Read the Important Facts About Phimosis and Paraphimosis

If you are wondering what Phimosis and Paraphimosis are then you have stumbled into the right article as we discuss those two men’s sexual organ issues.

What is Phimosis?

Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin of a male child cannot be pulled back from the tip of their male organ.

In most cases it often appears as if it is a rubber band tightly tied around the glans of the male organ thus stopping full retraction. Health experts divide the condition into two forms namely; pathologic and physiologic.

Physiological Phimosis; generally baby boys are born naturally with a tight foreskin and the foreskin and the glans of the male organ usually separate by itself naturally with time. It usually affects male children and usually resolves when the child turns about 5 to 7 years of age, this time may be longer in some cases for certain boys.

Pathologic Phimosis; is usually not natural and is often caused by scarring, inflammation, or infection.

In the case where a child suffers from Pathologic Phimosis, retraction of the skin should not be forced as it can lead to scarring and bleeding and pain on the child. When there is ballooning of the male organ during urination by such a child it is advisable for treatment to be instituted.

Can Phimosis Be Treated?

Phimosis treatment of the affected child will depend on the child and also on the severity of the condition. Some of the treatment options for the condition may include; circumcision, gentle daily retraction of the foreskin or local corticosteroid ointment application on the tip of the male organ.

• Circumcision – Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin by way of surgery. It must be noted though that circumcision is not a must requirement for the treatment of Phimosis. It is usually resorted to when a pediatric urologist has tried steroid ointment without success, in cases of pathologic Phimosis, Paraphimosis, urinary tract infections that are recurrent.
• Topical corticosteroid therapy – Topical corticosteroid therapy is usually administered to children with Phimosis. It is considered as the most effective treatment for most male children with the condition. Basically the ointments help to soften the tight foreskin on the male organ for it to retract easily. When you take your child for treatment the medical professional will show you how to apply the ointment on the top part of your son’s organ. The ointment is usually applied at least two times daily for a period of up to 8 weeks. Manual and gentle stretching and retraction of the foreskin at least twice a day is also advised for better results. Use of the ointment is usually discontinued once the foreskin can easily be retracted and may be replaced with manual retraction on a daily basis to prevent any possibility of Phimosis from occurring again.

How the Uncircumcised Male Organ Should Be Cared For?

Usually Paraphimosis occurs when a healthcare professional does not handle the male organ with care during any medical procedure or examination. A physician may for instance forget to return the foreskin to the position it is supposed to be after a medical procedure. It must be noted that in infancy the foreskin usually does not require any complicated care.

Yes, it can gently be retracted when there is need especially after diaper change or after bathing when it needs to be gently cleaned. With time however the male organ will naturally retract itself as the uncircumcised boy continues to age.

What is Paraphimosis?

Paraphimosis is a condition that affects uncircumcised males in which the foreskin cannot be pulled over the glans of the male organ. The result is often a swollen foreskin which gets stuck in some instances cutting off blood supply to the tip of the male organ. Usually if it is not treated it can cause very serious complications to the affected person.

Research has established that in most cases it is usually caused when a health provider handles the foreskin inappropriately when conducting a medical examination or any other penile related medical procedure. When the medical practitioner does not return the foreskin to its rightful after doing a physical exam of the male organ then Paraphimosis may occur.

What are the Causes of Paraphimosis?

Poor handling of the foreskin of a male infant by a healthcare professional during medical examination or procedure is usually the most common cause Paraphimosis. Some other causes of the condition may include the following:

• Infection.
• Any physical trauma to the genitals.
• Any attempt to pull the foreskin back forcibly.
• When the foreskin is too tight than it normal should.
• A foreskin that has been pulled back for longer periods of time.

How is Paraphimosis Diagnosed?

Paraphimosis is usually diagnosed by way of physical examination of the male organ. A doctor may also ask the affected person some questions about the symptoms and things they may be experiencing on their organ or the foreskin.

How is Paraphimosis Treated

Treatment for Paraphimosis usually varies depending on the age of the affected person or the severity of the condition. The doctor will first deal with the swelling by applying ice, removal of pus or blood from the swollen part and also injection of a type medication that helps to reduce swelling. In very severe cases minor surgery in form of incisions may be instituted to help reduce tension.