Is it OK to have phimosis?

It’s normal for babies and young boys to have a tight foreskin (phimosis), but adults can also be affected. See a GP if your or your child’s foreskin is sore or swollen.

Can you live with phimosis?

If daily retraction is enough to loosen the foreskin, then pulling it back gently when bathing or urinating should be enough to keep the penis from any hygiene-related complications. Phimosis can be a serious and painful condition. However, it’s treatable, and outcomes are usually very good.

Can an 18 year old have phimosis?

Phimosis will occur in less than 1 percent of teenagers between 16 and 18. It is most likely to occur in older boys with: repeated urinary tract infections.

How long does adult phimosis last?

The foreskin usually becomes more pliable over the next few years, with phimosis completely resolving by age 7. If a boy is circumcised, then phimosis isn’t possible. The other category is pathologic phimosis.

Does foreskin tighten with age?

In young boys, a tight foreskin is considered congenital, which means it’s something they have at birth. When this happens, it’s categorized as physiologic phimosis. The foreskin usually becomes more pliable over the next few years, with phimosis completely resolving by age 7.

Do condoms help phimosis?

Can I have sex when I have phimosis? You can have sex when you have phimosis, but it might not feel good. Sexual activity might cause the foreskin to rip. It’s important that you use a condom and lubrication in order to avoid this.

Can I pull my foreskin back at 17?

Phimosis is caused by a tightening of the opening of the foreskin. This is normal in a newborn baby. Over time the foreskin loosens and can be pulled down more easily. By age 17, most boys will be able to fully retract their foreskin.

At what age should foreskin be fully retractable?

Most boys will be able to retract their foreskins by the time they are 5 years old, yet others will not be able to until the teen years. As a boy becomes more aware of his body, he will most likely discover how to retract his own foreskin. But foreskin retraction should never be forced.

Does phimosis go away in adults?

In adults, phimosis will not go away unless surgery is performed or an infection is treated.

What is phimosis?

Phimosis is caused by a tightening of the opening of the foreskin. This is normal in a newborn baby. Over time the foreskin loosens and can be pulled down more easily. By age 17, most boys will be able to fully retract their foreskin.

What is phimosis and paraphimosis in children?

What is phimosis and paraphimosis in children? Phimosis and paraphimosis are problems with the foreskin of the penis. Phimosis is when a foreskin can’t be pulled down (retracted) from the tip of the penis. This is a common problem in young boys. Paraphimosis is when the foreskin is retracted but can’t move back up.

How do you get rid of phimosis?

Phimosis. This is an effective treatment in most males. These topical ointments are used to help soften the tight foreskin around the penis, so the foreskin may be easily retracted. Your provider will demonstrate how to apply the ointment to the tight ring of foreskin and/or head of the penis.

When to call the healthcare provider if your child has phimosis?

Call the healthcare provider if your child has: Phimosis and paraphimosis are problems with the foreskin of the penis. Phimosis is when a foreskin can’t be pulled down (retracted) from the tip of the penis. This is a common problem in young boys.