Prevalence of Phimosis and Curved Erection in Taiwanese Men - Urology

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Regarding the prevalence of certain issues among men?


I would like to ask the doctor what the approximate prevalence of phimosis (or excessive foreskin) is among men in Taiwan? Additionally, what is the percentage of men in Taiwan who have a downward curvature of the penis during erection? Or, based on your experience with patients, how common are these two conditions among the men you have seen? I happen to have both conditions.
Thank you.

Dàdà, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/12/20

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology


Hello, the estimated prevalence of phimosis in Taiwan is around 5-10%.
Generally, the rate of circumcision among Taiwanese males is approximately 20-30%.
In other words, about 2-3 out of every 10 males have undergone circumcision.
However, not all of these individuals necessarily have phimosis.

As for the prevalence of penile curvature, it is estimated to be less than 1%, and most cases do not require surgical intervention.
Nonetheless, it is rare for a penis to have no curvature at all; most will have some degree of curvature.
The aforementioned 1% refers to those with significant curvature that may require surgery.

The numbers provided do not hold particular significance for your situation.
If the curvature is severe, you may consider surgery, which can also correct the phimosis at the same time.
If you have any further questions or need more detailed information, feel free to ask for further discussion.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai
Department of Urology
Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2009/12/20

More Info


Phimosis, or the inability to retract the foreskin over the glans penis, is a condition that can affect males of various ages. In the context of Taiwanese men, studies suggest that the prevalence of phimosis can vary, but it is generally estimated to be around 1% to 3% in adult males. This condition is more commonly observed in younger boys, as many will naturally outgrow it as they reach puberty. However, in adults, phimosis can lead to complications such as pain during erections, difficulty with hygiene, and increased risk of infections.

Curved erection, or penile curvature, is another condition that can affect men. The prevalence of penile curvature varies widely depending on the population studied and the criteria used for defining curvature. In general, it is estimated that about 5% to 10% of men may experience some degree of penile curvature. This curvature can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired, often due to conditions such as Peyronie's disease, which is characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis.

In clinical practice, both phimosis and penile curvature are relatively common conditions that urologists encounter. Many men may not seek medical advice for these issues unless they experience significant discomfort or complications. It is important to note that while both conditions can be concerning, they are often manageable with appropriate medical intervention.

For phimosis, treatment options may include topical steroid creams to help loosen the foreskin, or in more severe cases, circumcision may be recommended. For penile curvature, treatment options depend on the severity and the underlying cause. Mild curvature may not require treatment, while more significant curvature that affects sexual function may be treated with medications, injections, or surgical procedures.

If you are experiencing both phimosis and curved erection, it is advisable to consult a urologist. They can provide a thorough evaluation and discuss potential treatment options tailored to your specific situation. It is also important to address any concerns you may have regarding these conditions, as they can impact both physical health and psychological well-being.

In summary, while phimosis and curved erection are conditions that can affect Taiwanese men, they are not uncommon. The prevalence of phimosis is estimated to be around 1% to 3% in adults, while penile curvature may affect about 5% to 10% of men. If you have concerns about these conditions, seeking medical advice is the best course of action to ensure proper management and treatment.

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