Treating Phimosis for Healthy Penis Function

Intact men have a lot of advantages, most notably the increased sensitivity they enjoy. However, there are also some downsides to having a foreskin, and one of those is the possibility of phimosis. Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin is too tight to retract over the head of the penis. This can make masturbation or any other sexual activity painful; in some cases it becomes too painful to continue. Fortunately, there are treatments for this, and one of them includes a new regimen of penis care.

What is phimosis?

A man with phimosis might find that he can’t retract the foreskin properly. This means as he gets an erection, the foreskin is too tight around the head. Trying to masturbate or have sex can force the foreskin a bit, which then leads to pain. Phimosis usually isn’t spotted until a guy starts becoming sexually active and realizes that most activities hurt. In addition to the problem of painful activity, a foreskin that is too tight means a man can’t retract it to clean properly underneath. This can lead to serious penis problems, including infections from accumulated oils and dead skin cells that wind up trapped under the foreskin.

Treatments for phimosis

Fortunately, there are many treatments that work for a guy who has phimosis. Most men want to keep their healthy penis intact and so don’t want to go for circumcision as their only option. There are other ways to help the foreskin stretch and retract appropriately.

One of the most common ways is a home treatment. A man with phimosis can use heavy-duty moisturizers to soften the skin as much as possible, then gently pull it back and forth over the head. This gentle motion should be used at least once a day, every day, until the skin begins to move more freely. Though this might lead to some discomfort at first, there should be no pain - it is important for a man to stop the activity if he feels any pain.

This might work over a period of several weeks. However, if the foreskin doesn’t stretch properly for retracting, it might be time for a man to consider other options. One of these is surgery. A full circumcision is possible, but depending upon his situation, a man might also be able to go through a partial circumcision. This consists of cuts at strategic areas so that the foreskin has more room to stretch.

Other things to keep in mind

When a man is working with his penis to stretch the foreskin, he should be very aware of the possibility of paraphimosis. This is a condition in which the foreskin does stretch enough to go over the head, but then gets stuck behind it. This condition is more likely in someone who has a tight foreskin, so those who are trying home treatment for phimosis are at greater risk. Paraphimosis is a medical emergency that requires a guy to get treatment immediately.

Assuming all is well, a man should take care to condition the skin every day. Stretching out the skin is hard work, and the penis should be rewarded with nutrients that keep it healthy. This can be found in a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . Among the most important ingredients are Shea butter and vitamin E. Shea butter is a high-end emollient, and vitamin E is quite common as a skin hydrator. When these are used together, they create a moisture lock that keeps the skin’s precious oils right where they belong - in the healthy penis skin. Other great options in a crème include vitamins A, B, C and D, as well as antioxidants and amino acids that help keep the skin as healthy as possible during the phimosis treatments.

Uncommon Penis Problems: How to Handle Phimosis

Men who suffer from phimosis might wonder what it will take to overcome the condition. The good news is that careful penis care, under a doctor’s supervision, is likely to solve the problem with time and patience. However, there are other options as well. Here’s what a man needs to know about this uncommon penis problem.

What is phimosis, anyway?

Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin of the penis cannot retract beyond the head of the penis. Obviously, this is a condition found only in intact men. Being unable to retract the foreskin is actually very common in babies and young children, but as they begin to mature, the foreskin should eventually move freely over the head of the penis.

For some men, however, the problem never resolves. Or perhaps it does, but then suddenly becomes an issue again for no apparent reason.

There are several different types of phimosis:

1) Pathological phimosis is when the ability of the foreskin to move is reduced by infection, inflammation or scarring. This is the most unlikely cause, but it does happen to men of any age.

2) Congenital phimosis means that the foreskin has been tight since birth, and that it didn’t loosen up with time. This isn’t caused by any sort of medical condition, trauma or the like. Fortunately, this is the easiest to treat.

