Phimosis and foreskin elongation are completely different concepts. Individuals with phimosis have a narrow foreskin opening or the foreskin tightly adheres to the glans penis, preventing the glans from being exposed and the urethral meatus from being uncovered. Do not underestimate phimosis, as if left untreated, it may lead to a series of harms.
What are the harms of male phimosis?
1. Prone to infections
Deposits and smegma in the urine accumulate inside the foreskin, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth and reproduction. Irritation can lead to local infections and inflammation, causing adhesions of the foreskin and even resulting in male infertility.
2. Entrapment phimosis
When the phimosis retracts over the coronal sulcus, the tight and small coronal sulcus of the foreskin can form an entrapment ring, leading to entrapment phimosis. This can cause congestion, edema, infection, or necrosis of the foreskin, resulting in irreversible damage. Adults often experience entrapment phimosis due to excessive masturbation or sexual activity. Without timely repair, it can lead to blood flow obstruction and penile necrosis.
3. Can lead to tumors
Whether foreskin elongation or phimosis, both increase the risk of developing tumors. Research has shown that continuous contamination by smegma and chronic irritation of the glans penis can lead to papillomatosis of the penis, thereby causing penile cancer.
4. Affects urine flow
Due to a small foreskin opening or adhesions between the foreskin and glans. Foreskin elongation can lead to adhesions due to inflammation, thus transitioning into phimosis. When the foreskin opening is too small, it will inevitably affect urine flow. Men with foreskin elongation do not necessarily have phimosis, but men with phimosis definitely have foreskin elongation, which can be quite severe.
5. Prone to sexually transmitted diseases
Patients with phimosis have a constantly moist environment between the inner foreskin and glans, making them susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases such as genital warts and gonorrhea. Moreover, men’s lack of attention to local hygiene can lead to gynecological diseases in their sexual partners.
6. Can lead to male infertility
Infection caused by smegma under the foreskin can lead to prostatitis, affecting sperm motility, altering the viscosity of semen, and ultimately resulting in male infertility.
7. Can lead to strangulation phimosis
When the penis is erect, if the foreskin cannot be retracted back, the foreskin opening can tightly trap the glans, resulting in strangulation phimosis. The glans may swell due to poor blood circulation and even lead to necrosis of the glans.
8. Affects female health
Due to the presence of a large number of bacteria in smegma, during sexual intercourse, these bacteria can enter the female vagina, leading to infections. Smegma is considered a carcinogenic substance, which can potentially cause cervical cancer in women.
Qujing Jiuzhou Hospital friendly reminder: The harm caused by male phimosis to the body far exceeds what people imagine. For mild cases, surgery may not be necessary, but it is important to maintain local hygiene of the penis. Regularly clean the area with warm water. If the foreskin is unable to retract, do not force it. If retractable, revert the foreskin to its original position after cleaning. Failure to do so may result in strangulation phimosis. Severe cases may require surgical circumcision. Three days before surgery, wash the penis with warm water or a 1:5000 dilute solution of potassium permanganate. Post-surgery, in addition to the mentioned medications to prevent bleeding and inflammation from an erect penis, ensure that the dressing remains dry. If accidentally wet with urine, change it promptly. Generally, sutures are removed 5-7 days after surgery. In the first week after surgery, ensure the body receives adequate nutrition by consuming foods rich in high-quality proteins, such as eggs, fish, and lean meat, to promote wound healing.
