Phimosis is the inability to retract the skin of the penis to expose the glans, which creates the sensation that there is a ring at the tip of the penis that prevents the skin from slipping normally. After birth, it is common for babies to have this type of problem, but until age 3 the skin of the penis usually loosens spontaneously, starting to function normally.
There are several forms of treatment, which should be evaluated and guided by the urologist or pediatrician, according to the degree of phimosis. Thus, for milder cases, only small exercises or ointments may be used, while for the more severe, surgery may be needed, for example.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of phimosis are:
- Difficulty urinating, with pain or burning;
- Pain during erection;
- Secretions in the penis, with a bad smell;
- Difficulty controlling the urge to urinate at night;
- Bleeding, especially when forcing the skin.
It is important to remember that phimosis does not prevent the normal growth and development of the penis, but should be treated to avoid complications, such as severe infections on the spot, due to the difficulty in washing the region.
Treatment options for phimosis
Treatment for phimosis is done according to the severity of the symptoms, which may include:
1. Application of ointment
To treat infantile phimosis, a corticoid ointment can be applied, such as Postec and Betnovate, which works by softening the foreskin tissue and thinning the skin, making it easier to move and clean the penis.
Generally, this ointment is applied twice daily for about 6 weeks to months, as directed by the urologist or pediatrician. Learn how to correctly place the ointment for phimosis.
2. Exercises in the foreskin
The use of exercises in the foreskin should always be indicated by the pediatrician or urologist and consists of trying to move the skin of the penis slowly, stretching and shrinking the foreskin without forcing or causing pain. These exercises should be done for about 1 minute, 4 times a day, for a period of at least 1 month to get improvements.
3. Surgery
The surgery for phimosis, also known as circumcision or postectomy, consists of removing excess skin to facilitate penile hygiene, decrease the risk of infections and improve sexual performance.
The surgery is done by a urologist, lasts about 1 hour, includes the use of general anesthesia and in children it is recommended between 7 and 10 years of age. The hospitalization lasts about 2 days, but the patient can return to normal routine 3 or 4 days after surgery, taking care to avoid sports or play that impact the region for about 2 to 3 weeks.
4. Placing a plastic ring
The placement of the plastic ring is done through a quick surgery, which lasts for about 10 to 30 minutes and does not require anesthesia. The ring is introduced around the glans and under the foreskin, but without squeezing the tip of the penis. Over time, the ring will cut the skin and release its movement, falling after about 10 days.
During the period of ring use, it is normal for the penis to become reddish and swollen, but it does not interfere with peeing. In addition, this treatment does not require dressings, only an anesthetic and lubricating ointment is used to facilitate recovery.
Possible complications of phimosis
When untreated, phimosis can cause complications such as frequent urinary infections, infections in the penis, increased chances of infection with sexually transmitted diseases, pain and bleeding during intimate contact, and increased risk of penile cancer.
How to avoid phimosis
When phimosis arises at birth, it is not possible to prevent it, but throughout life it is very important to properly clean the penis every day with water and neutral soap, cleaning the whole region under the skin so that it does not accumulate dirt and secretions, becoming a phimosis.
To avoid aggravating the problem it is still important to increase the frequency of cleaning the site and go to the doctor to start treatment.
In addition to affecting men, phimosis can also occur in women, so see female phimosis.
