Paraphimosis is a condition that affects only uncircumcised men . It develops when the foreskin cannot be pulled forward over the tip of the penis. If this happens to you, in addition to other symptoms that we will discuss later in this article, talk to a doctor as soon as possible.
Paraphimosis should not be confused with phimosis. Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin can no longer be retracted from the tip of the penis. It is a common condition in children and is not serious. Paraphimosis, on the other hand, is a condition in which it is necessary to go to an emergency center because of its severity .
Index
- 1 What is paraphimosis?
- 1 Causes and symptoms of paraphimosis
- 2 Diagnosis and treatment
What is paraphimosis?
Paraphimosis is a condition that only affects uncircumcised men. It develops when the foreskin cannot be pulled forward over the tip of the penis . This causes the foreskin to swell and tighten, slowing or stopping blood flow to the tip of the penis. Therefore, this condition can lead to serious complications if left untreated. As we have already said, it is important not to confuse it with phimosis , because paraphimosis is much more serious.
Paraphimosis occurs more often when the foreskin is incorrectly manipulated , for example, during a medical visit. The doctor cannot return the foreskin to its normal position after a physical examination or medical procedure.
Causes and symptoms of paraphimosis
The main cause of paraphimosis is improper handling, usually after a medical check-up. It may happen that the doctor forgets to put the foreskin in its normal position or leaves this action to the patient. But, in turn, neither does the patient. But, in addition to this medical supervision, there are other causes for this condition , such as the following:
- have an infection
- Experiencing physical trauma in the genital area
- Pull back the foreskin too hard
- Has a tighter than normal fit
- Having a foreskin that has been retracted for a long time
The main symptom of paraphimosis is the inability to return the foreskin to its normal position on the top of the penis. The foreskin and tip of the penis may be swollen and painful. The tip of the penis may also be dark red or blue in color due to lack of blood flow. Therefore, if you notice any of these symptoms on your penis, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosis and treatment
A doctor can easily diagnose paraphimosis by performing a physical exam and inspecting the penis. the doctor will ask you about your symptoms and any other problems you are experiencing with your penis or foreskin.
Treatment will vary depending on the age and severity of the condition. As a general rule, the first step in the treatment of paraphimosis is to reduce the inflammation . To do this, your doctor can advise you:
- Apply ice to the area
- Put a bandage around the penis
- Use needles to drain any pus or blood that may be present
- Inject hyaluronidase, which is an enzyme that helps reduce inflammation
- Your doctor may also make a small incision in your penis to relieve the tension. But this will only be done in the most serious cases.
When the swelling is reduced, the doctor puts the foreskin back in place. This can be very painful, so you may need to take pain medication before this procedure begins . During the procedure, the doctor first lubricates the penis and the foreskin. He then gently squeezes the tip of the penis while pulling on the foreskin. When it’s over, be sure to follow all your doctor’s instructions. You will need to take medication, and your doctor will teach you how to care for and clean the tip of your penis after the treatment.
A complete circumcision , or removal of the foreskin, may be necessary in more severe cases of paraphimosis. This will also prevent this condition from recurring.