3) Common phimosis is usually found in young male children, when the foreskin adheres to the head of the penis. This is something a boy grows out of over time; if he does not, it will become apparent that common phimosis is actually congenital phimosis.

What’s the treatment for phimosis?

When it comes to treatment of phimosis, there are several ways to go. In the earliest stages, there is often a ‘wait and see’ approach. During this time, a man can try numerous types of manual stretching to see if the problem resolves on its own. This stretching is quite similar to masturbation, as a man simply works to move the foreskin up and down, gradually opening it up a bit more to allow for it to retract. However, in extremely tight cases this might not work.

Another option is medication. Two drugs that have been tried with some success include betamethasone and hyaluronidase. When given to young men in a study, there was a 54% success rate when they were given the combination, and all patients tolerated the medication very well.

However, the above methods don’t have the best success long-term. That’s why many doctors look to surgery as the answer. Circumcision is the most common treatment for phimosis, as it removes the foreskin and immediately resolves the issue. However, some men will opt for a partial circumcision, which means that the surgeon makes a series of tiny incisions in the foreskin to help it open up, but doesn’t remove it entirely.

Keep in mind that surgery is often not recommended when a man is young, as everyone develops differently and phimosis might go away on its own as he matures. However, those over the age of 18 might be a candidate for circumcision if this penis problem continues and causes significant discomfort or an inability to enjoy sexual pleasure.

Those who are trying to use the manual method to stretch the foreskin might have better luck if they employ a specially formulated penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) during each attempt. The right crème will contain Shea butter and vitamin E, which provide ample hydration to soothe the skin and keep it as pliable as possible, thus possibly enhancing the work a man does to resolve phimosis through manual stretching.

Manhood Pain: Phimosis or Paraphimosis?

While most matters revolving around the circumcised/intact debate don’t have a huge impact on male organ health, a couple of manhood pain issues land squarely in the intact male camp - mainly because they involve the prepuce itself. Many intact men have heard of phimosis and paraphimosis - but many aren’t sure what each of them means and how they are different. And they are different, even if they both result in some manhood pain

Phimosis

Phimosis refers to a situation in which the prepuce cannot be pulled back to reveal the head. It is a very common condition in boys, much less so in adult men. The situation usually resolves itself by age 7 in 90% of cases and by age 16 in 99%.

Unretracted prepuce in the soft manhood does not itself produce pain; in the case of tumescence, however, there can be considerable discomfort. In addition, boys and men with phimosis are at a greater risk of balanitis, an inflammation of the head. As a matter of fact, often balanitis is the cause of phimosis in adult men or in boys who had previously successfully retracted their prepuce.

Paraphimosis

So what about paraphimosis? This condition is actually the opposite of phimosis. In paraphimosis, a man (or boy) has retracted his prepuce back past the head - but it becomes stuck there and can’t get released to expand back over the head.

Paraphimosis is much less common than phimosis - and is considered by most doctors to be a medical emergency if it lasts for an extended period of time (such as several hours). Why? Because paraphimosis usually means that the prepuce is tighter than it should be; otherwise, it would fall back over the head. (Although sometimes the issue is not that the prepuce is too tight but that the head is too swollen, usually due to balanitis.) If the prepuce is too tight and trapped behind the head, it may severely constrict blood flow in the manhood.

Unlike with phimosis, manhood pain is almost always associated with paraphimosis. The pain may increase if the tightness near the head results in swelling. In some cases, the lack of blood flow can create an extremely serious condition in which gangrene can develop, which may necessitate amputation of affected parts. This is why a man must consult a doctor if paraphimosis occurs for more than a couple of hours.

Management

In adults, phimosis is generally related to balanitis or another cause of an inflamed head. If this is not the case and the skin is simply too tight, there may be "loosening" exercises a man can employ to try to stretch out the prepuce. However, he should consult with a doctor before attempting these.

