Doctor's Notes on Foreskin Problems
Foreskin problems are conditions that can occur in the foreskin of the penis in an uncircumcised boy or man. Phimosis is one example. Phimosis refers to the condition in which the foreskin cannot be retracted (pulled back) behind the head, or glans, of the penis. Paraphimosis is a different condition. In paraphimosis, the foreskin, after being pulled back, becomes trapped behind the head of the penis.
Signs and symptoms of phimosis can include
- pain with urination or difficulty urinating,
- blood in the urine, or pain in the penis.
Pain is the most common symptom associated with paraphimosis. The swelling of the trapped foreskin in paraphimosis can lead to interruption of blood flow to the penis, ultimately posing a risk for gangrene (tissue death) of the penis. Paraphimosis is a true medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
What is the treatment for foreskin problems?
Treatments depend upon the particular foreskin problem that is present. Infections are treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications (for yeast infections). Paraphimosis requires urgent medical attention to avoid restricting blood flow to the penis.
Phimosis and paraphimosis may be treated by injecting a local anesthetic and pushing the foreskin into place. In some cases, a surgical incision may be required. In more serious cases, the physician may recommend circumcision.
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Blood in the urine reasons
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Circumcision
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the fold of skin at the end of the penis. Circumcision is usually done in infancy, allowing the patient to avoid further medical problems later in life and practice better hygiene. It is often done for cultural reasons, notably in the Jewish community. Opponents of circumcision argue that it unnecessarily exposes babies to surgical risks and people should have autonomy over their own bodies -
Contact Dermatitis
Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. Contact dermatitis is a localized rash or irritation of the skin caused by contact with a foreign substance. Contact dermatitis treatment can include medications, such as corticosteroids and oral antihistamines, home remedies, and avoiding irritants. -
Dysuria (Painful Urination)
Dysuria is the sensation of pain during urination and may be caused by a std or infection of the bladder, kidney, urethra, or prostate. A urinalysis will be performed to determine the bacteria causing the infection. Infections are treated with antibiotics. -
Edema
Edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in tissues in certain parts of the body causing swelling, pain, redness, and soreness. There are various types of edema. The most common type is peripheral edema, which affects the arms, legs, ankles, and feet. Edema is caused by many diseases and health problems like water retention, lymphedema, blood clots in the leg. -
Gangrene
Gangrene describes death of body tissue due to reduced blood flow (dry gangrene), infection (wet gangrene), or the bacteria Clostridia (gas gangrene). Symptoms include skin discoloration, fever, pain, swelling, foul odor, numbness, discharge, rapid breathing, and rapid heart rate. Antibiotics and surgery are effective treatments for gangrene. -
Insect Bites and Stings
Insect stings and bites are common. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and itching. Treatment of insect stings and bites depends on the type of insect. Some may require home remedies such as anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics, and in some cases, surgery. -
Male Reproductive Organs and Functions
The male reproductive system includes seven structures, the penis, scrotum (balls), testicles (testes), vas Deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland (problems include enlarged prostate or BPH, prostate cancer, and proctitis), and the urethra (problems include urethra blockage, difficulty urinating, and increase in frequency).Certain drugs, medications, environmental factors, health problems, and a number of diseases and conditions can affect or alter the function of any or all of these structures. -
Urine Test (Urinalysis)
Urinalysis (Urine Test UA) is a commonly ordered medical test to analyze urine. It may be used to diagnose, urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, to screen for kidney diseases, to monitor diabetes, or high blood pressure (hypertension). A urinalysis looks for white and red blood cells, epithelial cells, blood or protein in the urine, crystals, or bacteria, among other things. -
Why Is My Foreskin Itchy?
Common causes of itchy foreskin include sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia or herpes, balanitis, a yeast infection, or an allergy to latex condoms. To find out the cause, you will need to see a doctor for a diagnosis.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.