What is phimosis?

What phimosis means

Phimosis is a foreskin that's too tight to pull back (retract) over the head of the penis, called the glans. It ranges from mild, where the foreskin goes back partway or only when soft, to severe, where it won't move at all or the opening is so narrow that the foreskin balloons when you pee.

When it's normal

Almost every baby boy has a foreskin that doesn't retract. It separates gradually through childhood and adolescence, and by the late teens only about 1% of young men still have a truly tight foreskin. This is called physiological phimosis, and in children it usually needs no treatment. Never pull back a child's foreskin before it's ready.

Common causes in adults

• It never fully loosened. The foreskin simply stayed snug after puberty. This type responds best to gentle stretching.
• Balanitis. Repeated inflammation or infection under the foreskin can leave it tighter each time.
• Tears and scarring. Often from forcing it back, rough sex or masturbation. Scar tissue doesn't stretch well.
• Lichen sclerosus. A skin condition that makes the foreskin white, firm and scarred. It needs a doctor.
• Diabetes. High blood sugar makes yeast infections more likely. If your foreskin tightens for the first time as an adult, get your blood sugar checked.

Signs to look for

A tight foreskin often causes no problems. It's worth acting on if you have pain during sex or erections, trouble cleaning underneath, repeated redness or infections, or a weak or ballooning stream when you pee.

Treatment options

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you have pain or difficulty peeing, bleeding, a thick discharge or bad smell, redness or swelling that doesn't settle, white or scarred-looking skin, or painful erections.