Paraphimosis

Paraphimosis is a condition where the retracted foreskin cannot be pulled over the tip of the penis. The condition is defined as when the foreskin is pulled back behind the tip of the penis and it gets stuck there. The retracted foreskin and the penis become swollen and fluid can build up. Paraphimosis is a medical emergency. It should not be confused with phimosis.

Paraphimosis most often occurs when a healthcare provider handles the foreskin improperly. If you are experiencing symptoms of paraphimosis you should go to a doctor immediately. If untreated, this can cause serious damage to the penis by cutting off the blood flow.

What are the symptoms of paraphimosis?

The inability to retract the foreskin to its normal position is the symptom of paraphimosis. It can lead to other symptoms such as:

• Swelling
• Pain and discomfort
• Redness, tenderness
• Inability to urinate
• Dark blue or black tissue on the end of the penis

The foreskin and the tip of the penis may be swollen and painful. The tip of the penis may also be dark red or blue due to the lack of blood flow. You must call your doctor right away if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above.

What causes paraphimosis?

Paraphimosis can be caused by any of the following conditions or activities, some of them are:

• A foreskin that is left retracted too long enough for swelling to occur
• A tight foreskin that is retracted causing the penis to swell
• Experiencing physical trauma to the genital area
• Pulling and stretching of the foreskin
• Scar tissue caused by infections which can make the foreskin less elastic
• A circumcision that has not been done correctly

Paraphimosis in older men is often due to the following:

• Diabetes which causes balanitis
• Cauterization that is done without the foreskin being returned to its normal position
• Aging which causes the skin to loosen

Complications of paraphimosis

They are usually secondary conditions or other disorders that are caused by it. The difference between the symptoms and the complications of paraphimosis is unclear. In severe cases or if the paraphimosis is left untreated, these are the following complications that can occur:

• Damage to the penis tip
• Impaired or loss of blood flow
• Gangrene
• Loss of the penis tip

Treatment of paraphimosis

The treatment for paraphimosis is done on an out-patient basis. You must consult an expert urologist for medical assistance. In most cases at the Metromale clinic & Fertility Center, the patient is treated by gently reducing the paraphimosis using local anesthetic jelly.

In some cases, the puncture technique may be required. A needle is used to puncture the foreskin in different places or sometimes a small stab incision is done to release the fluid inside.

In severe cases, circumcision may be also recommended.

How can it be prevented?

A complete circumcision can prevent paraphimosis in the future. If you aren’t circumcised it can be prevented by practicing good hygiene and cleaning the tip of the penis regularly, making sure the healthcare provider has pulled the foreskin back to its normal position, never leaving the foreskin behind the tip of the penis for extended periods of time.

 If the paraphimosis is diagnosed and treated quickly, the results and the outcomes are likely to be excelling. A small amount of bleeding can occur, but long-term negative outcomes are rare.

The recurrence of paraphimosis can be fairly common and circumcision can prevent the re-occurrence once the swelling has subsided. If paraphimosis is left untreated it can cause serious damage.