Know, phimosis doesn't just happen to children, it can happen to adults too!

Phimosis is a medical condition in which the foreskin (the skin covering the tip of the penis) cannot be pulled back to reveal the head of the penis (glans penis). This condition generally occurs in children and usually improves with age. However, in some cases, phimosis can persist into adulthood and require medical intervention. 

Phimosis can occur due to several factors, including:

1. Physiological Phimosis: This is a normal condition in babies and children where the foreskin is still attached to the glans. Over time, the foreskin will naturally fall off.
2. Pathological Phimosis: This occurs due to inflammation, infection, or injury to the foreskin causing scarring and narrowing of the foreskin. The main causes of pathological phimosis include:

• Recurrent infections (balanitis)
• Sexually transmitted disease
• Poor hygiene
• Trauma or injury to the foreskin

Symptoms of phimosis vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

• Difficulty or inability to pull the foreskin back
• Pain when urinating
• Swelling of the foreskin or head of the penis
• Redness or inflammation of the foreskin
• Recurrent infections of the penis head and foreskin

Treatment of phimosis depends on the patient's age and the severity of the condition. Some treatment options include:

1.  Non-Surgical Treatment:

• Steroid Creams: Topical steroid creams can help soften and widen the foreskin, making it easier to retract.
• Stretching Exercises: Gently and regularly stretching the foreskin can help reduce narrowing.

2.  Surgical Treatment:

• Circumcision: This procedure involves removing part or all of the foreskin. Circumcision is a permanent solution for phimosis and can also prevent other health problems.
• Preputioplasty: This surgical procedure involves cutting and widening the foreskin without removing it. This is an alternative for those who wish to retain the foreskin.

Some steps you can take to prevent phimosis include:

• Maintain good penis hygiene
• Avoid trauma or injury to the foreskin
• Treat any infection or inflammation of the penis as soon as possible

Phimosis is a condition that can cause discomfort and health problems if not treated properly. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options. If you or your child experiences symptoms of phimosis, consult a doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment. With proper treatment, phimosis can be treated and prevent further complications. Hermina Purwokerto Hospital has a Urology Specialist that Hermina Friends can consult. 

 Access to registration can be done in the following 4 ways:
1. Download the mobile application on Playstore (Type Hello Hermina)
2. Call Call Center 1500488
3. Via website -> www.herminahospitals.com
4. Via the Halodoc applicatio

Reference :

1. Mayo Clinic - Phimosis : https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/sexual-health-male-reproductive-problems-penis-disorders
2. WebMD - Phimosis and Paraphimosis : https://www.entnet.org/quality-practice/quality-products/clinical-practice-guidelines/cerumen-impaction/
3. NHS - Phimosis : https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/phimosis/
4. Cleveland Clinic - Phimosis : https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22065-phimosis
5. Urology Care Foundation - Phimosis: https://www.theurologyfoundation.org/urology-health/male-reproductive-organs-conditions/phimosis-foreskin-problems/#:~:text=About%20Phimosis&text=Phimosis%20occurs%20when%20the%20foreskin,more%20comfortable%20without%20this%20condition.