What Is Phimosis?
Phimosis is a common foreskin problem in uncircumcised males in which the foreskin of the penis becomes too tight and cannot be pulled over the head (glans) of the penis.
Types Of Phimosis
Physiologic Phimosis
It's a congenital or at birth condition. Sometimes the foreskin is so tight that it causes urinary problems or pain.
Pathologic Phimosis
In adults, there is the secretion of a fluid called "Smegma" between the glans penis, and foreskin which is normal in all men. Due to poor hygiene, old age or diabetes, there is an infection which is called "Balanitis" (infection of the glans penis) or "Balanoposthitis" (Infection of the glans penis with foreskin) which leads to phimosis.
Causes Of Pathological Phimosis
- Infection of the foreskin
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Foreskin or injury
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Lichen sclerosis
- Diabetes
Signs and symptoms
- Inability to pull back the foreskin
- Signs and symptoms
- Redness over the glans
- Thickened and Cracked Foreskin
- Soreness or Itchiness
- Difficulty or pain while urinating
- Painful intercourse and erections
- Lack of sensation
- Foul-smelling odor
Diagnosis
- History taking and clinical examinations
- Urine tests
If Untreated Or Complications
- Balanoposthitis/ Balanitis : Infection of the glans and or foreskin
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Premature ejaculation or Loss of Libido
- Paraphimosis It is an emergency condition. In which the foreskin forcefully retracts back and becomes a tight ring above the glans that won't come back to its normal position. Very painful condition.
- Small penis size
- Penile Cancer Recurrent infection can cause malignancy in long run.
Treatment
Non-Surgical Management
- Phimosis creams : Topical steroid phimosis ointment. Only provides temporary relief.
- Phimosis retraction exercises : Boys older than the age of 5 might be recommended some foreskin stretching exercises to try and reduce phimosis. However, these exercises should not cause pain and should not be done forcefully.
Surgical Management: Circumcision
Convertional/Traditional Circumcision
A surgical knife or surgical scissors is used as the cutting tool to perform circumcision. The chances of bleeding and complications are relatively higher, and the outcome is relatively inferior, compared to other less invasive methods of circumcision. It gives stitches, so the recovery time is relatively longer and also demands more postoperative care.
Laser Circumcision
The surgeon uses a laser device to cut the skin. The laser energy emitted by the laser device precisely cuts the foreskin and causes minimal trauma or damage to the nearby tissues. There is less bleeding during the surgery, and the patient is likely to have less pain post-surgery. It also gives stitches, so recovery time is almost the same as the traditional method.
Stapler Or ZSR Circumcision
A stapler device is used to cut and hold back the foreskin. After the procedure, the stapler device leaves behind a silicon ring that falls off on its own within 10-12 days. There are different sizes of staplers available depending on penis size. No bleeding or pain during or after surgery. Most importantly, it gives the best cosmetic scar after healing.
Prevention Of Phimosis
Good hygiene of the penis can lower the chances of phimosis or other related conditions.
Undergo circumcision : Men suffering from chronic or severe phimosis/ paraphimosis or other foreskin issues can find permanent relief. Pubic hair should be removed to prevent bacterial/fungal infections that can lead to phimosis.
Recovery After Circumcision
Your circumcision surgery will be completed in less than 30 minutes, and you will be discharged from the hospital after a few hours. You will not have any pain or discomfort after your circumcision surgery. Your surgeon will also prescribe you antibiotics and other medications to prevent infections and discomfort. It is advised to complete the full course of your medications prescribed and follow the surgeon's instructions for a smooth recovery.
Facts And Statistics Around Phimosis
Why Is It Important To Choose The Best Surgeons For Circumcision?
Circumcision is a relatively minor and complication-free procedure. But it is still essential to choose the best surgeons to undergo circumcision surgery. You should choose an expert surgeon who specialises in performing advanced circumcision procedures, such as a stapler or laser circumcision.
The Benefits of Advanced Staple Circumcision Are:
- Gives a natural and aesthetically appealing look
- Performed with advanced equipment to prevent any complications
- Expert precision that bypasses minor complications that may arise during surgery
- Procedure completed in under 30 minutes
- Minimal postoperative pain or discomfort with no downtime from regular life.
Insurance Coverage & No Cost EMI
Insurance Coverage:
Most health insurance providers cover the cost of appendix removal surgery. We accept all health Insurance.
No cost EMI:
It is a very fast and easy procedure, and approval comes within an hour most of the time. Most importantly, hospitals bear all the charges of EMI procedures. Patients will only pay the amount suggested by the hospital in easy EMI.