Paraphimosis often resolves itself within a couple of hours, with no prolonged swelling. However, when it persists, or if swelling appears, it is best to call the doctor. If the skin changes color, it is imperative to seek help at once, even if there is an absence of swelling. The manhood pain associated with paraphimosis may require local anesthesia in some cases.

Manhood pain can result from many causes other than phimosis or paraphimosis. Often, minor pain and soreness can be eased by regular application of a top notch male organ health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . Keeping the skin supple often eases pain, so select a crème with a combination of powerful moisturizing ingredients, such as vitamin E and natural Shea butter. It’s even better if the crème also contains vitamin C, as that vitamin helps boost the elasticity of member skin.

Penis Pain and Adult Phimosis

It’s not uncommon for young intact males to experience some form of phimosis, a situation in which the foreskin is too tight to comfortably retract. Adult phimosis is rarer, but needs to be treated, as it can be a source of considerable penis pain and discomfort. Even intact men who engage in proper penis health routines may fall prey to this condition, so knowing how to treat it is well advised.

What is phimosis?
 
As mentioned above, when a male has phimosis, it means that the foreskin does not retract behind the glans, which may cause a degree of penis pain. In children, phimosis is normal. One study showed that, at birth, 96% of males had a foreskin that could not be fully retracted; by the time these babies were 3 years old, however, nature had intervened and 90% of them were able to retract the foreskin all the way. At age 17, the figure of intact men who still experience phimosis falls to 1%.

However, it’s possible that even an adult male who has gone through the phimosis experience as a child and emerged with a properly retractable foreskin may at some point come down with an unwanted episode of phimosis. When this occurs in an adult, it is often medically referred to as "pathologic" or "true" phimosis.

Causes
 
Why would an adult male who has successfully retracted his foreskin develop phimosis? There are several factors which may be at play, including:

- Balanitis. Probably the most common culprit of phimosis in adult men is balanitis. When a man has balanitis, it causes the glans to swell up. With the increase in the size of the glans, the foreskin feels much tighter than normal and, in extreme cases, cannot be as comfortably retracted as it could prior to the swelling. This swelling is different than the normal swelling that occurs with an erection.

- Thrush. Men sometimes contract a yeast infection on the penis, often known as thrush or candidiasis. The penis may become red, itchy and sore; there may be swelling due to the infection, which can bring about a phimosis condition. Sometimes thrush results in scarring. Layers of scar tissue around the glans may also cause a tightening of the foreskin, making retraction difficult.

- Diabetes. Diabetes can on occasion contribute to a tightening of the foreskin. This occurs when glucose levels in urine are too high, resulting in an infection and subsequent swelling.

Treatment
 
Determining the cause of the phimosis is important, as this can help identify the best means of treatment. One of the most common causes of balanitis is improper penis hygiene, so men need to make sure that they regularly wash the entire penis, including underneath the foreskin. Treating thrush infections with an antifungal medication usually helps. And properly managing diabetes is important to maintain appropriate glucose levels.

In addition, doctors may prescribe steroid creams or a gentle manual stretching routine for the foreskin to help overcome the effects of phimosis.

A too-tight foreskin resulting from phimosis can cause penis pain whether the prepuce is partially retracted or not. Using a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help to relieve this soreness while simultaneously building up the general health of the member. In order for penis skin to stretch properly, it needs to be supple and well-hydrated. A crème that contains a natural moisturizer (such as vitamin E) and a reliable emollient (such as Shea butter) is capable of creating the moisture-lock situation that promotes proper penis skin hydration. It also helps if the crème lists vitamin D among its ingredients, for vitamin D is proven to better enable cell functionality, leading to a healthier and more durable manhood.

Tight Prepuce? Why Men Should Not Ignore this Painful Male Organ Problem

For most men, the foreskin is a useful part of their penile anatomy. It protects the delicate tissue underneath, promotes sensitivity and even provides natural lubrication during masturbation and sex. However, it is not uncommon for men to experience ongoing problems with this fold of flesh and nerve tissue. When a tight foreskin interferes with the ability to achieve a full erection without pain, or when it can’t be pulled back easily over the head of the penis, a condition known as phimosis may be diagnosed. Here’s what all intact men should know about their foreskin, phimosis and how the condition may affect their long-term penis health.

