What is phimosis?
Phimosis is a medical condition, occurring in many un-circumcised men, in which the foreskin cannot be fully retracted over the head of the penis. The condition is embarrassing and reduces sensitivity of the penis during sexual intercourse. Commonly it also leads to infection of the head of the penis, causing irritation and discharge. It is estimated that between 1% and 5% of adult men have phimosis.
In addition to this adult phimosis there are some other, related, conditions.
Childhood phimosis. The foreskin of young boys is often attached to the head of the penis and cannot be fully retracted. This is completely normal - the foreskin will detach in time. As a teenager it is more likely that the foreskin can be fully retracted, until by the age of 15 most boys can retract the foreskin having grown out of their childhood phimosis. If you believe your child has a case of phimosis, which is not of the natural childhood type, then you should consult a qualified medical practitioner before using Glansie.
Paraphimosis. This is a serious condition where the foreskin has been retracted, and cannot return to the normal position. The preputial ring is too tight, squeezing the shaft of the penis, and possibly cutting off the blood supply. Paraphimosis should be considered an emergency and medical help sought.
Is it essential to cure phimosis?
It is not essential that you cure phimosis. Many people tolerate it, however there are two improvements you will notice if you cure your phimosis:
The head of the penis can be cleaned properly, ensuring that you do not suffer from frequent infection.
Sexual pleasure will be increased if the foreskin is fully retracted. The most sensitive area of the penis is the underside of the head, which is hidden under the foreskin.
How can I cure phimosis?
The best methods of curing phimosis involve stretching the foreskin gradually, so that after a while it can be retracted easily. Obviously stretching is preferred over the surgical techniques, particularly circumcision, as they leave the foreskin in its natural state.
Stretching using Glansie. The Glansie device is inserted in the opening of the foreskin. It is used to stretch the preputial ring - the fibrous ring at the end of the foreskin which prevents the foreskin from being fully retracted. Your medical practitioner may recommend that you use a steroid cream in conjunction with Glansie, rubbing the cream into the tight skin at the end of the foreskin. The steroid cream makes the skin more elastic and easier to stretch. The normal prescription is 0.05% Betamethasone.
More than 3000 people have cured their phimosis using Glansie.
Stretching using the fingers. Where the phimosis is very mild it may be possible to stretch the foreskin by pulling it back tightly against the head of the penis. Or the fingers can be inserted into the opening and used to stretch the foreskin. If the foreskin is only slightly tight, a minor case of phimosis, then the stretching can be accomplished using fingers inserted into the opening in the foreskin and applying outward pressure.
Preputioplasty. This is a surgical technique, a type of plastic surgery, where the foreskin is retained but adapted so that it can be fully retracted.
Circumcision. Circumcision is a relatively simple surgical technique which is sometimes appropriate as a solution to phimosis.