Phimosis
Phimosis
Phimosis is a tightening of the foreskin that normally folds over the penis. This tightening may squeeze the penis, which may swell until it cuts off blood flow, damaging the tissue.
Phimosis usually is caused by infection and scarring, but it may be present at birth (congenital). Once the foreskin tightens, returning it to its normal position over the head of the penis may become difficult or impossible.
Correcting phimosis often requires surgery to remove the foreskin (circumcision).
Credits
| Author | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology |
| Last Updated | February 19, 2008 |
| Last updated: | February 19, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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