Foreskin Problems

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Medical Author:

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

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Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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• Foreskin Problems Overview
• Foreskin Problems Causes
• Foreskin Problems Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Foreskin Problems Diagnosis
• Foreskin Problems Treatment
• Foreskin Problems Self-Care at Home
• Foreskin Problems Medical Treatment
• Foreskin Problems Follow-up
• Foreskin Problems Prevention
• Foreskin Problems Prognosis
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editor

Foreskin Problems Overview

Two conditions can occur with the foreskin of the penis of an uncircumcised or improperly circumcised boy or man, 1) phimosis and 2) paraphimosis

1. Phimosis: This condition occurs when the foreskin cannot be retracted (pulled back) behind the head (glans) of the penis. This is called phimosis. It is usually a condition found in children and occasionally adults. Physiological phimosis is the normal condition that occurs mainly during the first year of life when the foreskin is not retractable in these young males. This may occur until about 3 years of age. This condition is not a congenital problem such as buried penis (the penis is located beneath the abdominal skin.
2. Paraphimosis: This condition, paraphimosis, is somewhat the opposite of phimosis.  The foreskin, after being pulled back, becomes trapped and then swollen behind the head (glans) of the penis.
• The swelling can lead to blockage of blood flow to the penis, which can lead to gangrene of the penile shaft and head distal to the welling.
• Paraphiosis is considered a true medical emergency. Circumcision (surgical removal of the foreskin) at birth or revision of a prior circumcision can prevent this condition.

Foreskin Problems Causes

Causes for phimosis include infection, poor hygiene, and previous foreskin injury.

Any condition or activity that results in prolonged foreskin retraction can lead to development of paraphimosis.

• An improperly circumcised penis
• Frequent insertion of bladder catheters
• Vigorous sexual activity, including masturbation
• Males forgetting to return the foreskin to its normal position after retracting it (for example, an elderly patient who needs self-cathaterization)