Patient's question:
Excess 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 foreskin orifice forms an entrapment ring, causing retained phimosis, which leads to congestion, edema, infection, or necrosis of the foreskin. In adults, it is often caused by masturbation or sexual intercourse. If not properly treated in a timely manner, 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 become phimosis due to inflammation and adhesion, while a small foreskin orifice can affect urinary flow. Excessive foreskin does not necessarily lead to phimosis, but phimosis can be associated with excessive foreskin. Moreover, phimosis is generally more severe than excessive foreskin.
3. Increased susceptibility to infection: Deposits and smegma accumulate in the foreskin, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to inflammation and infection, causing adhesions of the foreskin. 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 also increase the risk of gynecological diseases in sexual partners.
5. Tumors: Phimosis or excessive foreskin is closely related to 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).