Foreskin Conditions

Normal physiological non-retractability

  • At birth, the normal foreskin (prepuce) is attached to the glans and has a tight opening (preputial ring) at the distal end - it is not retractable in most newborns
  • Retractability increases with age, with full retraction possible in:
    • 10% of boys at 1 year
    • 50% of boys at 10 years
    • 99% of boys at 17 years
  • A non-retractable foreskin is a normal variant and needs no intervention

Bxo balanitis xerotica obliterans

  • Chronic inflammatory process which affects the foreskin but can also extend onto the glans and external urethral meatus
  • Keratinisation of the tip of the foreskin causes scaring and the prepuce remains non-retractile

Management

  • Circumcision

Paraphimosis

  • Foreskin cannot be returned to its original position after being retracted

Management

  • Conservative treatment involves attempting manual reduction following application of a local anaethetic
  • Surgical options involve making a small slit to relieve pressure, or circumcision in severe cases

Hypospadias

  • Congenital defect causing the urethral meatus to be located at an abnormal site, usually on the under side of the penis rather than at the tip

Management

  • Surgical correction