Trusted Phimosis Clinics for Children and Adults

Phimosis Treatment

Gentle Procedures Ireland offers treatment options for phimosis including conservative measures that preserve the foreskin, as well as circumcision.

Phimosis, an overly tight foreskin, affects a considerable portion of the male population.

This condition can lead to discomfort, pain, infections and other complications if left untreated.

If you have symptoms of phimosis please contact us today for a consultation.

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What is Phimosis?

Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin is uncomfortable being retracted or cannot be fully retracted, or pulled back, from around the tip of the penis.

A tight foreskin is common in baby boys who are not circumcised, but it typically stops being an issue by the ages of 2 to 6 years old.

Phimosis can result in painful erections, difficulty with urination, infections, and other complications.

A number of phimosis treatments are available, including topical steroid cream, preputioplasty (foreskin preserving surgery – if suitable) and circumcision.

The normal course of treatment typically includes assessment, conservative intervention such as topical creams, and then circumcision if necessary and/or desired.

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What Causes Phimosis?

There are several different reasons why phimosis may develop, including the following:

Poor hygiene. Not cleaning the genital area thoroughly could lead to an infection. While it may sometimes feel painful or irritating to clean the area, this is important in preventing infections.
Scarring, infection, inflammation. Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans, or head of the penis. This could potentially cause phimosis. Infections could also include sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Skin conditions. This could include eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, and lichen sclerosus. When it affects your penis, lichen sclerosus is known as penile lichen sclerosus or balanitis xerotic obliterans (BXO). Symptoms can include white spots or patches on the foreskin, and the skin may become itchy and easily torn.

Phimosis can also just occur naturally. Sometimes, it is unclear as to why it occurs in some boys and not others.

Symptoms of Phimosis

Symptoms of phimosis typically include the following:

Inability to retract the foreskin by the age of 3
Redness or discoloration
Swelling or inflammation
Soreness
Painful urination
Pain with erections or with sexual activity

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Phimosis Treatment for Adults in Ireland

Adult phimosis treatment can provide an important relief to men suffering from the difficulties of an overly tight foreskin. Symptoms of phimosis can include pain during urination and painful erections. Some men suffer for years before seeking effective treatment.

In some cases, a locally applied steroid ointment can be effective at treating phimosis over a period of six weeks. The ointment softens the foreskin and can eventually permit full retraction. In other cases, the recommended treatment is the surgical removal of the foreskin, generally known as circumcision. In some select cases foreskin preserving surgery known as preputioplasty may be an option.

In cases where the foreskin has pathological changes due to BXO, or if there is chronic inflammation, urgent treatment may be appropriate. Intervention can reduce the risk of long term scarring and other damage to the penis.

Men and boys who were circumcised as babies do not get phimosis.

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Phimosis in Irish Children

It is normal for young boys to have a foreskin that does not fully retract. This will normally become fully retractable as the child grows and matures. When parents observe that the normal process is slow, or not occurring, it is recommended to consult with a doctor to assess whether any intervention is appropriate.

There is no need to rush to treatment if the situation is not painful or otherwise problematic for the boy. Consult with your doctor, especially if there is any discomfort or if your son reports other issues.

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Adolescent Phimosis Treatment Ireland

Adolescent phimosis can be treated with steroid ointment. Circumcision can also be considered in some cases.

The recommended approach is to consult with an experienced doctor to assess the necessity for treatment and the options available in your specific case.

Phimosis Treatment Options

Frequently Asked Questions

How common is phimosis?

Phimosis is found in virtually all newborns, and then the foreskin changes gradually so that it can be pulled back. It is estimated that only 1% of people still have phimosis when they are 16 years old.

Is it normal that my baby boy’s foreskin does not retract?

Yes. Some children are born with a tight foreskin that separates from the glans during late childhood or early in their teenage years. Consult with a doctor if you have concerns.

How is phimosis diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose phimosis based on your history and a physical examination. Additional tests are usually not necessary.

Can I still have sex if I have phimosis?

While it is still possible to have sex when you have phimosis, you may feel some discomfort and reduced sensitivity. Sexual activity might cause the foreskin to rip. To avoid this, it is important to use a condom and lubrication.

What is the difference between phimosis and paraphimosis?

While phimosis and paraphimosis are both conditions that affect the foreskin, paraphimosis requires more urgent care. It is a relatively rare condition where an overly tight foreskin has become retracted and tightly stuck between the glans and the shaft of the penis.

Does circumcision reduce enjoyment of intimacy?

Phimosis where the foreskin is not retractile will reduce sensitivity during intimacy. By correcting this through conservative or operative methods, men report and increased enjoyment.