Can’t Ask Anymore! How is Phimosis Classified?

Phimosis, Paraphimosis, Congenital Phimosis... You might have come across these terms on the internet or in magazines. The type of phimosis can vary based on the condition of the foreskin. But what are the criteria for classifying the types of phimosis? In this article, we'll explain the three types of phimosis. Check to see which type you might have.

Three Types of Phimosis

Phimosis is actually classified into three types based on "how tight the tip of the foreskin is". You might not get a clear picture when we talk about the tightness of the foreskin. However, quite a few people have a type of phimosis where the tightness at the tip of the foreskin is quite strong.

How to Differentiate Between Phimosis, Paraphimosis, and Congenital Phimosis?

The terms "Phimosis", "Paraphimosis", and "Congenital Phimosis" are familiar to those who have visited various clinic websites. The difference in the names comes from the level of tightness at the tip of the foreskin.

"Phimosis"

A state where the foreskin can be retracted smoothly without any tightness.

"Paraphimosis"

A condition where the foreskin is tight and difficult to retract.

"Congenital Phimosis"

A condition where the tightness of the foreskin is extremely strong, making it impossible to retract, or it can only be retracted halfway.

While "Congenital" and "Phimosis" are familiar terms, "Paraphimosis" might be new to some.

Is Phimosis the Most Common? Does it Not Require Surgery? The state of retracted phimosis.

Among the three types of phimosis mentioned above, phimosis is overwhelmingly common in Japanese men. If most men have phimosis, it might seem okay to leave it as it is if you are not bothered by it in daily life and do not feel any complex. However, for those over 18 who are troubled by having phimosis, it should be noted that phimosis will not naturally go away, so the safest and most reliable treatment is phimosis surgery. Surprisingly, the most common type of phimosis that leads men to undergo surgery is the retractable type. This is probably because they can experience the comfort of retraction and the disadvantages and embarrassment of being covered. Many people with retractable phimosis are troubled by its appearance, hygiene, and functional aspects (premature ejaculation, small size).

Can Congenital Phimosis Lead to a Smaller Size? The state of congenital phimosis where the glans and foreskin are fused.

Congenital phimosis means that the glans have not been exposed since birth or have only been retracted halfway. There is a growth period for the penis, but in the case of congenital phimosis, the penis is suppressed from growing fully as if it were tightly wrapped with tape during its growth period. Therefore, most cases end up not only with the inability to retract the foreskin but also with a small and thin penis, and a small glans. Congenital phimosis does not heal naturally and requires phimosis surgery. There are many cases where normal sexual activity is not possible, such as experiencing pain during erection, not being able to have sex due to the pain, or not feeling good during sex because the glans are not exposed.

Is Paraphimosis the Most Dangerous?! Paraphimosis, where the skin cannot be retracted.

"Paraphimosis" is a minor condition among the three types of phimosis. However, it might be considered the "most dangerous" type compared to phimosis and congenital phimosis. Paraphimosis is classified into six levels based on the tightness of the foreskin: "loose", "slightly loose", "somewhat tight", "tight", "very tight", and "dangerously tight when retracted". If the level of tightness is "somewhat tight" or higher, do not force it back. Forcing it back can lead to the skin tightening under the glans, making it impossible to retract. This is dangerous as it prevents blood flow to the glans, and if this condition persists for a long time, the glans can become necrotic. There are cases where patients rush to the clinic because they can't retract the foreskin after sexual intercourse. Perhaps congenital phimosis, where the skin doesn't retract at all, might be considered safer. If you fall under paraphimosis, do not try to force it back and consider phimosis surgery positively.

In Summary

This time we have elaborated on the differences between the three types of phimosis: "retractable", "paraphimosis", and "congenital". Did you figure out which type you might have? Attempting to treat phimosis yourself can be dangerous, leading to necrosis of the glans or damage to the foreskin. Do not force it and consult our clinic if you are concerned.