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Anita suffered from frequent genital tract infections. She did not suspect that her boyfriend was the source of the contamination. It was only when she noticed that his penis was red and swollen that she insisted that Marek should see a urologist.
– It is often the case that men with phimosis report to the doctor only because they were forced by their partners. A patient who had suffered from phimosis for 30 years came to my office. He was sent to the doctor by his wife, says urologist Dr. Jan Wolski. He adds that the patient’s penis was terribly swollen. Under the patient’s glued foreskin there was a foul whitish-yellow goo, formed by the accumulation of exfoliated epithelium, sebum, urine and semen.
Phimosis – symptoms
Phimosis (pour. phimosis) can appear at any age. It consists in narrowing the mouth of the foreskin, which prevents or makes it difficult to slide down the penis not only when erect, but also at rest. Phimosis is also a condition in which the foreskin is allowed to drain into the gastric groove, but causes pressure and pain due to the narrowing of the erection.
The disease can be acquired due to numerous – and often unnoticeable or underestimated – inflammations of the foreskin, penile injuries, and it can exist almost from birth. – Unfortunately, not always men or boys realize that this is a very serious problem that should be quickly removed – says Dr. Wolski. Narrowing the foreskin that makes it difficult to slide it off is often painful, especially during intercourse. Men neglect hygiene because it hurts even more when washing. This promotes inflammation under the foreskin, which in turn causes swelling. Forced sliding of the foreskin leads to the formation of cracks, after which scars form, which further impede the mobility of the foreskin.
If you have symptoms of phimosis, see a urologist immediately. You can find a specialist in your area on the website clinics.pl.
Complications of untreated phimosis
Inflammation under the foreskin, caused not only by residual and decomposing urine, exfoliating epithelium, sebum and semen, but also by bacteria, causes recurrent urinary tract infections, the most severe consequence of which may be kidney damage up to complete failure. Then only dialysis or kidney transplantation are the only solution. Inflammation can also infect your sperm, and this can lead to infertility. Changes under the foreskin are also the cause of precancerous conditions and even penile cancer.
Sexual contacts of a patient with phimosis are dangerous for partners because they are at risk of recurrent inflammation of the urinary tract and internal genital organs. It is also suspected that it may contribute to cervical cancer.
- Does your partner have regular smear tests – check with her or not too rarely?
Treatment of phimosis – circumcision
Phimosis is treated by circumcision, i.e. shortening the foreskin. In children, they are performed under general anesthesia, and in adults – under local anesthesia. The procedure is performed with a scalpel or scissors. There are also special devices that facilitate precise cutting. – A special thimble is placed on the glans, and a ring on the foreskin, which helps to make a perfect circular incision. Then the rest of the foreskin is sewn onto the glans. The entire procedure takes from half an hour to 45 minutes – explains Dr. Wolski. The wound takes two to four weeks to heal. After this time, the adult male can resume normal sexual activity.
How much does phimosis surgery cost?
Circumcision and sexual pleasure
– Many of my patients are afraid of injections with anesthesia. Then I ask them to pinch their penis a little and inform them that it will be this kind of pain when administering an anesthetic, then nothing hurts – says Dr. Wolski. He adds that men often ask if they will experience any discomfort due to the lack of a foreskin. The urologist replies that some change may be felt initially. – I ask patients if it makes a difference for them to walk barefoot on the carpet and in shoes. They answer that basically no. The foot gets used to the shoes and after a while we do not feel them at all. And so it is with circumcision – he explains. He adds that patients say that the procedure certainly does not impair sexual experience. Those who felt soreness during intercourse due to phimosis, they wonder why they waited so long, because after being circumcised they got to know what sex really is. The partners also do not complain about the quality of the sensations. Remember that many Americans, for example, are circumcised and therefore do not complain about bad sex.
Read also:
- Paraphimosis – complication of phimosis
- Priapism, snuff – painful erection
- Penile fracture
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