Foreskin Problems
- Foreskin Problems Overview
- Foreskin Problems Causes
- Foreskin Problems Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Foreskin Problems Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Next Steps
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Foreskin Problems Overview
Two conditions commonly occur with the foreskin of the penis of an uncircumcised or improperly circumcised boy or man.
- Phimosis: One condition happens 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.
- Paraphimosis: The other condition, paraphimosis, is somewhat the opposite—the foreskin, after being pulled back, becomes trapped and then swollen behind the head (glans) of the penis.
- The swelling is caused by the blockage of blood flow, which can lead to death of the glans.
- This condition is considered a true medical emergency. Circumcision at birth or revision of a prior circumcision can prevent this condition.
Next: Foreskin Problems Causes »
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Foreskin Problems
Circumcision Overview
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis. The foreskin is a fold of skin that covers the tip of the penis (called the glans). Circumcision of infants has been practiced for centuries. Historically, circumcisions have been done for religious or social reasons.
- Recently, controversy has emerged about circumcision.
- Advocates recommending circumcision argue that circumcised males can practice better hygiene and display lower risk of developing cancer of the penis or urinary tract infections. Circumcision may also decrease risk of developing foreskin problems, such as phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin) or paraphimosis (retracted foreskin that cannot be put back into place).
Those opposed to circumcision argue that it is cruel, that few medical benefits are proven, that circumcised males will have decreased sexual feeling due to removing the...
- Advocates recommending circumcision argue that circumcised males can practice better hygiene and display lower risk of developing cancer of the penis or urinary tract infections. Circumcision may also decrease risk of developing foreskin problems, such as phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin) or paraphimosis (retracted foreskin that cannot be put back into place).
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Balanoposthitis »
Defined as the inflammation of the foreskin and glans in uncircumcised males, balanoposthitis occurs over a wide age range and may have any of multiple bacterial or fungal origins or be caused by contact dermatitides.
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