Does Phimosis Always Require Circumcision in Men

Facts and Advice regarding tight foreskin

Male circumcision is rarely mentioned in everyday conversation, leaving many unaware of conditions related to the foreskin. Among these, phimosis—a condition characterised by a tight foreskin—often goes undiscussed, potentially leading to undiagnosed complications that can impact one's sexual health. This blog explores phimosis, its causes, treatments, and whether circumcision is always necessary.

Understanding Phimosis

Phimosis occurs when the foreskin is too tight, making it challenging to retract and reveal the tip of the penis. This tightness can lead to minor trauma during erections and sexual activity, causing scarring and the loss of elasticity of the foreskin. In adults, phimosis is associated with infections, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and conditions like balanitis.

Facts About Phimosis

Physiological phimosis in children often improves with age, as the foreskin's attachment between the glans and foreskin breaks down, forming smegma pearls. Most boys have a fully retractile foreskin by the age of 10-12 years. Pathological phimosis, on the other hand, is a medical condition marked by a diseased or scarred foreskin. It's crucial to distinguish between naturally tight foreskin (physiological phimosis) and scarred tight foreskin (pathological Phimosis), as treatments differ.

Paraphimosis, a condition where the foreskin gets stuck behind the head of the penis due to a tight ring, requires emergency treatment. This can be addressed by pulling the foreskin forward or through widening the foreskin (preputioplasty or dorsal slit) to preserve the foreskin.

Causes of Phimosis

Various factors contribute to phimosis, including skin conditions (lichen sclerosis - BXO, Lichen planus, Eczema), infections (syphilis, chancroid, genital herpes), scarring, and a potential link to penile cancer. Studies suggest circumcised men have lower rates of certain infections and penile cancer.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Treatment depends on age and the degree of phimosis. It may involve steroids, stretching exercises, or antifungal/antibiotic medications. However, caution is needed with pulling scarred foreskin, as it may lead to further tearing and scarring. Home treatments are possible for mild cases, involving daily cleansing, washing, and controlled stretching exercises. Diabetic men may need more blood sugar control to avoid cracked foreskin.

Surgical Treatments

Several surgical options exist, each targeting the tightness of the foreskin:

1. Frenuloplasty: Releasing the frenulum to detach it from the head of the penis.

2. Preputioplasty: Increasing the foreskin's diameter through an incision in front of the foreskin to allow full retraction.

3. Partial Circumcision: Leaving part of the foreskin covering the head of the penis.

4. Full Circumcision: The standard surgical option for severe cases primarily associated with cracked foreskin (BXO) phimosis, traumatic injury, or penile cancer.

Considerations for Full Circumcision

While full circumcision is a standard option, it is irreversible. Alternatives include antibiotics, antifungal medications, steroids, frenulum excision, V-Y preputioplasty, and frenuloplasty. The choice should be discussed with a specialist or urologist based on individual circumstances.

In summary, phimosis is a condition with various treatment options. Full circumcision is not always the only choice, and alternatives should be explored based on personal preferences and medical Advice. Prioritising your health and engaging in open discussions with healthcare professionals for informed decisions regarding phimosis management is essential.

Understanding Phimosis: Causes, Treatments, and Alternatives to Circumcision

Introduction:

Male circumcision is a topic that often does not receive the attention it deserves, leading to a lack of information about conditions related to the foreskin. Among these conditions, phimosis is a common yet often misunderstood issue. This blog aims to shed light on phimosis, its causes, available treatments, and alternatives to the traditional solution of circumcision.

What is Phimosis in adults and men?

Phimosis refers to a condition where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back, making it difficult or impossible to expose the tip of the penis. While some cases may resolve naturally as children grow, others can lead to complications when left untreated. Let's delve into this condition's details and explore its contributing factors.

Causes of Phimosis:

1. Skin Conditions: Skin disorders like Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO), Lichen planus, or Eczema can result in scarring that leads to phimosis.

