Cuts or tears of foreskin

Cuts and Tears in the Foreskin: Causes, Treatment and When to See a Doctor

The foreskin in men is delicate and prone to minor cuts or tears during sexual activities. While these cuts usually heal within a week, knowing their cause, how to care for them, and when to seek specialist urologist advice are essential. Possible causes of foreskin cuts or tears include rough sex, tight foreskin, diabetic complications, skin lesions like lichen sclerosis (BXO), STDs, and fungal infections. Treatment options include simple care, medications, controlling underlying conditions, and surgery, e.g. circumcision or preputioplasty in some cases.

This blog will explore the potential causes of foreskin cuts or tears, treatment options, and when to see a specialist.

Causes of Foreskin Cuts or Tears

Rough Sex

Friction during sexual activity can cause minor tears. While these minor cuts usually heal within a week, it is essential to know how to care for them in case you have some medical conditions.

Tight Foreskin

A condition called phimosis can make it difficult to retract the foreskin over the head of the penis, leading to tearing during retraction.

Diabetic Complications

Poorly controlled diabetes can decrease blood flow and slow healing, making the foreskin more susceptible to cuts and infections. The repeated infection will require prompt treatment, and tight freoskin will require circumcision in diabetes.

Skin Lesions

Eczema, Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO) or other skin conditions on the foreskin can cause cuts or tears.

Balanitis

Balanitis is an infection and swelling of the foreskin and the tip of the penis (called the glans penis). Balanoposthitis is called a more severe infection of the head of the penis along with the foreskin.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Certain STDs can cause sores or ulcers on the penis, including the foreskin.

Fungal Infections

Yeast infections can irritate and inflame the foreskin, making it more prone to tearing.

Treatment Options

Simple Care

For minor cuts, gentle cleansing with warm water and a saline solution, followed by applying petroleum jelly or lubricant, can promote healing.

Medical treatment

Depending on the cause, your doctor might prescribe:

• Antifungal creams for fungal infections.

• Antibiotic creams to prevent bacterial infections.

• Steroid creams to reduce inflammation in early BXO

Controlling Underlying Conditions

If diabetes or an STD is the culprit, managing those conditions can help prevent future cuts and promote healing.

Surgical Options

In some cases, surgery might be necessary. Here are some potential procedures:

• The Dorsal Slit

A small incision was made on the upper side of the foreskin to relieve tightness and prevent future tearing.

• Preputioplasty

Preputioplasty repositions the foreskin to allow for easier retraction and reduce the risk of tears.

• Circumcision

Complete or partial removal of the foreskin.

• Biopsy

Sometimes, a small tissue sample might be taken to rule out more serious conditions or BXO.

Post-Operative Care:

Following surgery, your doctor will provide specific instructions on wound care, pain management, and follow-up appointments after circumcision or other procedures. This might include using steroid creams to reduce inflammation in BXO and monitoring for signs of recurrence of BXO on different parts of the penis.

When to See a Urologist

See our specialist if you experience any of the following:

*  Severe pain or bleeding

*  Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, or fever

*  Difficulty urinating

*  The cut doesn't heal within a week

*  The foreskin is exceptionally tight

*  You suspect an STD

Conclusion

Most foreskin cuts heal with simple care. However, seeking medical attention is crucial if you experience any concerning symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and ensure a speedy recovery.

Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with our consultant urologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Penoscrotal Web Repair

What You Need to Know about Penoscrotal Web

Are you struggling with penoscrotal webbing? This condition, characterised by a fold of skin extending from underneath the penis to the scrotum, can lead to discomfort and dissatisfaction with its appearance. Fortunately, there are solutions available through penoscrotal web repair. This blog post describes what penoscrotal web repair entails, the types of webbing, the surgical procedures, aftercare, and more.

What is Penoscrotal Webbing?

Penoscrotal webbing is a condition where excess skin forms a fold between the penis and the scrotum. This can create the appearance of a shorter penis and may lead to discomfort during physical activities or sexual intercourse. Penoscrotal webbing can occur from birth due to congenital abnormalities or as a result of excessive removal of the foreskin at previous circumcision in childhood or adulthood.

Types of Penoscrotal Webbing

Congenital penoscrotal webbing can vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe. Additionally, it can occur as a result of over-resection after circumcision. Understanding the type and degree of webbing is essential for determining the appropriate treatment approach.

Surgical Procedures for Penoscrotal Web Repair

The surgical treatment of penoscrotal webbing depends on its severity.

• Mild cases may be addressed with transverse incisions and vertical wound closure.

