Physical Problems in Males

Phimosis

Phimosis (gr. for gagging) is a tightness of the foreskin, making it impossible to retract it behind the glans of the penis.
This condition is quite normal for young boys. It will usually change by itself before or during puberty. Therefore, nothing needs to be done about it during childhood except if there are recurring local infectons or serious difficulties during urination. In some cases, the foreskin can be retracted but then cannot be pulled forward again. Instead, it remains behind the glans, “strangulating” it, i.e. cutting off the blood flow, producing painful swelling and possibly causing serious damage to the penis. This condition is known as paraphimosis.

Phimosis (left) and Paraphimosis (right)

Treatment
A physician can usually treat paraphimosis by a special kind of careful manipulation or some small incision. As for phimosis, as mentioned above, medical treatment, possibly including minor surgery, may become necessary even in childhood. If the tightness of the foreskin persists beyond puberty, various problems may develop and medical help should be sought. This is usually followed by the ultimate treatment of phimosis - circumcision, i.e. the surgical removal of the foreskin.
Quite apart from any such considerations, the circumcision of young males – in childhood or before or during puberty – has a long tradition in certain religions, for example Judaism and Islam. However, circumcision for non-religious reasons has also long been popular in the USA and some other Western industrial countries.