Phimosis Penis' foreskin not retractable

Dr. Tito Palmela Leitão, revisto a

Phimosis is defined as the impossibility of retracting the foreskin of the penis in uncircumcised men. Almost all newborn males have a physiological phimosis, which is normal and resolves spontaneously in the vast majority of people, during childhood or adolescence. Only 1% of 17-year-olds have phimosis.


Phimosis in adults, also called pathological phimosis, is usually caused by infections (balanoposthitis). The predisposition for these infections increases with poor hygiene habits or with diabetes mellitus.


The most common treatment is circumcision. In some cases, preputioplasty, a surgery in which the foreskin is not removed, is an alternative. Also in some cases, an attempt may be made to resolve it with medical treatment, especially with corticosteroid ointments, for 4 to 6 weeks.


If there is an associated infection, an antibiotic course should be prescribed.

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