Phimosis occurs when the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis cannot be retracted, which is one of the reasons parents choose to circumcise their newborns.
However, phimosis isn’t just found in uncircumcised men; it can also occur in circumcised males, who may experience phimosis if they had their foreskin removed due to infections or other health concerns.
While this condition can be uncomfortable, there are ways to treat phimosis and prevent it from worsening over time.
The most common cause of phimosis is simple skin growth. This is often caused by inadequate cleaning as a child or teen.
You can determine if you have phimosis by gently pulling your foreskin forward. If it hurts and you feel like you are pulling against a barrier, then it is highly likely that you have phimosis.
The main symptoms of phimosis include difficulty urinating, discomfort when urinating, and pain or itching of the foreskin. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor for a treatment option.
In some cases, circumcision may be recommended. However, if you’re an adult with phimosis and aren’t experiencing any problems related to it, there is no need to seek treatment.
Since many people don’t realize they have phimosis until adulthood, it is possible that other symptoms will present themselves as you get older.
While circumcision is commonly recommended as a treatment, there are actually other ways to treat phimosis that don’t involve surgery. One such option is a corticosteroid cream that can shrink swelling in and around your foreskin.
Learning to be aware of your surroundings is important if you want to avoid developing phimosis.
The best way to avoid phimosis is to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, especially before touching your genitals.