A long foreskin, which can lead to phimosis, is a fairly common condition in males, sometimes detected from birth. Therefore, many parents are worried about the effects of a long foreskin when they see their newborn baby with a foreskin that cannot be retracted. It is important to know the harmful effects of a long foreskin to take timely preventive measures as the child grows up.
1. What is a long foreskin?
A long foreskin is a condition where the skin covering the head of the penis is too long and extends beyond the urethral opening. In newborns, a long foreskin is often accompanied by phimosis, meaning the foreskin cannot be retracted to expose the glans penis. In this case, the urethral opening may appear as a ring or "rubber band" of foreskin around the glans penis, preventing complete retraction and causing various symptoms, sometimes requiring emergency intervention.
The long foreskin, with or without phimosis, is divided into two types: physiological and pathological:
- Physiological long foreskin: Newborns have a longer foreskin than normal, which can lead to phimosis as the child grows older. Fortunately, the separation process will occur naturally over time, so the condition will naturally improve as the child grows older.
- Pathological long foreskin: In most cases, it is accompanied by phimosis. The causes include scarring, infection, or inflammation. Forcibly pulling the foreskin can lead to a longer foreskin, sometimes causing cracking, bleeding, scarring, and psychological trauma for the child. If there is swelling of the foreskin during urination, difficulty urinating, or infection, treatment may be necessary.
2. Does a long foreskin matter?
If a child is not treated for an excessively long foreskin, especially when it has caused phimosis, maintaining hygiene in the genital area can be difficult because the foreskin cannot be retracted. This area provides an ideal environment for the accumulation of bacteria, sweat, dead tissue, and debris. Poor hygiene over time can lead to swelling of the glans penis, causing balanitis and balanoposthitis. These conditions are painful and can even lead to erosion and skin damage. These diseases can also cause discomfort during urination and sexual activity in adulthood.
In addition, a long foreskin also increases the risk of urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Due to the excess skin extending beyond the urethral opening, the urine flow can be obstructed, and urine can be retained under the foreskin for a long time, leading to urinary tract infections. Moreover, because it is difficult to maintain proper hygiene, germs can accumulate under the foreskin, thus increasing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
However, in men one of the concerns about the effects of a long foreskin is that it can reduce sexual pleasure. Since sexual pleasure in men is the result of the glans penis rubbing against the vaginal wall, a long foreskin can hinder the sexual experience. This hindrance can even lead to sexual disorders such as difficulty maintaining an erection and premature ejaculation.
In some cases, to overcome the mentioned limitations, many men will actively try to retract the foreskin. When the penis is erect, the long foreskin becomes a tight band around the penis. This condition is a serious problem, as the foreskin cannot be retracted on its own and can lead to the death of penile tissues and even permanent damage to the penis due to prolonged obstruction of blood flow to the penis.
3. What to do when dealing with a long foreskin?
Parents of boys with a long foreskin or adult males should be aware of the potential harm of a long foreskin, especially when it can lead to phimosis and interfere with normal life in many ways. Therefore, the first thing to do is to consult a specialist to accurately diagnose the cause of the symptoms. Self-treatment should be avoided as improper treatment can lead to serious problems later.
The doctor will assess the severity of the long foreskin and the possibility of phimosis in each case and based on that, will recommend appropriate treatment. For mild cases, topical creams containing steroids may be effective in reducing inflammation and swelling caused by pathological causes. However, if the foreskin is excessively long and causes severe phimosis, the doctor may recommend circumcision.
Today, laser surgery for circumcision has brought many more benefits than the traditional method. The procedure is completed in just 10 minutes. Patients do not even feel pain and there are no incisions or stitches. Wound healing will then occur quickly and patients will recover within less than a week, fully restoring basic functions.
In conclusion, a long foreskin, even in childhood, is an issue that cannot be ignored or underestimated. Instead of worrying about the effects of a long foreskin, patients should be aware of the harms of a long foreskin and consult a specialist before it progresses to actual phimosis. This is because phimosis occurring during an erection is a urological emergency and if not treated promptly and correctly, it can lead to long-term complications.
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