Paraphimosis
Paraphimosis is a condition in which the skin that normally covers the penis—the foreskin—is tight when it is pulled back and then can't be returned to its normal position over the head of the penis. If not corrected, the penis will swell, and the blood flow to the head of the penis may be cut off, damaging the tissue. It's important to get medical treatment right away.
Paraphimosis can only occur when someone is uncircumcised. In infants and young children, it usually results from having the foreskin pulled back too much while cleaning the penis. In teens and adults, risk factors include having a tight foreskin, sexual activity, not putting the foreskin back in place after cleaning or urinating, and genital piercing.
Treatment may include pain control, reducing the swelling, and if necessary, surgery (including circumcision).
How can you care for yourself when you have paraphimosis?
- Do not pull back the foreskin for a week.
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Follow the instructions your doctor gave you. These may include how to apply a cream or ointment. Or they may say how to care for any incisions. You may also be asked to watch for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or drainage.
- If the problem happened during sex, do not have sex for a week or until your doctor says it's okay.
Prevention
- Clean your penis every day. Pull the foreskin back. Then carefully wash the whole area with warm water. After washing, return the foreskin to its normal position.
- Always return the foreskin to its normal position if it has been pulled back. This may happen during sex. Or you may pull it back before sex, before you urinate, or when you clean your penis.
- Be sure the foreskin is in its normal position after any doctor exam or procedure. For example, the foreskin may be pulled back to use a catheter.
- If the problem happened after using jewelry in a piercing, do not use the jewelry again.
Paraphimosis: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- The foreskin is stuck behind the head of the penis.
- You have symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in the penis.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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