Patient's question:
Excessive foreskin, want to know what harm it will cause if not treated?Doctor's answer:
1. Retained phimosis: When the foreskin is retracted over the corona, a tight constriction at the foreskin orifice forms an entrapment ring, leading to retained phimosis. This causes the foreskin to become congested, swollen, infected, or necrotic. In adults, it is often caused by masturbation or sexual intercourse. If not corrected promptly, it can easily obstruct blood flow.2. Urinary flow obstruction: This is due to a small foreskin orifice or adhesions between the foreskin and glans. Excessive foreskin can develop into phimosis due to inflammation and adhesion, while a small foreskin orifice can obstruct urinary flow. Excessive foreskin does not necessarily lead to phimosis, but phimosis can occur with excessive foreskin. Moreover, phimosis is generally more severe than excessive foreskin.
3. Increased susceptibility to infection: Deposits and smegma accumulate within the foreskin, acting as a bacterial culture medium. This can lead to inflammation and infection, causing adhesions between the foreskin and glans. In severe cases, it may even result in infertility.
4. Higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases: Due to the inner foreskin and glans being constantly exposed to a moist environment, individuals with excessive foreskin or phimosis are more prone to conditions like genital warts and gonorrhea. Additionally, because the area is difficult to clean thoroughly, it can easily transmit related gynecological diseases to sexual partners.
5. Tumors: Phimosis or excessive foreskin is closely associated with tumors. Many urological experts believe that penile cancer is caused by the pollution and chronic irritation of smegma. Penile papilloma is considered the primary cause of cancer (Dean).