What is phimosis?
Aug 31, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shi Jizhou
Introduction
Phimosis is classified into congenital and acquired types. During normal development, mild epithelial adhesions between the inner preputial surface and the glans penis are gradually absorbed, allowing the prepuce to retract and the glans to become progressively exposed. If these adhesions persist and fail to resolve, congenital phimosis results. Acquired phimosis commonly develops secondary to inflammation of the glans penis and prepuce; recurrent balanoposthitis leads to cicatricial narrowing (contraction) of the preputial opening.
Phimosis refers to a condition in which the opening of the prepuce (foreskin) is abnormally narrow, preventing retraction to expose the glans penis. Phimosis is classified into two types: congenital and acquired. During normal development, mild epithelial adhesions between the inner preputial surface and the glans penis are gradually absorbed, allowing the prepuce to recede and the glans to become progressively exposed. If these adhesions persist and fail to resolve, congenital phimosis results.
Acquired phimosis commonly develops secondary to inflammation of the glans penis and prepuce—particularly recurrent balanoposthitis—which leads to cicatricial (scar-related) narrowing and contraction of the preputial opening. Severe phimosis may even cause urinary difficulty or urinary retention. Accumulation of smegma beneath the foreskin can continuously irritate the glans penis; prolonged chronic irritation may predispose to infection and, in rare cases, malignant transformation.
