Patient's question:
Hello! I'd like to ask a question, what is the difference between phimosis and paraphimosis? Do both require surgery? Thank you, I am a 23-year-old boy.Doctor's answer:
The skin of the penis in a normal male is relatively thin. Near the head of the penis, the skin folds inward to form a double layer, covering the penis, which is called the foreskin. Newborns and infants may have slight adhesion between the foreskin and the head of the penis, but this adhesion gradually disappears around the age of one, and the foreskin and head of the penis naturally separate. Therefore, the foreskin of young children may appear longer, which is not abnormal. If, during puberty, the head of the penis still does not become exposed, or if, in childhood, the head of the penis is tightly enclosed by the foreskin, it should be noted.Both phimosis and excessive foreskin are congenital developmental abnormalities. Phimosis refers to a small foreskin opening, where the foreskin cannot be retracted to reveal the head of the penis. Excessive foreskin, on the other hand, covers the entire head of the penis, but the foreskin opening is not too small and can be retracted to reveal part of the head of the penis.
When the foreskin covers the urethral meatus and cannot be retracted to reveal the entire head of the penis, it is called phimosis. If the foreskin covers the urethral meatus but can be retracted to reveal the entire glans, it is considered excessive foreskin.
Excessive foreskin is a congenital developmental abnormality. Phimosis can be congenital, but it can also be caused by inflammation of the glans.
For individuals with excessive foreskin, it is important to maintain good hygiene and regularly clean the foreskin to prevent bacterial infections. For those with phimosis, it is essential to take sufficient attention, as phimosis not only causes symptoms such as edema, congestion, and headaches but also leads to difficulty urinating. If the condition is delayed, it may result in glans and foreskin inflammation, local itching, and even the discharge of pus from the foreskin opening.
Circumcision is a common surgical treatment for excessive foreskin and phimosis. After the surgery, there will be no impact on future growth and development. If you have symptoms of excessive foreskin or phimosis, it is recommended to undergo circumcision as soon as possible. Under normal circumstances, the glans should be mostly exposed, otherwise, it may lead to other conditions such as premature ejaculation.