Definition:
Phimosis is a condition wherein the male foreskin cannot be fully retracted from the head of the penis. There are several types of phimosis which includes: 1) infantile phimosis common among newborns; 2) congenital phismosis, a physiological occurance; 3) acquired phimosis, (relative and full phimosis) usually pathological. Women can also suffer from clitoral phismosis.
Diagnosis:
No tests available as this disorder can be observed.
Treatment:
There are several treatments available from simple stretching of the foreskin (sometimes known as the Beauge method), various topical steroid medication, slitting of foreskin or Preputioplasty, to its removal or circumcision.
Symptoms and Signs:
Foreskin does not retract from the head of the penis when erect. Some urinary obstruction and pain may be observed.
Causes:
The cause of phimosis is not clear. For infantile phimosis, it is believed to be physiological. The foreskin attached to the epithelium of the glans penis cannot be easily retracted. It is also believed that preputial stenosis or narrowness prevents the foreskin from retracting. Acquired pathological phimosis can be caused by chronic balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) a skin condition that produces an inelastic tissue to form near the tip of the prepuce, thus preventing retraction.
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