Q15. What is ‘phimosis?’
A15. Phimosis is a common condition in boys in which the foreskin is too tight which prevents it from being retracted.
Boys are born with the foreskin fused to the tip of the penis or glans which usually separates and loosens by itself. This usually occurs by the age of 3.
But some boys find that their foreskin remains tight throughout their childhood and during puberty. In these cases medication such as topical cream may help or surgery.
Find out more in our phimosis section.
FAQS Index : A guide to Vasectomy
- What is circumcision?
- Can men be circumcised?
- Is circumcision only performed for religious reasons?
- Is circumcision painful?
- Are only boys and men circumcised?
- What is female circumcision?
- Should I have my son circumcised?
- Will having a circumcision affect my sex life?
- How safe is circumcision?
- Does circumcision mean that the penis is easier to clean?
- Is circumcision needed?
- Is circumcision needed if my son’s foreskin doesn’t retract?
- Does circumcision protect you against disease?
- What is ‘frenulum breve?’
- What is ‘phimosis?’
- What is ‘paraphimosis?
- What is ‘balanitis?’
- What does the surgery involve?
- How long does circumcision take?
- What are the risks of circumcision?
- How long does the recovery take?
- Will I have to take time off work?
- When can my son return to school following his circumcision?
- Can a circumcision be reversed?
- Why is circumcision so controversial?
Guide to Circumcision
- Circumcision Intro
- The Foreskin
- About circumcision
- Brief history of circumcision
- How common is circumcision?
- Circumcision and boys
- Circumcision and men
- Why circumcision?
- Medical reasons
- Phimosis
- Paraphimosis
- Frenulum breve
- Balanoposthitis
- Balanitis xerotica obliterans
- Cultural/religious reasons
- Preventative reasons
- Circumcise or not to circumcise?
- Female circumcision
- Circumcision myths
- Circumcision surgery
- Preparing for surgery
- On the day of surgery
- After surgery
- Risks and complications
- Alternatives to circumcision
- Preputioplasty
- Foreskin restoration
- Circumcision FAQs
- Glossary