From the Guidelines
The medical term for foreskin stuck to the penile gland (glans penis) is phimosis. Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin cannot be fully retracted over the glans penis. This can be physiological in young boys, as the foreskin naturally adheres to the glans at birth and gradually separates over time, usually by age 5-7. However, pathological phimosis can occur at any age due to inflammation, infection, or scarring, as noted in the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of lichen sclerosus, 2018 1.
Causes and Symptoms
The condition can cause discomfort, difficulty urinating, or recurrent infections if left untreated, so medical evaluation is recommended if the condition persists or causes symptoms. According to the guidelines, symptoms such as tightening of the foreskin, erectile dysfunction, and painful erections can be presenting complaints of lichen sclerosus (LS), which may lead to phimosis 1.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on severity, ranging from gentle stretching exercises and topical steroid creams to surgical options like circumcision or preputioplasty in severe cases. The British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of lichen sclerosus, 2010, suggest that persistent phimosis may require circumcision, and a biopsy should be considered in patients with suspicion of neoplastic change or if the disease fails to respond to adequate treatment 1.
Importance of Medical Evaluation
Good hygiene is essential for prevention and management. Medical evaluation is crucial for diagnosing the underlying cause of phimosis and determining the appropriate treatment. The guidelines emphasize the importance of follow-up and review of symptoms, particularly urinary and sexual, to assess for any changes suggestive of penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) 1.
Key Considerations
In summary, phimosis is a condition that requires medical attention if it persists or causes symptoms, and treatment should be guided by the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. The most recent and highest quality study, the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of lichen sclerosus, 2018, provides the best evidence for the management of phimosis and related conditions 1.
From the Research
Definition of Phimosis
- Phimosis is defined as the inability to completely retract the foreskin and expose the glans 2.
- It can be classified as physiological or pathological, with the former being a normal condition in infants and the latter being a condition that requires medical attention.
Medical Term for Foreskin Stuck to the Pencil Gland
- The medical term for foreskin stuck to the pencil gland is phimosis, specifically when it refers to the condition where the foreskin is unable to retract and expose the glans penis.
- Phimosis can cause discomfort, pain, and urinary problems, and can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) 3.
Treatment Options for Phimosis
- Treatment options for phimosis include topical corticosteroids, such as betamethasone and triamcinolone, which can help to reduce inflammation and loosen the foreskin 4, 5, 6.
- Other treatment options include surgical procedures, such as circumcision and preputioplasty, which can help to remove or loosen the foreskin 2.
- Topical corticosteroids have been shown to be an effective and safe treatment option for phimosis, with a significant reduction in the risk of UTIs 3.
Efficacy of Topical Corticosteroids
- Topical corticosteroids have been shown to be effective in treating phimosis, with a significant increase in complete or partial clinical resolution of phimosis compared to placebo 6.
- The efficacy of topical corticosteroids can vary depending on the type and duration of treatment, as well as the severity of the phimosis 4, 5.