So far, the best way to treat phimosis is through surgery, which can provide a complete cure. After the surgery, it is essential to take good care of your daily life to prevent infection, especially with respect to wound care. So when can you take a shower after phimosis surgery?
What are the dangers of untreated phimosis?
1. It can affect urine flow.
Due to a tight foreskin or adhesions forming with the foreskin, urine flow may be affected, leading to a higher risk of urinary tract infections. The accumulation of deposits and smegma within the foreskin creates a favorable environment for bacterial growth and reproduction. Prolonged infection can lead to the formation of adhesions, and in severe cases, male infertility.
2. Increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases and tumors.
Phimosis can keep the area in a moist environment for long periods, making it easier to contract diseases such as gonorrhea or genital warts. If proper hygiene is not maintained in daily life, it can also lead to gynecological issues in sexual partners. There is a close relationship between phimosis and tumors; long-term untreated phimosis can result in chronic irritation due to urine contamination, which may lead to carcinoma.
3. It can lead to trapped phimosis, affecting women’s health.
During an erection, if the foreskin cannot be retracted, it may get caught, leading to trapped foreskin. If circulation is impaired, it can cause swelling, and in severe cases, lead to necrosis. Additionally, smegma contains a large number of bacteria, which can be introduced into a woman’s vaginal area during intercourse, causing long-term irritation and potentially leading to cervical cancer.
When can you take a shower after circumcision?
After undergoing circumcision, you should wait until the wound is fully healed. After the stitches are removed at the hospital, let the doctor check the recovery of the wound before deciding whether to shower. Otherwise, it may cause wound infection. Alternatively, you can cover the wound area with a waterproof bag before showering, and after showering, promptly dry the affected area with a clean towel to maintain local cleanliness and dryness. It is important to choose loose and pure cotton underwear to avoid friction. Additionally, sexual intercourse should be avoided within a month after phimosis surgery; otherwise, it can cause serious damage and irritation to the skin and subcutaneous tissues at the incision site, resulting in pain or complications such as wound reopening or swelling.
What care should be taken after phimosis surgery?
After surgery, you should rest in bed for 3 to 4 days, avoiding long periods of sitting or standing, as this can impair local blood circulation and directly affect wound recovery, delaying healing time.
If mild swelling occurs at the site for 3 to 4 days post-surgery, it is a normal phenomenon, primarily due to reactions from anesthesia or the surgery itself. Be sure to keep the wound area dry and avoid soaking it with urine. If it gets damp, it should be changed promptly or cleaned with a 75% alcohol cotton ball.
Warm reminder from Qijiang Jiuzhou Hospital: Having phimosis is not something to be afraid of; as long as you seek treatment at a reputable hospital, you can fully recover. Be sure to take good care of your daily life after surgery, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from sexual activity for one month post-surgery.
