Phimosis

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About the penis
In men, the urethra runs through the penis. The urethra is longer than in women, and around the urethra in men lie the erectile tissues, which enable erection by filling with blood.
The length of the urethra provides good protection against, among other things, urinary tract infections, which is why such infections are more common in women.

Diseases of the penis can occur in all parts of the penis corresponding to the urethra, the erectile tissues or the skin. Most often the diseases are benign, but cancer of the penis or urethra is seen, albeit very rarely.
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Phimosis – or tight foreskin – is a normal finding in children, which in most cases improves or disappears with age. The condition can be congenital or acquired, and occurs in approximately 1.5% of the adult male population, as a result of, for example, diabetes or skin disease.

Symptoms of phimosis

  • Inflammation of the foreskin and glans, possibly recurrent
  • Discomfort and possibly pain during intercourse and sexual activity
  • In some, the narrowing is so pronounced that it causes difficulty with urination
  • Diabetes predisposes to fungal infection, and diabetics therefore have more severe symptoms with phimosis


What is short frenulum?

Short frenulum – or frenulum breve – causes difficulty retracting the foreskin due to shortening. The condition can cause tearing of the skin and bleeding during sexual activity, and often occurs together with phimosis.


Examination and treatment

We offer examination and treatment of phimosis. The treatment is usually surgical: full circumcision, foreskin-preserving circumcision, or minor incision in the foreskin. In rare cases, hormone ointment is recommended for adults.
Treatment of short frenulum is a minor surgical procedure and can be performed under local anaesthesia.