FIRST of all, the foreskin is the layer of skin which surrounds the head of the penis.
Typically, this skin is difficult to pull back in young boys but loosens up with age. By the time young men reach teenagehood, they can pull back the foreskin with no pain or complications. Complications could include paraphimosis or an emergency.
In paraphimosis, the foreskin becomes completely trapped behind the head of the penis, cutting the blood supply. If left untreated, one can lose their penis.
Now let’s move on to the big P. Phimosis.
Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin never gets to that stage where it pulls back. A lot of variables can lead to phimosis, including scarring during childhood.
Now before you panic, I’m here to tell you that phimosis is not abnormal. Yes, it isn’t as ubiquitous, but it is not abnormal. And guess what? It is very treatable.
Sure, you can live without ever getting treatment if you aren’t experiencing any pain or swelling, but phimosis can lead to penile cancer or gangrene (death of penis tissue).
There are two ways phimosis can be treated. The simplest one, well to me, is circumcision. Not only do you get the help you need, but you walk away with a clean penis that is at low risk of contracting and spreading diseases.
The second option is using a steroidal cream while pulling back gently.
Both options require you to first contact a health professional. Don’t even try doing this yourself.
I advise that you first go for a consultation where your penis is checked, and then after that, your doctor can best decide how to perform the circumcision.
Either way, there’s no need to feel embarrassed or even keep quiet. Get help.
