Phimosis
Introduction
Phimosis is a common condition in which the foreskin tightens, preventing the glans from being completely unclipped. It can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired following infection, inflammation or trauma.
⚠️ Severe phimosis can lead to pain, infections, and urinary or sexual complications .
💡 Good news: solutions do exist! With the right treatment, you can regain comfort and well-being in your daily life.
What is phimosis?
Phimosis is a narrowing of the foreskin that prevents or makes it difficult to retract the foreskin. It is normal in young children but should gradually disappear during adolescence. In adults, it can be bothersome or even pathological .
📌 A few figures:
✅ Around 10% of 3-year-olds still have phimosis.
✅ It persists in 1% of adolescents and adults and can cause discomfort.
✅ Aggravating factors include infection, inflammation, trauma and painful intercourse.
What are the symptoms?
Phimosis can be asymptomatic, but when it becomes problematic, several signs may appear:
- Difficulty or impossibility of detaching the glans
- Pain during erections or intercourse
- Frequent infections (balanitis, urinary tract infections)
- Redness, swelling and inflammation of the foreskin
- Urinary discomfort in cases of severe narrowing
📌 It can develop gradually. Early intervention helps prevent complications.
What causes phimosis?
Phimosis can be caused by :
1️⃣ Congenital (since childhood)
- Foreskin naturally tight from birth.
- May persist if unhooding has never been possible.
2️⃣ Acquired (development in adulthood)
- Chronic infections and inflammation (balanitis, posthitis).
- Repetitive strain injury (forced unhooding, excessive rubbing).
- Excessive scarring due to foreskin fibrosis.
- Diabetes (promotes infection and tissue rigidity).
📌 Phimosis may be progressive and require appropriate management.
Impact on daily and intimate life
It can lead to various complications, impacting comfort, health and sexual life .
- Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia).
- Difficulty or inability to maintain proper intimate hygiene.
- Increased urinary tract and genital infections.
- Aesthetic discomfort and loss of self-confidence.
💡 It’s essential to consult a specialist to avoid aggravation and return to a life free of pain and discomfort.
What solutions exist?
1️⃣ Drug treatments (mild to moderate cases)
- Corticoid-based creams (betamethasone): soften the foreskin and facilitate its enlargement.
- Local antiseptics in case of associated inflammation.
- Antibiotics if infection is present.
📌 Creams are often effective for children and teenagers, but less so for adults.
2️⃣ Surgical treatments (Severe or Persistent cases)
If drug treatments are not sufficient, surgery may be proposed:
- Posthectomy (partial or total circumcision): removes all or part of the foreskin.
- Foreskin plasty: enlarges the orifice to allow unhooding without completely removing the foreskin.
📌 Surgery is a definitive and effective solution, suitable for cases resistant to local treatments.
Why consult a specialist?
A consultation allows :
- Assess the severity of phimosis and its consequences.
- Consider appropriate treatment (creams, exercises or surgery).
- Avoid complications and regain comfort and well-being.
📌 Don’t let it ruin your daily life. The earlier it’s addressed, the simpler the treatment.
Do you suffer from phimosis?
Requirements
Patient pathway
Let me introduce you to the classic patient journey, my approach to urology and the way I work.
Do you suffer from phimosis?
Don’t let this problem affect your comfort and intimacy.
📍 Cabinet Urologie Paris Opéra – Paris 17th district
📅 Face-to-face consultation or teleconsultation
📞 Book an appointment today