A member asked:
Is circumcision the only options for a case of phimosis with scar tissue? is it the only option? the only thing to do? or would the alternative treatments/options work? the steroid creams - betamethasone, stretching, preputioplasty, etc? what about partia
4 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Breseeanswered
Urology 17 years experience
Phimosis : Phimosis and balanitis are both medical indications for circumcision. Failure to expose the entire glans prevents proper cleaning and puts you a increased risk for developing squamous cell cancers of the penis, not to metion infections and pain. It sounds like your doctor did the right thing.
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Dr. Kenneth Steinanswered
43 years experience
Phimosis: If there is scar tissue, by far the best option is circumcision.
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Dr. David Vandersteenanswered
Pediatric Urology 33 years experience
You choose: The choice of treatment depends directly on the risk/benefit assessment and your personal opinion. I agree with the respondents. A circumcision will be curative. Steroid creams work quite well and should be tried first if you desire an "intact" prepuce. If these fail, and you still do not want a circ, then you can opt for operative stretching/slit/or partial circ all of which can recur.
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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. George Klauberanswered
Specializes in Pediatric Urology
Not only but best: Steroid cream won't work with scarring. Partial circumcision to remove scarred skin & leave plenty of foreskin to retain appearance of being circumcised can be done. As can a "prepucioplasty" which involves a vertical incision thru the phimotic area which is then sutured transversely & results in a retained loose foreskin. However phimosis can recur with either procedure. Hence, a circ is best.
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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Related questions
A 42-year-old member asked:
Can a topical steroid cream work for my phimosis?
Dr. George Klauberanswered
Specializes in Pediatric Urology
Prescription creams: 1% Betamethasone Valerate or Kenalog (triamcinolone) are only available in US by prescription. Might work, but less likely as get older, i.e. your age... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Hi docs, would the topical steroid cream work for my phimosis?
A Verified Doctoranswered
Urology 53 years experience
Yes, you may try ...: Yes, you may try it and see for 1 month. But, if not improving or but worsening, you should see Doc timely. Still remember circumcision is still the d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
I've tried treatments for phimosis but they don't work, is it safe to be circumcised as an adult?
Dr. Pedro Hernandezanswered
Geriatrics 42 years experience
Yes: The circumcision in adults is done under anesthesia. Postoperative pain may be controlled with pain killers. Provided the pt. Is otherwise healthy n t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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A 26-year-old male asked:
Yeast/bacterial infection cleared up but now caused phimosis- is there anything I can do to improve this other than being circumsized? Steroid cream?
Dr. Hunter Handsfieldanswered
Infectious Disease 55 years experience
Phimosis: It is unlikely the infection was the cause of your phimosis. More likely you already had a certain amount of phimosis made worse by inflammation and s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
How effective are steroid creams at treating phimosis?
Dr. Patricio Gargolloanswered
Pediatric Urology 23 years experience
Depends: It really depends on the cause of the phimosis. If the cause is balanitis xerotica obliterans then steroid creams are 0%. Effective. If bxo is not the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Sep 24, 2017
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