primary treatment for this condition. For patients with non-inflammatory phimosis, surgical intervention may not be necessary as long as the foreskin is regularly retracted and cleaned.
Individuals with phimosis or redundant prepuce are advised to undergo circumcision before marriage. Sexual activity should commence only after completion of treatment. For those who have not undergone circumcision, thorough local cleansing of the penis prior to intercourse is essential, followed by cleaning afterward. Additionally, adequate local lubrication should be maintained during intercourse, and vigorous movements should be avoided to prevent paraphimosis or frenular tear.