The anatomy and function of the foreskin
The foreskin is more than just an extra flap of skin that extends over the tip of the penis. It consists of a double layer of tissue, with skin on the outside and a mucus membrane on the inside. It is full of blood vessels and nerve tissue. As previously mentioned, this tissue (also known as the "prepuce") is there to protect the sensitive glans (head) underneath from the outside environment. Mainly, it protects an infant’s penis from urine and fecal matter until it is cleaned away.

When a male infant is born, the foreskin is fully adhered to the penis. Parents are advised not to attempt to pull back the foreskin, as the natural adhesions prevent this, and damage to the delicate tissue may occur if the skin is forced back. The adhesions typically wear away over time as the child handles himself. By the time a male reaches his early teens, the foreskin is generally fully retractable, although some may not be able to pull it back all the way until later, even into early adulthood.

What is phimosis?
Phimosis refers to a condition in which males are unable to retract the foreskin fully over the head of the penis. In infants,physiological phimosis is normal, as we have described in the previous section. When the condition develops later in adulthood, pathological phimosis may be diagnosed.

Pathological phimosis is generally the result of inflammation of the foreskin, a condition known as balanitis. Men who practice substandard hygiene are more likely to experience this problem. Frequent infections under the foreskin - mainly caused by not cleaning the area properly - can lead to scarring, which can cause new adhesions to develop, preventing the foreskin from retracting properly. Men with phimosis may experience pain during erections and may find masturbation and sex to be difficult, if not impossible.

Does stretching the foreskin help?
Many online forums encourage men to stretch their foreskins using various manual techniques to resolve ongoing problems with phimosis. However, men who try this run a serious risk of developing tears in the foreskin and/or creating scar tissue that can actually make the problem worse rather than better. There is also a chance that men who do manage to pull their foreskins back in this manner may find that their prepuces then become trapped behind the head of the penis. This condition is known as paraphimosis and is considered a medical emergency; constricted blood flow to the area can result in tissue death, leading to permanent damage of the penis.

Before attempting any self-help measures, it is best to see a qualified medical professional for an evaluation and treatment plan.

How is phimosis treated?
Isolated cases of phimosis are generally approached through hygiene measures. Men are encouraged to clean the area thoroughly, gently pulling back the foreskin - never forcing it - to remove any accumulated smegma. Hydrocortisone creams may also be recommended. For men who have chronic problems with phimosis, circumcision or partial circumcision may be an option.

For a little extra help in keeping the penile skin clean and maintaining its natural elasticity, men may opt to use a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). The ingredients in a quality product, such as vitamins A, C and E, may help promote healing, as well as keeping the skin naturally stretchy and supple, while plant-based emollients like Shea butter can soothe and heal sore, distressed tissue.

Phimosis - One Man's Story of Penis Pain

Men with penis health problems can feel frightened and isolated. That's understandable, as few people with such private difficulties feel comfortable with the idea of talking about the problem with a doctor, much less with a friend. On the other hand, even though men might not advertise their pain, most guys do struggle with issues from time to time. Phimosis, or a tight foreskin, is one such topic that might not make it into mainstream conversation. One man’s struggle with this painful condition and the penis care techniques he used to make it better might help to ease the sense of isolation this particular issue might cause.

How the Problem Started
This man, "Adam," had a foreskin that never retracted, even as he grew into adolescence. All his life, he found it difficult to pull the skin away from the tip of the penis, and he was never able to get a glimpse of the glans part of his anatomy.

When he reached his teenage years, he started to realize that other people could pull their foreskins back, while he could not. He probably saw other boys in the locker room during shower time, or perhaps he took a peek at some adult viewing material. While he didn't really struggle with the function of his penis, he knew his didn't work quite right.

