What are circumcision, phimosis and paraphimosis?
Circumcision involves the removal of the foreskin from the tip of the penis. A circumcision can be done at birth up to 4 to 6 weeks of age in clinic with a local anesthetic. If a circumcision is not done in that timeframe, it can be done later under general anesthesia. There are multiple reasons why a circumcision may not have been done at birth including prematurity, illness or the identification of an abnormality in the penis. Phimosis occurs when the foreskin is tight and narrow, making it impossible or painful to pull back. This may cause pain or could lead to infections. If this condition continues beyond the average age of 4 to 5 years old, or causes pain with erections, medical or surgical intervention may be necessary. Paraphimosis is where the foreskin is able to be pulled back fully behind the ridge of the glans but is unable to be pulled back over the glans.
