Phimosis and Paraphimosis

Phimosis Causes and Symptoms

Phimosis is caused by a tightening of the foreskin’s opening. This is normal in newborn babies. Over time, the foreskin loosens, allowing it to retract. Most boys will be able to fully retract their foreskin by age 7. The condition can also occur if the foreskin is forcibly retracted before it is ready. This can cause scarring that may prevent the foreskin from retracting later. Symptoms of phimosis can vary. The most common symptoms include:

• Not able to fully retract the foreskin by age 7. In some boys this may take longer.
• Bulging of the foreskin when urinating.

Paraphimosis Causes and Symptoms

Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin is retracted behind the crown or corona of the penis. The foreskin is too tight to be moved back to the unretracted position, causing edema of the tissue, worsening the problem. The most common symptoms of paraphimosis include:

• Not able to pull the foreskin back over the tip of the penis.
• Swelling of the tip of the penis when the foreskin is pulled back.
• Pain.

A paraphimosis is an emergency medical condition. Seek medical care right away if you think your child has paraphimosis.

Complications

Possible complications of phimosis and paraphimosis can include:

• Pain
• Infection
• Trouble urinating

Phimosis and Paraphimosis Treatment

To diagnosis phimosis or paraphimosis, your child’s healthcare provider will take a medical history and perform a physical exam, including examining the penis and foreskin. Treatment will depend on the severity of the condition as well as your child’s symptoms, age and health.

Phimosis treatment may include:

• Steroid cream: A topical steroid cream to help loosen the foreskin. The prescription cream may be applied three times a day for up to a month. This treatment might not work for every child.
• Circumcision: Having surgery to remove all or part of the foreskin may be recommended for a child age 7 or older who is still experiencing bulging foreskin while urinating.

Paraphimosis treatment may include:

• Under local anesthesia or sedation, lubricating the foreskin and tip of the penis, then gently squeezing the tip of the penis while pulling the foreskin forward.
• Making a small cut (incision) in the foreskin to relieve tension and allow the foreskin to be pulled forward.
• An emergency circumcision may be recommended if other treatment methods fail.