Summer vacation has passed, and I believe many parents took their children for circumcision during the holiday. Foreskin serves to protect males from external dirt and pathogens, keeping the glans moist and sensitive internally. However, if the foreskin is too long, it may lead to a series of infections in the genitals, possibly even transmitted to partners. For friends who are still hesitant about circumcision, you can listen to Director Ye Daoyin from Beijing Shun Urology Department on his views on circumcision.
I. What is foreskin phimosis?
1. Foreskin Long: Foreskin long refers to when the glans of an adult male is covered by the foreskin on the penis and cannot be fully exposed, but can be turned up, known as foreskin being too long.
2. Phimosis: Phimosis refers to when the foreskin opening is too small, covering the glans of the penis and cannot be turned up to the coronal sulcus.
Physiological phimosis: In newborns, there may be mild adhesions between the foreskin and glans, hindering the foreskin from retracting.
True phimosis: Refers to after the age of three, the foreskin opening is still as small as a pinhead and cannot retract to the coronal sulcus.
Concealed phimosis: The foreskin can be retracted to the coronal sulcus, but the foreskin opening is tight and cannot be immediately restored.
Secondary phimosis: Caused by trauma or infection, leading to scar tissue at the foreskin opening.
II. Which foreskin needs to be circumcised?
1. True phimosis: Severe narrowing of the foreskin opening, which can lead to scar tissue phimosis;
2. Recurrent foreskin entrapment: After the foreskin is retracted, a narrow ring of tight foreskin constriction forms around the penis, trapping the penis tightly. In this situation, immediate medical attention is required, as improper handling may result in necrosis of the penis;
3. Foreskin too long and difficult to clean, recurrent occurrence of balanitis and urinary tract infections.
III. Harms of foreskin phimosis to males
1. Easily triggers bacterial growth: Excessive foreskin can easily harbor dirt and bacteria, leading to infections. Bacterial invasion of the urethra can cause urinary tract infections, balanitis, urethritis, and other reproductive inflammations, also increasing the risk of infection with sexual diseases.
2. Triggers occurrence of female partner gynecological diseases: During sexual activity, if protection is inadequate, dirt from the foreskin can enter the female partner’s vagina, causing female reproductive infections. More seriously, smegma can easily induce cervical cancer.
3. Significantly impairs kidney function: Excessive foreskin can lead to reproductive inflammations, bacteria travelling upwards to infect the kidneys, which if not treated for a long time can impair kidney function.
4. Easily triggers premature ejaculation: Patients with foreskin phimosis have the glans constantly covered by the foreskin, reducing normal mucosal stimulation, making the glans mucosa overly sensitive. During sexual activity, friction with the vagina can lead to immediate ejaculation, easily causing premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, decreased sperm motility, and other sexual functional disorders, potentially leading to male infertility.
5. Affects urination and easily triggers infections: When the foreskin is too long, urine flow is obstructed, leading to a split stream of urine, dampening clothes. Chronic inflammation can cause urethral narrowing, further complicating urination. If urine produced by the kidneys cannot be excreted smoothly, it can lead to renal pelvis-ureter dilation, known as hydronephrosis. Bacteria can also move upwards into the bladder, ureters, or kidneys, causing urinary tract infections.
Concerning foreskin phimosis issues, it pertains to the lifelong happiness of male friends. For male friends who have excessive foreskin length or phimosis, it is recommended to seek medical examination promptly to avoid delaying treatment!
