Phimosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Time

Q: Phimosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Time

Jason： Hello, regarding the foreskin, there is a growing consensus against circumcision. <br>Medical research has shown that the foreskin has its own significance. <br>Phimosis generally refers to the inability to retract the foreskin to expose the glans during an erection. <br>A

Glans and foreskin?

Hello, I would like to ask how to determine if I have phimosis.
When I am erect, my foreskin opens slightly.
I have to manually push my foreskin to one side; it does not retract naturally to the glans.
So, I would like to know if I have a problem with phimosis.
Additionally, I have noticed some small growths on the glans that do not cause any pain or itching.
When I shower, I use body wash to clean the area and then pull the foreskin back.
However, I do not dry it before pulling it back, and it feels like it doesn't get wet, so I just pull it back.
I would also like to know how much circumcision costs on the market.
Is the recovery period one week? Can I resume normal activities after one week? Thank you for your response.

jason, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/01/18

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Jason: Hello, regarding the foreskin, there is a growing consensus against circumcision.
Medical research has shown that the foreskin has its own significance.
Phimosis generally refers to the inability to retract the foreskin to expose the glans during an erection.
As for surgery, the following conditions should be considered: 1.
Narrowing of the foreskin that prevents retraction 2.
Presence of suspected tumors on the foreskin that require removal 3.
Chronic inflammation that makes cleaning difficult 4.
Deformation or fibrosis of the foreskin.
Due to the nature of foreskin surgery, the National Health Insurance typically does not cover the costs, so it must be paid out of pocket.
The general cost ranges from approximately $500 to $800.
If the patient is a child, general anesthesia is required, which increases the cost.
This is a response from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department at Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2007/01/18

More Info

Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin of the penis cannot be easily retracted over the glans (the head of the penis). This can lead to discomfort, hygiene issues, and in some cases, complications such as infections. Understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and recovery time associated with phimosis is crucial for those affected.

Symptoms of Phimosis
1. Inability to Retract Foreskin: The primary symptom of phimosis is the inability to pull back the foreskin, especially when the penis is erect. As you described, if you need to manually push the foreskin back, this indicates that you may have a degree of phimosis.

2. Pain or Discomfort: Some individuals may experience pain or discomfort during erections or sexual activity due to the tightness of the foreskin.

3. Hygiene Issues: Difficulty in retracting the foreskin can lead to poor hygiene, which may result in infections or inflammation (balanitis).

4. Growths or Lesions: You mentioned noticing small growths on the glans. While these may not be painful or itchy, it’s essential to have them evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions.

Treatment Options
1. Conservative Management: In mild cases, gentle stretching exercises of the foreskin may help. This involves gradually pulling back the foreskin over time to increase elasticity.

2. Topical Steroid Creams: These can be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and promote the loosening of the foreskin.

3. Circumcision: In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Circumcision involves the removal of the foreskin and is a definitive treatment for phimosis. There are also less invasive surgical options, such as preputioplasty, which can widen the opening of the foreskin without complete removal.

4. Consultation with a Urologist: It’s advisable to consult a urologist for a proper diagnosis and to discuss the best treatment options based on your specific condition.

Recovery Time
If surgery is performed, recovery time can vary. Generally, after a circumcision or preputioplasty:
- Initial Recovery: Most individuals can expect to return to normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks. However, it’s essential to avoid strenuous activities, including vigorous exercise or sexual activity, during this time to allow proper healing.

- Follow-up Care: Keeping the area clean and following post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon is crucial for a smooth recovery.

- Resuming Activities: After about a week, many individuals feel comfortable resuming light activities, but full recovery may take longer, and it’s best to follow your doctor’s advice regarding when to return to more vigorous activities.

Cost Considerations
The cost of treatment for phimosis, including consultations, medications, or surgical procedures, can vary widely based on location, healthcare provider, and whether you have insurance. It’s best to check with your healthcare provider or insurance company for specific pricing and coverage options.

Conclusion
If you suspect you have phimosis, it’s important to seek medical advice. While it can be a sensitive topic, healthcare professionals are accustomed to discussing such issues and can provide you with the necessary support and treatment options. Early intervention can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Phimosis: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Insights

Hello Doctor: I am 28 years old and currently have a steady partner. I would like to ask about something I discovered about three months ago. I found two small growths at the urethral opening of my foreskin, about the size of half a grain of rice. They feel slightly tender when t...

Dr. Lai Ronghao reply Urology
Hello Jonathan: The rash you described may likely be pearly penile papules. The circumcision procedure takes about thirty minutes and is performed under local anesthesia. The out-of-pocket cost is approximately 1600 to 1700 NTD. You may experience some discomfort for 3 to 5 days ...

Dealing with Phimosis: Understanding Prepuce Edema and Treatment Options

Hello, a few days ago during masturbation, I retracted my foreskin and now I can't return it. I noticed there is foreskin edema. Do I need to see a doctor? If not, how many days will it take to resolve? Also, it seems that the foreskin edema has caused a paraphimosis, but wh...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: You need to see a doctor, and it should be today, as delaying further will make it harder to manage (it is essential to address the situation before the foreskin retracts). Your condition could potentially develop into paraphimosis. The doctor will attempt to reduce it in ...

Understanding Phimosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Recently, I have been unable to retract my foreskin for some reason. If I try to force it, it cracks and bleeds, and there is a lot of white discharge.

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Hello, may I ask if this has just started recently or if it has been like this for a while? If it has only been a few days, based on your description, it is likely a fungal infection, and you should apply topical antifungal medication. When cleaning the area, avoid using soap or ...

Understanding Phimosis and Inflammation: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor, I have often experienced a burning sensation during urination since high school. The symptoms come and go; sometimes it feels better, and other times it flares up. I have a problem with phimosis and have not previously retracted the foreskin properly, just cleaning ...

Dr. Sun Hongshun reply Urology
Hello: Chronic long-term inflammation can potentially cause the foreskin to adhere to the glans, which is an inflammatory response. As you mentioned, not seeing significant improvement after one day of medication is normal, as the effects of medication are not immediate. A circum...