Phimosis

Phimosis is narrowing of the opening of the foreskin such that it impedes the flow of urine during urination: the foreskin balloons and it is impossible to retract over the glans. It may predispose to infection under the foreskin (called balanitis, described in this section) and it means that the glans cannot properly be cleaned, which in the long term is a risk factor for Cancer of the penis. In some patients with a degree of phimosis the foreskin may retract and then become stuck behind the glans, a condition called para-phimosis: the glans may become swollen and painful. Usually the foreskin can be reduced under local anaesthetic. Surgery may be required to the foreskin to allow retraction to occur.
 
 
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