Pathological Phimosis occurs, when there are adherences to the fibrotic foreskin ring, that makes it impossible to expose the penis glans . This condition hinders adequate Penis hygiene, thereby increasing the possibility of foreskin infections, repeated urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases and, in adults, carcinoma of the Penis.
CAUSE OF PATHOLOGICAL PHIMOSIS
Pathological Phimosis (as opposed to the natural non-retractability of the foreskin in childhood) is a rare condition and the causes varies. This causes includes:
- Balanitis(Inflammation of the Penis glans).
- Foreskin infection or physical trauma to the foreskin.
- In some cases enthusiastic attempts to retract foreskin in Physiological Phimosis causes Microtears (Small rips in the skin that radiate from the edges of a perforation), infection and bleeding with secondary scarring and ultimately causing Pathological Phimosis.
- It may also occur due to a chronic Penis glans inflammation known balanoposthitis.
- Untreated diabetes, due to the presence of glucose in the urine giving rise to infection in the foreskin.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PATHOLOGICAL PHIMOSIS
In Pathological Phimosis, the signs and symptoms may include:
- Pain, skin irritation, local infections, bleeding, dysuria and hematuria,
- Frequent episodes of urinary tract infections, preputial pain, painful erection and weak urinary stream.
- The foreskin is too tight to be retracted backwards to expose the glans penis.
- During urination, the prepuce may balloon up.
- The meatal opening is small and the tissue in front of the foreskin is white and fibrotic .