The condition known as phimosis is caused by excessive tightness of the opening of the foreskin which prevents, either partially or totally, the retraction of the foreskin. Physiological phimosis is natural in babies and pre-adolescent children because the foreskin is fused with the glans at birth and must be separated progressively and spontaneously through childhood and puberty.
In adults, the term phimosis refers to an uncircumcised penis with a foreskin that cannot be retracted. When this occurs, the patient can experience difficulties during sex and also pain. In some cases, an infection can be caused by small wounds or tears.
The standard treatment is circumcision. Circumcision is a surgical technique that involves removing the foreskin, either partially or completely. This intervention is carried out under local anaesthesia and can be performed in a short period of time, so the patient can be discharged on the same day.