About Phimosis and It's Causes
When boys are first born, their foreskin is tight. Over time it gradually loosens until it can be easily pulled back over the penis head (glans). If it is tight, it is advisable to see your Urologist in the second year of your child's life. Phimosis occurs when the foreskin remains unusually tight and cannot be drawn back.
Some men can have phimosis throughout their life and are still able to have intercourse, although most would probably find it more comfortable without this condition.Not being able to pull back the foreskin also means that it is difficult to clean the penis. This increases the chance of infection.
Phimosis may also develop later in life, after puberty. It can be caused by fungal infections, which lead to scarring of the penis, or another condition (balanitis xerotica obliterans) that makes the foreskin stick to the penis. Rarely Penile Cancer can also occur because of Malignancy.
Symptoms: The main symptoms are not being able to pull back the foreskin to expose the head of your penis, and if the foreskin is very tight, erections may be painful. You may also have pain on urinating. Try not to force the foreskin back yourself, as this can lead to painful cracks on the inside of the foreskin. As these cracks heal, they will form scars, which could make your condition worse.
Treatment:
In children, steroid cream may be applied after consulting your doctor. Sometimes under a general anaesthetic, a small cut in the foreskin may be enough to loosen it up so that it can be pulled back. In some children circumcision may be required.
However, in adults, the foreskin is usually so scarred and thickened a circumcision may be needed. Steroids are not advised in adults for most of the conditions. This is when the foreskin is removed completely. After a circumcision the top of the penis may be feel exposed and sensitive. It is therefore advisable to wear loose boxer shorts and use a condom during sex for the first two months after the operation to reduce any irritation.