Phimosis — Understanding the Tight Foreskin
Phimosis — Understanding the Tight Foreskin Phimosis means the foreskin at the end of the penis is too tight to be pulled back over the tip (the glans). It can happen at any age, but in children it is often completely normal. Knowing the difference between harmless and problem phimosis can help avoid unnecessary worry. In most Indian boys, the foreskin is tight from birth—that’s normal ( physiological phimosis ) and usually gets better as they grow older. No treatment is needed unless there's discomfort or infection. But sometimes the tightness happens because of scarring, infections, or skin conditions like lichen sclerosus. That’s called pathological phimosis and it may need treatment. How common is phimosis in India? A community health study in India found the prevalence of phimosis was around 3.5% among males examined in slum areas. Almost 1% men have phimosis at 16 years of age. 3. When it becomes a problem Phimosis can cause symptoms like: Pain or trouble pulling b...