Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin of the penis is too tight and cannot be retracted over the glans penis. This condition can be present from birth (physiological phimosis), which is common in young children and usually resolves naturally as boys grow up. However, phimosis can become problematic if it causes symptoms such as pain, difficulty urinating, or contributes to recurrent infections. Paraphimosis is a more serious condition that occurs when the retracted foreskin cannot be returned to its original position over the glans. This can lead to painful swelling and circulatory disruption, requiring urgent medical intervention to prevent more serious complications.

The diagnosis usually begins with a thorough medical examination and discussion about symptoms and medical history. In phimosis, it’s crucial to determine whether the inability to retract the foreskin over the glans is due to natural reasons, such as physiological phimosis in children, or the result of pathological changes, infections, chronic inflammation, or scarring.
The doctor will carefully examine the penis and assess the elasticity of the foreskin, the presence of scars, or signs of infection. In cases of paraphimosis, the diagnosis is usually made based on a physical examination, where the doctor observes the trapped, retracted foreskin behind the glans, often with visible swelling and redness.

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the penis’s foreskin and can be an effective treatment for both conditions, especially when more conservative methods, such as the application of topical corticosteroid creams or careful stretching of the foreskin, are unsuccessful or inappropriate. Circumcision is considered a safe procedure when properly performed, with a relatively low risk of complications.
In cases where symptoms are mild, a non-surgical approach to treatment, such as regular hygiene and careful stretching of the foreskin under medical supervision, may also be considered. In any case, the decision on treatment should be individualized and based on a comprehensive assessment of medical needs and personal circumstances of the patient.