The agony of a tight foreskin

[vc_row 0=\”\”][vc_column 0=\”\”][vc_column_text 0=\”\”]A tight foreskin is usually caused by phimosis.

So what is phimosis?

Phimosis is described as difficulty in pulling back the foreskin covering the head of the penis. This may not cause a problem in itself. However, when the phimosis is associated with infection, symptoms start to occur.

Pathologic phimosis?

This is when phimosis occurs due to inflammation, scarring or infection. When the foreskin is pulled back it can start bleeding and result in further scarring. This can become a vicious cycle leading to worsening tightness of the foreskin. Other problems include discharge, persistent and embarrassing foul smell and worst of all, pain during intercourse.

Treatment may be needed if the following occurs – the foreskin becomes enlarged or ‘ballooning’ occurs when passing urine; difficulty passing urine, and a painful erection making penetrative sexual intercourse very difficult. This can seriously affect one’s sex life and compromise relationships.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=\”\”][vc_column 0=\”\”][vc_single_image image=\”1349\” img_size=\”full\” alignment=\”center\”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=\”\”][vc_column 0=\”\”][vc_column_text 0=\”\”]In adults, pathological phimosis is often due to either:

  1. Recurrent thrush (most common in diabetics).
  2. Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO, sometimes called lichen sclerosus) 

 

Should I see a doctor?

As mentioned earlier, medical attention should be sought at the earliest opportunity as this is a progressive condition. If one attempts to pull the foreskin back, this may cause painful cracks or fissures leading to tearing of the internal surface of the foreskin. As these fissures heal they tend to form scars making the condition worse as this causes further constriction in the foreskin.  

Many men suffer in silence, too embarrassed to seek help, thinking that things will simply get better. Unfortunately scarring of the foreskin simply does not get better but rather worse. It is better to seek medical help early rather than later. Once men have the condition treated, they wish they had sought medical help much earlier.

Treatment Options

The diseased foreskin should not be stretched as this can cause further fissures and scarring.  This can then worsen the constriction of the foreskin and result in more pain.

Your doctor may prescribe a steroid cream, such as Betnovate, which helps to reduce inflammation and soften your foreskin, making it more pliable. This is only beneficial in mild cases of phimosis.  However this is a temporary solution, as stopping the steroid cream can cause the condition to come back and steroids cannot be prescribed indefinitely.

Your doctor may take swabs from the penis, which may show evidence of infection and if this is confirmed you may need antibiotics (bacterial infection) or antifungals (thrush)

The use of condoms and lubrication during penetrative sexual intercourse may make the penis more comfortable.

Surgery

Circumcision is the treatment of choice, especially if the scarring over the penis is the result of Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans  (BXO). This involves a minor surgical procedure, usually performed under local anaesthetic,  to separate the foreskin from the head of the penis. The diseased foreskin is then removed surgically, (sent to the lab for histology to confirm the cause of scarring) and the outer skin is stitched to the inner skin or closed using medical glue.

Outlook

If the condition is diagnosed and treated rapidly, then the outcome is excellent.

A word of caution: if phimosis is not treated promptly, the foreskin may be permanently damaged or become gangrenous. Sometimes chronic inflammation of the foreskin due to BXO may lead to penile cancer in very rare instances.

What can we do for you at Circumcision Pro?

At Circumcision Pro we are able to perform adult circumcisions under local anaesthetic for those suffering with a tight foreskin. After the area is numbed the procedure is relatively painless. The removed foreskin is subsequently sent off to exclude the presence of any sinister changes in the skin that can result from progressive and repetitive scarring/healing.

We offer stitches as well as medical glue. Medical glue results in a better aesthetic outcome with less scarring. After roughly 4 weeks most can return to sexual activity and are amazed at the difference. No more pain and no more smell. Self esteem and confidence return. Most importantly strained relationships are rekindled.

Don’t suffer in silence. Book a free consultation at Circumcision Pro and let’s see what we can do for you.

 

Call now on: 0207 084 9693

Book a consultation through our online booking portal.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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