Tight foreskin

Tight Foreskin or Phimosis is a medical condition in males where the foreskin of the penis cannot be fully retracted over the glans penis. This condition can occur naturally in newborn males and usually resolves without intervention by the age of seven. In some cases, phimosis can persist into adolescence and adulthood, requiring medical intervention.

Causes

Phimosis can be categorized into two types: physiological and pathological. Physiological phimosis is considered normal in newborns and toddlers, while pathological phimosis is usually due to scarring, balanitis, or balanoposthitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of phimosis can include difficulty urinating, pain during urination, inability to retract the foreskin, or swelling of the glans penis. In severe cases, it can lead to urinary retention or urinary tract infections.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of phimosis is typically made through a physical examination. In some cases, a doctor may also order a urine test to rule out urinary tract infections.

Treatment

Treatment for phimosis depends on the severity and the cause of the condition. Options can include topical steroid creams, preputioplasty, or in severe cases, circumcision.

See Also

• Balanitis
• Paraphimosis
• Circumcision