Patient's question:
A child has phimosis that is too long, what age is the best age to have surgeryDoctor's answer:
Around the age of 10 is the best time for circumcision. Generally, an overly long foreskin may increase the risk of urinary tract infections in children and may also cause inflammation and infection of the foreskin and glans. When the foreskin is too long, the glans cannot naturally protrude, and the foreskin covers the glans and urethral meatus for a long time. This prevents the secretions of glands in the inner foreskin, urethra, coronal sulcus, and other areas from being expelled, leading to their accumulation within the foreskin. If the secretions and dirt of the foreskin glands remain in the foreskin for a long time, they can form smegma and foreskin dirt, which are prone to breeding bacteria and causing inflammation of the foreskin and urethra. Repeated inflammation can stimulate the penis of the child, causing itching and a stinging sensation, affecting the development of the child's penis and potentially impacting the quality of sexual life in adulthood. Therefore, an overly long foreskin can have some health implications and should be given attention.