Phimosis
Phimosis is the condition where the foreskin’s tightness makes it hard to retract or pull back from the penis’ glans or head. Most uncircumcised toddlers and babies often have phimosis, as the foreskin and glans are typically connected in the first stages of life. For adults, some risk factors may cause phimosis. However, they only become a problem if there are accompanying symptoms. The condition is more likely to happen to men with repeated bouts of UTI or urinary tract infection, infected foreskin, and repeated foreskin trauma.
In adults, sexually transmitted diseases are also one of the risk factors for the condition. In addition, phimosis can be caused by conditions like eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, and lichen sclerosis. While phimosis doesn’t always have symptoms, it can sometimes result in swelling, soreness, and redness. It may also lead to balanitis or balanoposthitis. The former’s symptoms include odor, itchiness, soreness, swelling, redness, thick fluid build-up, and pain during urination.
Treatment options will generally depend on the occurring symptoms. For example, balanitis usually responds well to ointments, creams, and proper hygiene. However, a doctor may recommend steroid creams or suggest circumcising the foreskin in severe cases where balanoposthitis or balanitis frequently occurs.
