Phimosis
What is phimosis?
Phimosis means that the foreskin over the head of the penis is very tight and cannot be pulled back easily. This only happens with an uncircumcised penis.
Phimosis is normal in newborns. It usually goes away by the time a boy is 7 to 10 years of age.
Phimosis may happen in adults after an injury, infection, or irritation. If it happens after an infection or injury it may require treatment.
What is the cause?
In older boys and men, phimosis may be caused by:
- Pulling the foreskin back with too much force when cleaning the penis. The force can tear the skin and create a scar that causes the foreskin to get tighter.
- Infections of the penis or urinary tract, which can cause swelling, irritation, and scarring
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may include:
- Not being able to pull the foreskin back all the way
- Pain and swelling
- Problems urinating
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you.
How is it treated?
Treatment for phimosis depends on the cause and how severe your symptoms are. Treatment usually involves gently moving your foreskin back and forth each day after you urinate. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a steroid cream to help soften the tight foreskin so it can move more easily. This helps to keep the foreskin from getting stuck again.
You may also need to be treated for infections, swelling, or irritation of the penis.
If you have severe symptoms or ongoing problems, your healthcare provider may advise surgery to remove the foreskin, called circumcision.
How can I take care of myself?
Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. Ask your provider:
- How long it will take to recover
- If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to normal activities
- How to take care of yourself at home
- What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them
Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.
How can I help prevent ongoing phimosis?
To help prevent the problem from happening again:
- When moving the foreskin to clean the penis, do it gently, and return the foreskin to its normal place when you are finished cleaning.
- Gently return your foreskin to its normal place after bathing urinating, or sexual activity.
Phimosis: References
Jones, R., Angermeier, K., Wildenfels, P., and Baustian, G. (2011). First Consult/Elsevier. Retrieved 9/16/14.
Boston Children’s Hospital, no author or date. Accessed 11/10/13 – http://www.childrenshospital.org/health-topics/conditions/p/phimosis-and-paraphimosis
Medline Plus, last updated 10/9/2012 by Linda J. Vorvick, MD and Scott Miller, MD, reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA. Accessed 11/10/13 – http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001281.htm
University of California at San Francisco, written 3/19/13 by Pediatric Urology staff (Baskin, Copp, DiSandro, Arnhym, Champeau and Kennedy). Accessed 11/10/13 – http://urology.ucsf.edu/patient-care/children/phimosis
UpToDate, updated Oct 24, 2012 by Matthew Tews, DO and Jonathan I Singer, MD. Accessed 11/10/13 (via Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta intranet) –
Up To Date, updated 9/9/2013 by Duncan Wilcox MD. Accessed 12/1/2013 (via Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta intranet) –
University of Rochester Health Encyclopedia, no date or author listed. Accessed 11/19/13 – http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/Encyclopedia/Content.aspx?ContentTypeID=90&ContentID=P03104