CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Phimosis and paraphimosis
TIGHT FORESKIN
Phimosis is the inability to pull back foreskin over the head of the penis; paraphimosis is the inability to return it
Phimosis is the inability to pull back foreskin over the head of the penis; paraphimosis is the inability to return it
About
Phimosis is the inability to retract foreskin over the glans penis (the head). It isn't a problem unless it leads to pain or swelling. These problems become more obvious during sex or when you get an erection.
Paraphimosis is when the retracted foreskin cannot return to its usual position. As a result, the glans can become painful and swollen.
Paraphimosis is when the retracted foreskin cannot return to its usual position. As a result, the glans can become painful and swollen.
Need to know
For most men, tight foreskins do not lead to problems. If they do, symptoms can include:
- foreskin pain or swelling
- acute urine retention
- ballooning of the foreskin when passing urine (phimosis only)
Boys cannot fully retract their own foreskin before the age of 5. Some may not be able to do so until the age of 10.
Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you to make a diagnosis. They will mostly likely take a medical history. And they may carry out a physical examination of your penis and foreskin. Additional tests can also be carried out, including general blood tests, urine tests and foreskin swabs.
Your consultant will discuss your treatment options, which will depend upon the nature of your problem. These options might include steroid creams or mild analgesics. Circumcision for reuccuring paraphimosis may also be an option.
Our Phimosis and paraphimosis locations
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
Patient stories
Hear from past patients about their experience
The importance of finding the right fertility team: Zoe's story
After experiencing multiple heartbreaking miscarriages, Zoe and Giorgio faced an emotional and uncertain journey to parenthood. Despite setbacks and unanswered questions, they remained determined to find answers and explore new options.
Richard's story
After experiencing what he thought was heartburn, it was the rapid assessment and treatment Richard received at The Harborne Hospital that helped prevent a serious heart problem from becoming much worse.
Sarah's story
Sarah, a health copywriter, aged 47, from Birmingham, was looking forward to enjoying the first few months of married life, when her painful periods revealed a diagnosis of endometriosis and metastatic appendix cancer.