OVERVIEW
In uncircumcised males, the foreskin normally covers the head of the penis, but is retracted for urination or sexual activity. If the foreskin cannot be retracted, or is difficult or painful to retract, the condition is known as phimosis. If the foreskin is retracted but cannot be placed back over the head of the penis, the condition is known as paraphimosis, which is a medical emergency.
Symptoms
You may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain with erections
- Increasing debris under the foreskin
- Recurrent episodes of inflammation (balanitis)
- Difficulty urinating
- Changes in appearance of the foreskin (i.e. red, white, scarred, bleeding)
Causes
Most of the time there is no identifiable cause and can occur with increasing age, but can be life-long, associated with recurrent infections of the penis, scarring from surgery or a penile lesion.
Diagnosis/Evaluation
- What to know before your visit:
- During your visit, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your medical history, surgical history, smoking history, medication history and will perform an exam with focused attention to the groin and genitalia.
- Tests that may be performed during or after your visit:
- Urinalysis: This test evaluates for any blood in the urine or infection.
- Post-void residual: The physician will often ask you to void and then check to make sure you are emptying your bladder.
Treatment
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
- Behavioral changes: For certain conditions, simply retracting the foreskin and cleaning with gentle soap and warm water can work. Make sure to return your foreskin to its normal position afterwards.
- Topical creams: Steroid or antifungal creams may be used for certain inflammatory/infectious conditions.
SURGICAL TREATMENT
- Circumcision: This involves the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.
- Dorsal slit: For those that want to maintain the majority of their foreskin, this involves a small incision on the upper surface of the foreskin to allow for easier retraction.
Schedule an appointment with a MidLantic Urology physician near you today!