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Phimosis

A condition in which the foreskin (prepuce) cannot be retracted over the head of the penis.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Üroloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Phimosis?

Phimosis is the inability to retract the foreskin fully or partly off the glans of the penis. It is physiological in all newborns and in most children aged 2–3 years and tends to resolve spontaneously over time.

In adults, pathological phimosis develops as a result of scarring caused by recurrent inflammation, trauma or skin diseases such as lichen sclerosus. This form does not resolve on its own and requires treatment.

Untreated phimosis can lead to paraphimosis, recurrent infection, difficulty urinating and pain during intercourse. It is also accepted as a risk factor for penile cancer.

Symptoms

Inability to retract the foreskin over the glans
A thin or fan-shaped urinary stream
Ballooning of the foreskin during urination
Painful erection or intercourse
Bad smell and discharge under the foreskin (smegma accumulation)
Recurrent balanitis (inflammation of the glans)

Risk Factors

Physiological adhesion of the foreskin in young children
Recurrent foreskin infections
Lichen sclerosus (a chronic dermatosis)
Diabetes
Forced retraction of the foreskin (causes scarring)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If the foreskin cannot be retracted in an adult
  • If the urinary stream is thin or weak
  • If there is pain during intercourse
  • Recurrent infection or discharge under the foreskin
  • Persistent complete adhesion in children over 5 years of age

Treatment Methods

01
Topical corticosteroid cream (betamethasone 0.05%) twice daily for 4–8 weeks to soften the phimotic ring (first-line)
02
Foreskin stretching exercises in combination with topical therapy
03
Preputioplasty: foreskin-preserving plastic surgery that widens the phimotic ring
04
Circumcision: the most common medical indication; definitive treatment
05
Dorsal or ventral plasty: alternative foreskin-preserving procedures that open the constriction
06
Urgent manual reduction or emergency surgery if paraphimosis develops

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Üroloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.