Phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin)
Phimosis is a common urological condition characterized by a narrowing of the foreskin, leading to difficulty or impossibility of exposing the glans penis. Doctors divide phimosis into two types: physiological and pathological. Physiological phimosis is most often diagnosed in newborn boys, which is accompanied by a partial opening of the glans penis due to insufficient mobility of the prepuce. In children aged 6 months and older, physiological phimosis is observed in 80% of cases. By the age of 3, the glans penis has shifted in 90% of boys. Sometimes phimosis resolves spontaneously only by the age of 6-7 years.
If the glans penis does not open in boys during puberty and adult men, this is considered a pathological process. In this case, a consultation with a urologist is necessary. They will explain in more detail what phimosis is, give recommendations on how to stretch the skin during phimosis, and whether complications may arise from this condition.
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Stages and types of disease
Based on the severity of the clinical picture, the following stages of the disease are distinguished:
- First: in a flaccid state, the glans penis opens fully without any effort. However, difficulty is noted during erection, when there is tension in the skin.
- Second: Difficulty opening the glans occurs both during rest and during arousal.
- Third: the glans is not fully exposed during rest, and this process becomes impossible during arousal. Urination is not impaired.
- Fourth: the glans does not open in any position, resulting in difficulty urinating. Discharge occurs in a thin stream or droplets.
Depending on the morphological features, phimosis is divided into two types:
- Cicatricial
- Hypertrophic
Cicatricial phimosis develops due to inflammatory diseases or injuries to the genitals. Due to severe narrowing of the prepuce, microcracks form in the skin, which form scars during the healing process. This condition is classified as stage four phimosis and is subject to surgical removal.
Hypertrophic phimosis is caused by an excessive prepuce, which prevents the glans penis from opening. The patient does not experience pain or discomfort. Treating the condition is relatively easy if you know how to stretch the skin for phimosis.
Why does phimosis occur in children and adults?
One of the causes of this disease in children is balanoposthitis. It occurs due to prolonged use of diapers and poor hygiene, which leads to genital infection. Balanoposthitis is characterized by swelling of the glans, redness of the skin, pain, and burning sensation when urinating.
Causes of the disease in men of different ages include:
- Damage to the prepuce due to constant catheter use
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hereditary connective tissue diseases
- Infections transmitted from woman to woman during sexual intercourse
- Unsuccessful penile surgery
- Overheating, causing swelling of the prepuce
- Hypothermia, weakening the immune system
- Scleroderma of the penis
- Uneven enlargement of the penis and prepuce in adolescents
- Dermatological diseases
Men who are inactive or have erectile dysfunction are also prone to developing phimosis. Sometimes the condition occurs due to a lack of elastin in the connective tissues, varicose veins of the spermatic cord, or flat feet.
Sex with phimosis is painful due to the inability to straighten the prepuce and its excessive tension. The more severe the condition, the more intense the pain during erections and intercourse. Sharp, back-and-forth movements can provoke micro-tears in the constricted prepuce, causing bleeding. Phimosis also increases the risk of infection due to vaginal secretions and semen entering the preputial space.
Phimosis in children: symptoms
The following symptoms are characteristic of the pathological form of the disease:
- Inability to fully extend the glans penis
- Narrowing of the external prepuce opening
- Dysfunction of urination
- Depression
- Elongated prepuce
- Pain during arousal during puberty
In men, the condition leads to the appearance of sores and cracks in the foreskin. Discomfort also occurs when going to the toilet, and purulent discharge from the prepuce appears. Redness and swelling of the glans penis may be observed. In advanced stages, the disease is accompanied by fever and enlarged inguinal lymph nodes.
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Diagnostics
To establish a diagnosis, a pediatrician and urologist perform a differential diagnosis. If the patient complains of urinary dysfunction, they are referred for a urinary tract ultrasound. The purpose of the examination is to rule out urogenital infections.
Sonography is prescribed to assess the structure of the penis, arteries and veins, and the tunica albuginea. This technique allows for the detection of pathological processes in the genital organ.
If inflammatory diseases are suspected, a urine culture should be performed. A urethral swab can help determine the severity of the inflammation and identify certain pathogens.
Benefits of phimosis treatment at the K+31 clinic
At the multidisciplinary medical center "K+31," you can undergo diagnostics and treatment of the genitourinary system. Our staff includes qualified and experienced urologists who conduct examinations using high-tech, expert-grade equipment and adhere to modern medical protocols.
Why choose K+31 Clinic:
- Caring and courteous medical staff
- In-house certified laboratory for diagnostics 24/7
- Guaranteed confidentiality and protection of patient personal data
- Individual approach to each patient
- Consultations with the world's leading specialists
- Highly professional interdisciplinary medical consultations
- Conveniently located clinic departments in Moscow
To schedule an appointment with a urologist, you can view the contact information on the website and contact the contact center. The administrator will conduct a consultation, explain all the services provided, and schedule an appointment at a convenient time. You can view the current price list for services and read reviews from other patients on the clinic's website.
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What is phimosis?
Phimosis is a condition that significantly impacts sexual activity. During intercourse, penile sensitivity is significantly reduced, leading to the inability to achieve orgasm. This is due to limited sliding of the prepuce along the glans, significantly reducing stimulation of the penis's erogenous zones. Phimosis is a condition that significantly impacts sexual activity. During intercourse, penile sensitivity is significantly reduced, leading to the inability to achieve orgasm. This is due to limited sliding of the prepuce along the glans, significantly reducing stimulation of the penis's erogenous zones.
Sometimes, phimosis in men causes psychological or mechanical infertility. Recurrent urinary tract infections, which are characteristic of phimosis, can also impact sperm viability and motility.