Definition

Phimosis is when the opening of the foreskin of the penis is too small, or the foreskin is too tight or stuck to the head of the penis. This makes it difficult to retract the foreskin over the tip of the penis.

Causes

The foreskin is connected to a newborn’s penis at birth. This called physiologic phimosis. As a child grows, the foreskin naturally separates from the head of the penis. In some boys, the foreskin does not separate. The reason why is not known.

In other cases, called pathologic phimosis, it may happen due to:

• Infection
• Scarring
• Adhesions
• Repeated forceful retraction of the foreskin
• Inflammation and swelling

Risk Factors

Phimosis is more common in young boys. It may also occur in older boys and men.

Risk factors for phimosis may include:

• Trauma
• Bacterial infections such as balanitis
• Poor hygiene

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Inability to retract the foreskin
• Pain
• Swelling
• Scarring

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. It will include a genital exam. The diagnosis is made based on the genital exam.

Treatment

Phimosis may improve with time. If treatment is needed it will be chosen depending on the cause of your phimosis. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.

Your doctor may advise medication that is applied to the area. Medication can help decrease swelling and loosen the skin.

If medication is not successful, the foreskin may need to be removed. This can be done with circumcision.

Prevention

There are ways to reduce your chances of getting phimosis. These may include:

• When able to do so, gently retract the foreskin when urinating and bathing
• Circumcision to remove the foreskin

Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.healthychildren.org

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

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http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=47872
Published March 2013. Accessed January 12, 2015.

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Phimosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
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Updated September 22, 2014. Accessed January 12, 2015.

Phimosis. University of California, San Francisco website. Available at:
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Accessed January 12, 2015.

Phimosis and paraphimosis. Patient UK website. Available at:
http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/phimosis-and-paraphimosis
Updated June 16, 2014. Accessed January 12, 2015.

Phimosis (tight foreskin). NHS Choices website. Available at:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/phimosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Updated December 11, 2013. Accessed January 12, 2015.

Tight foreskin (phimosis). The British Association of Urological Surgeons website. Available at:
http://www.baus.org.uk/patients/symptoms/phimosis
Accessed January 12, 2015.

Tight foreskin (phimosis). NetDoctor website. Available at:
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/phimosis.htm
Updated February 20, 2012. Accessed January 12, 2015.