Tight foreskin

Note: this article exists because we get a lot of questions around this topic on TSR's sexual health forum. Here, you can find links out to expert advice and resources to help deal with a tight foreskin. 

What is a tight foreskin?

A tight foreskin – also known as phimosis – is defined by the NHS as "a condition where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis".

Is a tight foreskin a problem?

The NHS says that a tight foreskin "is not usually a problem unless it causes symptoms such as redness, soreness or swelling", but "immediate treatment is needed where [it] causes problems such as difficulty urinating". 

Treatment for a tight foreskin

If you do have symptoms such as redness, soreness or swelling alongside a tight foreskin, the NHS website says this could indicate balantis (if the head of the penis is swollen) or balanoposthitis (if the glans and foreskin are inflamed). 

It could also be caused by a number of different skin conditions such as eczema or psorias, the NHS says. 

You can find more details about the various treatments for these causes on the NHS website here. Depending on the cause, it could be treated by a combination of good hygiene, ointments or creams and avoiding irritating substances. 

If the redness and swelling has been caused by a fungal or bacterial infection, you might need to be prescribed an antifungal cream or antibiotics. 

If you're worried, your first port of call should be to make an appointment with your GP. 

Will it need surgery?

Only if it's painfully tight. 

Circumcision – surgically removing the foreskin – could be considered, but the NHS says this would only be as a last resort if the patient has "severe or persistent balanitis or balanoposthitis that causes their foreskin to be painfully tight."

As an alternative, it may be possible to have surgery to release the areas where the foreskin is stuck to the glans. 

"This will preserve the foreskin but may not always prevent the problem recurring," though, the NHS website explains. 

Still got questions? Visit our sexual health forum to ask questions and get advice. 

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