Options Used To Relieve Tight Foreskin Without Surgery

By Barbara Watson


Phimosis refers to a medical condition in which the foreskin of the penis is very difficult to retract behind the glans penis. This situation often leads to numerous complications hence the need to have it corrected as soon as possible. Traditionally, circumcision has been the main form of intervention. In some cases, however, circumcision may not be possible and other alternatives need to be used. We will look at these alternatives that can relieve tight foreskin without surgery.

Phimosis is a very common occurrence among male infants and toddlers. In most instances, it is a transient problem that resolves without intervention. This common type is what is usually known as physiological phimosis and is caused by the presence of naturally occurring adhesions between the glans and the skin. The other type is the persistent or pathological type that is due to trauma and infections.

There is a need for a proper diagnosis for the right type of management to be instituted. In most cases, the process is clinical with laboratory investigations not being utilized. However, such tests may be needed to identify and assess complications associated with phimosis. Among the most important roles of the diagnosis process is to differentiate between the physiological and pathological types.

There are a number of situations in which circumcision is inappropriate. For instance, if parents feel that the act goes against their cultural practices then another option should be sought. Some people may also decide against the surgery because of the associated risks and cost. Removal of the skin may be harmful due to pre-existing medical conditions. The skin may be needed for the repair of conditions such as epispadias and hypospadias.

Instead of doing a complete surgical removal of the foreskin, a surgeon can perform what is referred to as conservative surgery. This form of surgery is performed by making small incisions in one part of the skin (either the upper part or the side). The incision made makes it possible to retract the skin. The main disadvantage of this approach is that phimosis may recur.

Dilatation and stretching is another important non surgical method. It involves pulling the foreskin so as to increase its retractibility. A small amount of local anaesthetic is infiltrated into the area to reduce the pain associated with the area. Advantages associated with this method include less pain and less cost as compared to circumcision. This option is considered inappropriate in persons that already have infections.

Topical steroids are another non surgical option that may be considered. They are believed to be effective in managing this problem due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is also possible that They also have some anti immunity effects as well. The disadvantage with using steroids is that phimosis is likely to recur because the foreskin is left in place. Thinning of the foreskin as a side effect is also a common observation.

Circumcision has been the mainstay of management for phimosis for many years. However, the risks that come with the procedure necessitate alternative options. A number of these alternatives exist. The choice is largely dependent on the advantages and disadvantages of the specific method.




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