Ask the experts... phimosis
Phimosis is nearly universal at birth, with most young boys experiencing a tight foreskin. Generally, this loosens overtime (and the foreskin can be pulled back) but if it is persistent phimosis causes pain, sexual dysfunction and even penile cancer. Some men can have phimosis throughout their life but it may also develop later in life, after puberty.
To help our members with the condition, we partnered with The Urology Foundation and Mr Vaibhav Modgil to answer loads of phimosis questions. If you missed the clinic that ran earlier this year, not to worry, here is Dr Modgil’s best advice.
Can you have sex with the condition?
Mr Vaibhav Modgil says: “Many men successfully manage to have sex with phimosis. However, some men do find it tricky due to the foreskin retracting and, in more severe cases, bleeding due to over stretching.”
talkhealth says: “It’s probably a good idea to use condoms and lubricants if you find sex painful or difficult. The friction caused by sexual penetration is normally the root of the pain and it can even cause your ongoing symptoms to worsen.”
Are there any home remedies for phimosis?
Mr Vaibhav Modgil says: “Generally speaking home remedies don't really work. If your phimosis isn't too serious and there is free movement, depending on the underlying cause, topical treatments such as steroids can help.”
talkhealth says: “You should always seek medical attention before trying an ‘home remedies’ as your doctor knows best when it comes to your health. Phimosis can be naturally occuring, which can be helped with daily retractions, or it can be caused by a bacterial infection which may be helped with antibiotics.”
I am too embarrassed to visit the doctor, will my phimosis go away on it’s own?
Mr Vaibhav Modgil says: “You highlight an important point; many men are too embarrassed to seek help for their condition and suffer needlessly for years. A severe phimosis is unlikely to go away by itself. In cases where an infection is causing swelling/or injury, things can improve when the original trigger has been dealt with. If in doubt, always see a urologist to get yourself checked out.”
What causes phimosis?
talkhealth says: “Doctors are still unsure as to why the condition happens in some boys and not others. There is some evidence to show that forcibly retrating the foreskin before it is ready can cause scarring and make moving the foreskin more difficult later on. Just to let you know, the NHS says: ‘Most boys' foreskins do not pull back (retract) before the age of 5, but sometimes it's not possible until they're 10 or older.’”
What can I do if I have a tight foreskin?
talkhealth says: “If you’re phimosis is not causing pain or bleeding, the best thing that you can do is keep everything down there clean. Use warm water and non-perfumed soap so as not to irritate the skin down there. If you are an adult living with the condition, you should gently pull the skin back as far as you can to clean underneath it.”
If you, or someone you know, need more support for urinary issues our talkbladder health hub is always open!
Information contained in this Articles page has been written by talkhealth based on available medical evidence. The content however should never be considered a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek medical advice before changing your treatment routine. talkhealth does not endorse any specific products, brands or treatments.
Information written by the talkhealth team
Last revised: 30 May 2022
Next review: 30 May 2025
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