Overview
Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis. It is normal in young boys and usually resolves with age, but in older boys and men it can cause discomfort, hygiene difficulty, or problems with urination and sex. A related emergency, paraphimosis, occurs when a retracted foreskin becomes trapped.
Symptoms
- Inability to fully retract the foreskin
- Ballooning of the foreskin during urination
- Pain or tightness during erections or sex
- Redness, swelling, or recurrent infections of the foreskin
- Difficulty cleaning under the foreskin
Causes & risk factors
- Natural tightness in infancy and early childhood that usually improves with age
- Scarring from repeated infection or inflammation
- Skin conditions affecting the foreskin
- Forceful retraction causing small tears and scarring
- Poorly controlled diabetes increasing infection risk
Treatment & self-care
In children, phimosis often needs no treatment and resolves over time with gentle hygiene. When it causes symptoms, a clinician may recommend topical treatments, gentle stretching guidance, or, in persistent cases, a minor procedure. A foreskin that becomes stuck behind the head of the penis and will not return, with swelling and pain, is an emergency. A urologist can advise on options.
See a doctor urgently if
- A retracted foreskin gets stuck and cannot be returned, with swelling and pain, which is an emergency
- There is pain, recurrent infection, or difficulty urinating
- The foreskin is red, swollen, or has a discharge
- Tightness interferes with sex or daily hygiene
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number — do not wait for an online consultation.