Patient's question:
I have phimosis, and I've been married for a year, wanting to have children. Will this affect it?Doctor's answer:
Does phimosis affect fertility? Phimosis is mostly congenital. A portion of it is caused by repeated infections due to excessive foreskin, leading to adhesions that prevent retraction. Compared to excessive foreskin, phimosis poses greater harm to the human body. In some severe cases of phimosis, the foreskin opening is narrow like a needlehole, causing the foreskin to bulge like a ball during urination, resulting in poor urine flow. Due to phimosis and urethral (narrowing), the bladder sphincter contracts during urination. Before or simultaneously with overcoming urethral resistance, the bladder pressure exceeds the pressure that the bladder's Mauers' sheath can withstand. Urine refluxes along the ureters, causing dilation of the ureters and renal pelvis, leading to upper urinary tract bacterial infections, scar formation, and secondary reflux nephropathy or even kidney damage. The only treatment for phimosis is circumcision, and it should be performed early. Circumcision of newborn boys is best, while adults should undergo the surgery later. Although it cannot completely prevent the occurrence of penile cancer, it is a simple and effective measure for early diagnosis and treatment of lesions and for curing chronic balanoposthitis.