2. Infections: Studies show that circumcised men have a lower risk of sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, chancroid, and genital herpes (HSV-2).

3. Scarring: Severe scarring, often caused by BXO, can tighten the foreskin.

4. Potential Cancer: Uncircumcised men have an increased risk of penile cancer. Phimosis, especially chronic, is linked to a higher incidence of penile cancer.

Differentiating Between Types of Phimosis in children and adults:

It's essential to distinguish between physiological phimosis (natural tight foreskin) and pathological phimosis (diseased or scarred foreskin). Treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of phimosis.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options:

For mild cases, nonsurgical treatments may be effective:

1. Steroid Cream/Ointment: Applying these can help reduce inflammation and loosen the foreskin.

2. Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises can gradually increase the flexibility of the foreskin.

3. Anti-Fungal or Antibiotics: These can be used to address infections contributing to phimosis.

However, it's crucial to note that scarred foreskin in children and adults might not respond well to stretching and could lead to further complications.

Surgical Treatments for tight foreskin:

When nonsurgical methods fall short, surgical interventions are considered:

• Frenuloplasty: A procedure to release the frenulum, allowing the foreskin to detach from the head of the penis.

• Preputioplasty: This procedure involves an incision to expand the foreskin's diameter, facilitating retraction.

• Partial Circumcision: Removing part of the foreskin, leaving some coverage over the glans.

• Full Circumcision: The complete removal of the foreskin, often considered for severe cases like BXO phimosis or penile cancer.

Considering Alternatives to circumcision

If full circumcision isn't preferred, alternatives include various treatments and procedures. These can be discussed with specialists or urologists based on individual preferences and needs.

Conclusion:

Phimosis in men and children is a condition that requires attention and proper treatment. Whether it's physiological or pathological, understanding the causes and available treatments is essential for maintaining penile health. While surgical options like circumcision exist, nonsurgical methods and alternative treatments offer viable choices. If you or someone you know is experiencing phimosis, consulting with a top London Urologist will provide insights into the best course of action for the best sexual health.

Please book at the London Circumcision Centre for further consultation and circumcision.

Adult Circumcision, London UK

When will circumcision be needed for tight foreskin (phimosis) in adults or older men?

Male circumcision is rarely discussed, leading to insufficient information about foreskin conditions. This causes many conditions to go unnoticed, worsening one's health. One such condition is phimosis, where the foreskin is too tight to retract. Sometimes, it can fold back when the penis is relaxed but not when erect. This tightness causes minor damage during erections and sexual activity, leading to scarring. In adults, phimosis can be associated with infections like balanitis or sexually transmitted diseases.

Facts:

- Physiological phimosis in children often improves with age. The foreskin attachment breaks down, releasing a white material called smegma pearls. Most boys have a fully retractable foreskin by ages 10-12.

- Pathological phimosis is a medical condition caused by disease or scarring (BXO). It's important to distinguish it from a natural tight foreskin (physiological phimosis) as treatments differ.

Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin gets stuck behind the penis head due to a tight ring. It requires immediate treatment, such as pulling the foreskin forward or preputioplasty to preserve it.

Causes:

- Skin conditions like BXO, Lichen planus, or Eczema.

- Infections: Circumcised men have lower rates of sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, chancroid, and genital herpes (HSV-2).

- Scarring: BXO can cause severe scarring and phimosis.

- Potential cancer: There's a long-known link between un-circumcised men and penile cancer, especially in cases of phimosis history.

Non-surgical treatment:

Treatment for phimosis depends on age and severity. Options include:

- Steroid creams or ointments.

- Stretching exercises in early stages.

- Antifungal or antibiotic medications.

However, stretching scarred foreskin may cause more tearing and scarring. Scientific evidence is lacking for its effectiveness. Phimosis creams have had limited success in recent reports. Mild phimosis symptoms in adults can be managed by using condoms and lubricants during sexual activity.

