Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin (aka prepuce) is tight and cannot be pulled back (retracted).  This resuts in poor hygiene and repeated infections of the forskin and the glans penis (a condition known as balanoposthitis).  Phimosis may also result in repeated trauma to the foreskin leading to cuts on the foreskin which sometimes may bleed.  Phimosis may also lead to pain during intercourse or difficulty in intercourse.  

The treatment for phimosis is circumcision which involves removal of the foreskin surgically.  The traditional technique involves cutting the foreskin with a surgical blade or scissors.  Recent techniques include laser circumcision and stitchless circumcision.  These recent techniques although more expensive than the traditional ones, provide better cosmesis and lesser pain.  

Other indications for circumcision include religious beliefs such as in Muslim population, recurrent infection and cosmesis.  

Apart from circumcision, another procedure known as a frenuloplasty / preputioplasty can also be used for selected cases of a tight foreskin.  These procedures have the advantage of preserving the foreskin which might be desirable for some individuals.