Patient's question:

I don't know what a foreskin is, but every time I get erect, the head of my penis comes out! But the skin above it doesn't go all the way back. It's a bit wrinkled... What should I do? What is a foreskin?

Doctor's answer:

Penile phimosis refers to a condition where, in adult males, the penile skin tightly covers the glans, preventing it from fully exposing. It can be categorized into true phimosis and false phimosis. True phimosis is when the glans cannot fully expose even during penile erection; false phimosis, on the other hand, is when the glans cannot fully expose at rest but can do so after penile erection. While phimosis does not affect urination, it can harbor dirt and debris, especially as the foreskin can excrete a foul-smelling white discharge known as smegma. Prolonged irritation of the glans, particularly at the corona, can lead to balanitis and penile inflammation. Bacterial infections from the foreskin cavity can also descend and cause conditions such as cystitis, pyelonephritis, and prostatitis. I am unaware of your specific symptoms, but if phimosis has been diagnosed, it is important to address it promptly.