Mild tight foreskin caused by fungal infection can be treated with antifungal medications and steroid cream. Adults with high blood glucose levels (diabetes mellitus) and phimosis may require circumcision due to recurring fungal infection or possible BXO. Tight foreskin (phimosis) in diabetic patients often requires circumcision and biopsy of the foreskin.

Surgical treatments:

- Frenuloplasty: A procedure that releases the frenulum, a small fold of tissue. It allows the foreskin to detach from the penis head.

- Preputioplasty: A procedure that expands the foreskin by an incision in front, enabling full retraction.

- Partial circumcision: Leaving part of the foreskin covering the penis head. It has long-term complications.

- Full circumcision: The standard surgical option with glue or stitches for tight foreskin, particularly for BXO phimosis, traumatic injury, or penile cancer.

If sexual activity is painful or uncomfortable due to phimosis, urgent treatment is needed. Home treatment includes daily cleansing, controlled stretching exercises, and clearing smegma. Infections with tight foreskin (balanitis) require antibiotic or antifungal treatment. It's essential to get examined for sexually transmitted diseases by a GUM clinic or a doctor.

In summary, there are various alternatives to full circumcision, such as medications, creams, frenuloplasty, preputioplasty, or a combination. These options should be discussed with a specialist or urologist. Full circumcision without any medical problems should be seriously considered as it is irreversible surgery.

PS: This information is for guidance only. This is not a replacement for professional medical advice. Please call Dr Khan for video consultation £150 advice at +447527314081 without any obligation.

Diabetes and Tight Foreskin

A comprehensive study conducted in the United Kingdom focused on a group of 100 men ranging in age from 17 to 82 years, with an average age of 38 years. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of phimosis, a condition characterized by the tight foreskin, in this population.

The researchers found that among the participants, 31% had a lifelong history of phimosis, meaning they had experienced this condition since birth or early childhood, while the remaining 69% had acquired phimosis, meaning it developed later in life. It is worth noting that the prevalence of acquired phimosis was significantly higher than that of lifelong phimosis.

Additionally, the study revealed that among the men with acquired phimosis, 32% had a medical history of diabetes. This finding indicated a notable association between acquired phimosis and diabetes. In fact, the data showed that men with a history of diabetes were 6.7 times more likely to develop phimosis compared to those without diabetes.

Moreover, the researchers observed that phimosis could potentially serve as a warning sign for diabetes. Surprisingly, among the men who had acquired phimosis but had no previous history of glucose metabolism disorders or diabetes, 12% were found to have diabetes (8%) or impaired fasting glycemia (4%). This prevalence of diabetes was higher than the national average in the UK, which stood at 3.6% during the study period. These findings suggest that the presence of phimosis in some individuals may indicate an increased likelihood of diabetes or related metabolic disorders.

It is important to note that balanitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the glans penis, is commonly associated with diabetes. The recurrent infections and scarring resulting from balanitis are likely contributing factors to the development of phimosis in individuals with diabetes.

In summary, this UK-based study shed light on the prevalence and implications of phimosis in a diverse group of men. The findings indicate that acquired phimosis is more common than lifelong phimosis and that there is a significant association between phimosis and diabetes. Furthermore, the study suggests that phimosis could potentially serve as an indicator of diabetes, as a higher proportion of men with phimosis were found to have diabetes or impaired fasting glycemia compared to the general population. The study also emphasized the relationship between balanitis and phimosis in individuals with diabetes, highlighting the role of recurrent infections and scarring in the development of this condition.

We provide is comprehensive treatment of tight foreskin (Phimosis) and also we treat with tight foreskin with diabetics. In some patients , BXO or lichen sclerosis is also present which required treatment in the form of topical steroids, antibiotics, anti fugal and circumcision in most of the advanced BXO.

Reference:

SJ Bromage, A Crump, I Pearce

Phimosis as a presenting feature of diabetes

BJU Int, 101 (2007), pp. 338-340