Phimosis is a common urological condition that affects men of different ages and can significantly impact not only physical comfort but also overall quality of life. The inability or limited ability to retract the foreskin and expose the glans penis is often accompanied by painful sensations, difficulties with intimate hygiene, and an increased risk of inflammatory and infectious processes.

Over time, phimosis can lead to constant discomfort, exacerbation of associated urological problems, and negatively affect a man’s daily well-being. Therefore, this condition requires careful attention and timely consultation with a urologist.

Phimosis: Causes and Symptoms

Phimosis may have different origins depending on the patient’s age. In children, it is often a physiological condition and does not require medical intervention; however, in adult men, phimosis is usually pathological. In such cases, the condition does not resolve on its own and requires consultation with a urologist and properly selected treatment.

Main types of phimosis:

  • Physiological. Typical for young children and does not require surgical intervention.

  • Cicatricial. Occurs as a result of trauma or frequent inflammation when tissues lose elasticity and are replaced by scar tissue. Treated only surgically.

  • Hypertrophic. Accompanied by excessive thickness and elongation of the foreskin.

  • Atrophic. Characterized by thinning of tissues and increased susceptibility to injury.

These types may occur separately or in combination. Inflammatory processes and injuries often lead to loss of foreskin elasticity, which gradually makes retraction of the glans more difficult. In the presence of concomitant diseases, especially endocrine disorders, the risk of developing phimosis increases significantly.

Clinical manifestations of phimosis may vary in intensity — from mild discomfort to pronounced painful symptoms. In the early stages, a man may not pay attention to the problem; however, over time, the symptoms become more noticeable and affect quality of life.

Main symptoms of phimosis:

  • difficult or impossible retraction of the glans;

  • pain or discomfort during erection;

  • problems with urination;

  • frequent infections and inflammatory processes.

Ignoring symptoms and lack of treatment may lead to complications, including paraphimosis, chronic infections, persistent inflammation, and decreased potency. Therefore, at the first signs of phimosis, it is recommended to consult a urologist in a timely manner for examination and determination of the optimal treatment strategy.

Circumcisio — Foreskin Removal

Circumcisio is a surgical procedure used in cases of phimosis and a number of other urological problems.

Main indications for circumcision:

  • pronounced narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis);

  • paraphimosis — entrapment of the glans by a narrow foreskin;

  • chronic inflammatory processes (balanitis, balanoposthitis);

  • scar tissue changes after injuries;

  • short frenulum of the penis;

  • premature ejaculation (in some cases combined with partial denervation of the glans);

  • prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reduction of HIV infection risk;

  • reduction of the risk of penile cancer.

Proven benefits of circumcision:

  • reduced risk of urinary tract infections;

  • lower likelihood of contracting STIs, including HIV;

  • prevention of chronic inflammatory processes;

  • reduced risk of penile cancer;

  • improved hygiene and reduction of unpleasant odor.

How the Surgery Is Performed

Circumcision can be performed under local or general anesthesia. The duration of the procedure is about 30–40 minutes. The healing period is approximately 9–10 days, and resumption of sexual activity is possible after 2–3 weeks. The surgery may be performed using the classical method or with a laser, which helps minimize tissue trauma.

Today, patients often pay attention not only to the medical outcome but also to the aesthetic appearance after surgery. Therefore, the surgeon’s experience is important to ensure an even and neat suture, proper tissue removal, and a comfortable postoperative result.

At Oxford Medical, patients receive professional consultation from a urologist, access to modern medical technologies, and attentive individualized care at every stage of treatment. This allows achieving an optimal result and ensuring comfortable recovery after the procedure.