Then Adam started to develop a few nagging episodes of discomfort. He couldn't keep the area clean, since he couldn't pull the skin back, and when he started scrubbing with soap in the hopes that a few bubbles would creep down to the glans, his tissues got irritated and red. At that point, he had to see a doctor.

Common Medical Interventions
Problems like Adam's are typically treated sequentially. First, the doctor attempts to resolve any kind of infection or inflammation that could be causing the skin to swell. For Adam, that meant a prescription cream that would kill bacteria, paired with a reminder to come back for another appointment when the problem got better, so the doctor and Adam could discuss the issue in detail.

However, Adam never went back to the doctor. He was terrified that he'd be forced to go through a major surgery in order to keep the problem from growing, even though the doctor never mentioned that option, and he felt as though he could handle the problem at home with the help of online articles and forums.

A Typical Reaction
Some cases of phimosis absolutely must be treated with surgery. This is the case when:

• An erection lasts for hours because the blood is trapped in the penis
• A man can't get an erection at all, because the skin is too tight
• The tissues are diseased, and no amount of topical treatments help
• A man is in too much pain to go on without surgery

But surgery is not required for each and every man who has this condition. In fact, it might not even be the first remedy a doctor might suggest to a man who has only mild retraction problems.
The internet, on the other hand, is full of articles that encourage men to do all sorts of potentially harmful things to their intimate tissues. Some sites even produce content that isn't true, just to scare men and keep them away from their doctors.

Phimosis really can be treated successfully when men work with their doctors and employ reasonable techniques to keep their penile tissue clean and healthy. For many men, this means using a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). These products keep skin soft and elastic, so it can move and stretch without tearing. The vitamins in these products can also support the underlying health of the skin, so it can repair itself after an injury. These attributes make a penis health crème a great addition to any penis care plan.

Foreskin Pain and Phimosis - Dealing with a Sticky Penis Problem

For most uncircumcised men, the foreskin is a great addition to their equipment, but a small percentage experience foreskin pain caused by the condition known as phimosis. For those so afflicted, extra steps need to be taken to ensure maximum penis health and a more enjoyable sensual experience.

What is phimosis?
In most men, the foreskin is easily able to retract over the glans of the penis once they reach a certain degree of maturity; certainly by adulthood, and most often during puberty. However, male babies are born with the foreskin in a naturally non-retractable state. This non-retractable state is to ensure proper health and safety for the glans as it develops.

When a man has phimosis, however, the foreskin is too tight and doesn’t begin to retract as he reaches maturity. This can cause significant penis pain, especially during sexual activity.

What causes it?
Sometimes the foreskin becomes too tight because the glans gets swollen, due to balinitis or another form of inflammation. Diabetics may experience the disorder (especially if the diabetes is undetected or untreated) due to a build-up of sugar in the urine. It’s also possible that injuries to the penis, due to unusual or aggressive sexual activity may cause phimosis by creating an unwelcome layer of scar tissue; however, many men engage in physically challenging sexual exercises without causing this foreskin issue, so pinpointing when, why and how this activity causes phimosis is next to impossible. Scar tissue can also develop from aggressively pulling back the foreskin.

Some doctors also believe that phimosis may result from the glans having an allergic reaction to certain chemicals, especially in the soap or laundry detergent that a man uses. Similarly, yeast infections, if left untreated for too long, can bring about a swollen glans and the resulting phimosis.
Finally, as in so many things, there may be a genetic component to this foreskin disorder.

Easing the pain
There are several options for treating this condition:

1. Stretching the foreskin is recommended as a primary method of dealing with phimosis. This involves lubricating the foreskin and gently stretching it open. The goal is not to force the glans out immediately, but to over time create a more flexible foreskin opening.

2. The use of topical creams is very common in treating phimosis. Often a doctor will recommend that a common steroid cream be used.

