The Different Stages of Phimosis

What is Phimosis?

Phimosis is a condition that causes the foreskin to be pulled back over the head of the penis. While it is more common in newborns, it does sometimes continue into adulthood. These are some of the symptoms of phimosis:

• Swelling of the penis.
• Pain during urination.
• Blood in urine.
• Regular urinary tract infections.

The causes of phimosis are:

• Natural Development:

Phimosis in newbornsis a natural state.

• Trauma:

Trauma that leads to scarring and restriction of the foreskin’s movement.

• Balanitis:

Inflammation of the penis glans.

 

The Stages of Phimosis:

Phimosis Stages:

There are five stages of phimosis that differ in their severity. These include:

1^stStage: Pinhole Phimosis

It is more severe in adults. Pinhole phimosis causes problems during sexual intercourse. To improve, wear a Phimostretch ring that is up to 3mm or 4 mm diameter ring.

2^ndStage: Glans Visible

After putting the 3 to 4mm diameter phimostretch ring  you can put a 5mm sized ring of the same kind. At this stage, your sensitive glans will be visible. But your foreskin still cannot completely retract over the glans and if you try it may cause extra tears. Hence, the phimostretch rings must continue to be used to stretch the foreskin regularly to progress to the next ring.

3^rdStage: Can Retract Behind Corona When Flaccid

In stage 3, your rings will range from 18mm to 26 mm. These rings will no longer make your foreskin feel tight behind the corona when your penis is flaccid. Your penis will be able to move freely without any tightness. However, you will find it difficult to retractover the corona during erection.

4^thStage: The foreskin can retract up to the Corona during an erection:

In this stage you may not be able to get a complete erection, nonetheless, you will have more stretching capability, and the foreskin becomes wider over time. At this stage, you can wear rings that are between 26mm to 34mm in diameter.

5^thStage: Mild phimosis

Mild phimosis is the last stage. In this stage, you can retract behind the corona, but there may still be some tightness. To solve this problem, you can apply rings that are of 1 or 2 more sizes to remove tightness in your foreskin movement.

 

Treatments for Phimosis:

In most newborns, phimosis is a natural phenomenon and will go away as the child grows. However, if phimosis persists after the child becomes an adult then it will need to be treated:

• Steroid cream:

A steroid cream may be applied to the skin of your penis.

• Stretch the foreskin:

Stretch the foreskin after about two weeks of using the steroid cream. You should stretch the skin very gently, pulling it backwithout hurting yourself.

• Surgery:

If your child is experiencing difficulty, their healthcare provider might make an incision in the foreskin that will help you pull it back. If you are an adult with scar tissue, you will probably be recommended circumcision.

 

Phimosis is a harmful condition that needs treatment. If you or your child has this problem, come to the Chennai Circumcision Clinic for treatment. No matter what stage your phimosis is in, we are confident that we will be able to treat you.