Phimosis/Circumcision

Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin cannot be pulled back over the tip of the penis. Phimosis can cause pain, difficulty urinating, or recurring infections. A foreskin that cannot be retracted causes swelling and pain during sex, and is difficult to keep clean. Treatment can include steroid creams but more often in the urology practice for adult men is circumcision.

A circumcision is an outpatient procedure done at the surgery center. Most commonly we use a heavy sedative or full anesthesia. The entire process in the operating room usually lasts less than one hour.

Recovery from circumcision is typically 3-4 weeks for the skin incision and suture to heal. The risk of postoperative infection, bleeding or change in sensation to the penis is low risk.

Balanitis

Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans (the head) of the penis. It can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort, and may sometimes be accompanied by a discharge. Balanitis can occur in males of any age. It is more commonly seen in uncircumcised men.

Several factors can contribute to the development of balanitis. Infections, poor hygiene, other known skin conditions and allergies or irritants all potentially contribute to balanits

Treatment options depend on the underlying cause of balanitis. Obviously improving hygiene and avoiding known irritants or allergies in the first step. Topical antifungal or steroid creams are often used for moderate or severe cases.

Penile Cancer

Penile cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs on the skin of the penis or within the tissues of the penis. The condition can develop from the cells in the glans (tip) of the penis or the shaft. While it is uncommon in the United States, understanding its symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.

The symptoms of penile cancer can be growth or sore on the penis that does not heal, changes in color or thickness of the skin on the penis, a discharge, bleeding, or pain in an area of skin change.

Several risk factors have been associated with the development of penile cancer: age, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, smoking, poor hygiene, chronic irritation such as phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin).

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, biopsy and X-rays.

Treatment for penile cancer depends on the stage and extent of the disease. Common treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Surgery first is removal of the tumor, which may require partial or complete amputation of the penis.