3. In addition, doctors seek to treat the underlying condition that is causing the glans to swell to such an extent. Anti-fungal creams and anti-bacterial medicines may be employed for this purpose, as well as antibiotics if an STD is present and contributing to the issue. Hopefully, the doctor can pinpoint what has caused this inflammation and recommend steps to prevent its recurrence.

4. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to "open up" the foreskin and let the glans through; however, this is necessary only in rare cases.

While treatment is ongoing, many men find it best to avoid sexual activity; the erect penis can be in significant pain during extreme phimosis, both from the tightness of the foreskin and from soreness caused by the rubbing of the inflamed glans during sexual activity.

The penis pain caused by phimosis is not something that a man should endure; fortunately, afflicted men can get some relief from the discomfort and soreness through the use of a superior penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil). Men should make sure that the chosen cream includes vitamin A, as it has anti-bacterial qualities that can help to fight the cause of infection or inflammation in many instances. At the same time, a cream that provides proper penile hydration through ingredients such as vitamin E and shea butter is recommended; the moisturizing not only soothes the penis but helps to make the foreskin more hospitable to retraction efforts.

Phimosis Rescue - Causes and Solutions for a Tight Foreskin

One common complaint that urologists hear on a regular basis comes from men who have difficulty retracting their foreskin. The foreskin, or sheath, that covers the glans penis has numerous important functions. It helps to protect the delicate penile tissue from diseases and injury, and it is believed to protect the natural sensitivity of the underlying erogenous tissue. For some men, the foreskin retracts easily by the time adulthood is reached, but for many others, this process may be difficult or impossible. Men who encounter this issue may have a condition known as phimosis, which simply means that the foreskin cannot be withdrawn, or that there is pain on retracting the tissue.

While phimosis can lead to certain health issues, such as impaired circulatory function, pain during intercourse, and even penile cancer, it can be dealt with successfully with the right approach to treatment. Uncircumcised men who want to ensure a healthy penis can benefit from the information offered here.

What is phimosis?
Phimosis simply refers to the inability of (adult) males to retract the foreskin beyond the crown of the penis; phimosis may also be diagnosed when it is painful to pull back this tissue over the glans. This condition is not uncommon, and it can be resolved in most cases by either stretching the foreskin or undergoing a full or partial circumcision.

What causes a tight foreskin?
Infants and young male children are generally unable to withdraw the foreskin completely; this typically cannot be achieved until males reach puberty, and in some cases, adulthood. After this point, men who have torn the foreskin due to aggressive masturbation, or those who are affected by balanitis (an infection of the glans), may find it difficult and/or painful to pull back the sheath over the head of the penis. Balanitis often occurs as the result of poor hygiene, although other factors such as yeast infection or excessive masturbation may also come into play.

Is surgery the only solution?
Historically, men who have had phimosis-related issues have often had circumcision urged on them as the best option for treatment. Although many doctors still advise their patients to opt for full circumcision, recent medical studies have shown that the condition may be treated by less drastic measures. Circumcision is certainly an answer, but some men have also benefited from mechanical stretching of the foreskin. In other cases, men can take a do-it-yourself approach, using gentle manual stretching of the foreskin, accompanied by use of appropriate moisturizing creams, to work through the issue themselves. This process should be carried out carefully, without forcing the tight skin back; it can be successful for men who are cautious and pay adequate attention to penis care.

Caring for an uncircumcised penis
Whether or not a man is experiencing issues withdrawing the foreskin, an uncircumcised penis requires some special treatment when it comes to daily care and maintenance. Men who are uncut need to be sure to pull back the foreskin carefully, without yanking or tugging, to clean away any accumulated body fluids and dead skin cells from underneath. If these substances, which tend to form a cheesy build-up known as smegma, are allowed to remain underneath the foreskin, they can cause infections and swelling, foul odors, and a tendency for the foreskin to stick to the tissue underneath. Washing this area carefully is the first step in promoting a healthy, pleasant penis.

