Phimosis - Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Treatment

Phimosis is a common condition that affects uncircumcised (intact foreskin of the penis) males. It is characterised by a tight prepuce (foreskin) that cannot be pulled back from the head or the tip of the penis (glans).

Various factors that contribute to the development of phimosis are:

1. Balanitis or balanoposthitis (inflammation of the foreskin and the glans)
2. Poor hygiene
3. The presence of underlying medical conditions like diabetes mellitus
4. Sexually transmitted infections

The main symptom of phimosis is that the foreskin of the penis is too tight, preventing full retraction. In some instances, phimosis becomes troublesome if it causes other symptoms such as:

1. Swelling and soreness of the glans (balanitis)
2. Irritation while urinating, especially for very narrow foreskin opening
3. Inability to maintain an erection during sex due to pain
4. Pain or lack of sensation during sexual intercourse.

The diagnosis of phimosis is made as follows:

1. The doctor will perform a physical examination of the penis and testes. They may ask questions such as:
   1. Has the foreskin become sore or red?
   2. How long have these symptoms been present?
   3. Do you have diabetes?
2. Radiography and laboratory tests are rarely required for the diagnosis of phimosis. However, a surgically excised (cut) skin sample (in case of pathological phimosis) can be sent to the laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.
3. If the patient is a child, the doctor may ask the parents to be present during the examination.

Following are some risks associated with delaying the treatment of or not treating phimosis: 

1. Painful urination
2. Painful sexual intercourse
3. Paraphimosis, a condition that requires immediate medical assistance and is characterised by the swollen and painful head of the penis.
4. Balanitis 
5. Balanoposthitis.

Following are some risks associated with delaying the treatment of or not treating phimosis: 

1. Painful urination
2. Painful sexual intercourse
3. Paraphimosis, is a condition that requires immediate medical assistance and is characterised by the swollen and painful head of the penis.
4. Balanitis 
5. Balanoposthitis