The final phase for at-home penile care involves the use of a moisturizing penis creme (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil), which can help to prevent drying and cracking of the foreskin, not to mention inflammatory conditions like balanitis. A penis health cream that contains vitamin A can help to block penetration by harmful bacteria that can lead to a sore, swollen, unhealthy penis. In addition, all-natural, botanically derived moisturizers like Shea butter are ideal for rehydrating the penis skin and preventing moisture loss which can result in a tight foreskin. Adding a cream like this to the daily penis care regimen can be an effective solution for men who want to avoid the potential side effects of surgical ablation of the foreskin.

Understanding Penis Pain – Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans Symptoms and Treatment

Men who are affected by unusual spots, penis pain, thickening of the penis skin, and phimosis – the inability to retract the foreskin – may be affected by a condition known as balanitis xerotica obliterans. While this condition is not generally serious, it can get worse without treatment and may lead to more serious complications. Not all doctors are familiar with this condition, so men who experience the related symptoms should be familiar with the disorder so that they can help their doctors understand what to look for.

Following is a brief overview of balanitis xerotica obliterans, as well as the available treatments and some tips to proper penis care.

What is balanitis xerotica obliterans?

Commonly abbreviated as BXO, this condition is considered as the male manifestation of lichen sclerosis, a benign condition that affects the skin. While the symptoms are not confined to the penis, they can be most worrying in this area, as they can cause some uncomfortable side effects.

To date, no definitive cause has been identified. However, there appears to be a hereditary component, and men who suffer from BXO are also likely to experience other autoimmune type conditions. While BXO may appear unattractive and cause issues with sex, the condition is not contagious and cannot be passed to a partner, either through sexual contact or otherwise.

Common Symptoms of BXO

The most common symptoms of BXO include white patches on the glans penis, as well as under the foreskin; a thickened ring of tissue may also form around the tip of the glans, and penis pain may also occur. Adhesions of the foreskin to the glans may also occur and lead to phimosis, a condition in which it is difficult or impossible to retract the foreskin over the crown of the penis. Erectile issues may also accompany these symptoms.

In more advanced stages, the white or grayish patches may reach the shaft, and even the scrotum. Scrubbing or otherwise attempting to move the lesions is not effective and may cause further damage to the skin.

Complications

If allowed to progress without treatment, the toughened tissue that characterizes BXO can lead to urinary stricture, blocking the elimination of urine and increasing the risk of liver and kidney damage. In addition, BXO has been linked to increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma (a form of skin cancer), although it is unclear whether the condition is causative.

Is there a cure?

Currently, there is no single cure that has demonstrated consistency in treating and curing BXO. The first step in treating the disorder generally involves topical steroid creams. While these may alleviate some of the symptoms, they are not effective for curing the disease and may cause further damage to the skin if used for a lengthy period of time.

The most effective method of addressing the problem generally involves circumcision. Removing the foreskin can eliminate the lesions and prevent them from recurring, as the urine-rich, moist environment created by the presence of the foreskin is removed. For lesions on the shaft or scrotum, laser therapy or surgical excision may be recommended.

Penis care for all men

While BXO has not been linked to hygiene issues or other aspects of penis care, all men can benefit from treating the penis right. The pelvic area should always be kept clean, using a mild cleanser to gently wash away any dirt, sweat, urine and other body fluids. Wearing underwear is always recommended to prevent rubbing and chafing, as well as to reduce the risk of injury.

While BXO is not contagious, all men who are sexually active should use a condom for every encounter, unless they are in a monogamous relationship where both partners have tested clean for any sexually transmitted diseases.

Adding a high-quality penis vitamin cream  (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) to the daily penis care regimen can improve the overall tone, texture and elasticity of the penis skin, as well as improving sensation levels in some men. While penis creams should not be applied to damaged or diseased penile tissue without a doctor’s approval, even the most healthy penis can benefit from natural moisturizers and male-friendly nutrients.