• In contrast, more severe cases may require excision of excess skin and complex reconstructive procedures such as Z-plasty or V-Y-plasty.

• These surgeries aim to improve the appearance of the genital area and alleviate any discomfort associated with penoscrotal webbing.

Aftercare and Recovery

After undergoing penoscrotal web repair surgery, patients may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the wound. However, these symptoms typically subside within a few weeks.

It's essential to follow post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, which may include taking simple painkillers, avoiding strenuous activities, maintaining proper hygiene, and refraining from sexual activity for 4-6 weeks. Regular follow-up appointments will also be scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns.

Benefits and Risks

While penoscrotal web repair can offer significant benefits, it's essential to understand the potential risks associated with surgery. These may include bruising, bleeding, infection, scarring, and the need for revision procedures. However, with proper pre-operative evaluation and post-operative care, the risks can be minimised, and patients can achieve satisfactory outcomes.

Conclusion

Penoscrotal web repair offers a solution for individuals struggling with discomfort during sexual activities and dissatisfaction due to excess skin in the genital area. Patients can achieve improved aesthetics and quality of life by understanding the condition, undergoing appropriate surgical procedures, and following post-operative care instructions. If you're considering penoscrotal web repair, consult a qualified surgeon to discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan.

Don't let penoscrotal webbing hold you back – take the first step towards a more confident and comfortable you today with our specialist.

Does Diabetes Mellitus increase the risk of circumcision?

Introduction

The intersection of tight foreskin (phimosis), balanitis, and Diabetes presents a complex interplay of factors that can significantly impact men's sexual health. In this blog, we'll discuss Diabetes and circumcision and explore evidence-based strategies for optimal care.

Medical Indications for Circumcision

In diabetic men, we have identified three main conditions where circumcision may be necessary: balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO), recurrent balanitis and symptomatic phimosis.

Insights from Recent Studies

Recent epidemiological research has investigated the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and certain penile conditions that might require circumcision. Researchers Wang et al., in a nationwide population-based study, found that type 2 diabetes significantly 42% increased the risk of penile inflammatory disorders like BXO and refractory phimosis.

Correlation Between Diabetes and Penile Inflammatory Disorders like Balanitis

Another study by Hirji et al. from the UK General Practice Research Database showed that diabetes patients were nearly three times more likely to develop balanitis compared to those without Diabetes.

Fakjian et al., in an outpatient setting, discovered that uncircumcised men with Diabetes had a 35% prevalence of symptomatic phimosis, indicating a potential association between Diabetes and tight foreskin.

Clinical Indicators and Demographic Patterns of Diabetes

Certain clinical presentations, like balanoposthitis with a distinctive appearance, have been proposed as early indicators of undiagnosed Diabetes, particularly in older age groups. In the fifty- to sixty-year-old age group, a staggering 83.3% of circumcised patients had Diabetes. This indicates that Diabetes might not only increase the risk of penile inflammatory diseases but also drive the need for circumcision in adult males.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and the likelihood of undergoing circumcision

A notable recently published study conducted in 2024 analysed a large population from 1997 to 2010 to explore the influence of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the likelihood of undergoing circumcision among men aged 30 to 69. The findings revealed that individuals with Diabetes were significantly more likely to opt for circumcision compared to those without Diabetes, further strengthening the association between diabetes and circumcision decisions.

Conclusion: Implications for Circumcision in TYPE 2 Diabetes

The accumulating evidence underscores a substantial link between diabetes mellitus, penile inflammatory diseases, and tight foreskin, potentially increasing the likelihood of circumcision in affected individuals. In conclusion, the research showed a relationship between Diabetes and penile health, leading to more circumcision in Diabetes.

Preparation for circumcision with Diabetes at London Circumcision Centre

1. It is essential to check Hb1C within six months before circumcision.

2. The level of Hb1C should be less than 70 mmol/mol (8.6%) before the operation.

3. Antibiotics may be required after the circumcision.

4. Diabetes must be controlled after circumcision to prevent delayed wound healing

5. A biopsy is needed if signs of an inflammatory condition called BXO are diagnosed during the examination.

6. Follow-up is required 4-6 weeks after circumcision.

This information is only guidance and not a replacement for professional opinion by our urologist.

References

1. https://londoncircumcisioncentre.co.uk/blog-circumcision/Diabetes/tight-foreskin

2. BMC Urol. 2024; 24: 3. Published online 2024 Jan 3. doi: 10.1186/s12894-023-01392-6

3. https://londoncircumcisioncentre.co.uk/blog-circumcision/cracks_foreskin

Frenulum breve - short frenulum

Understanding Frenulum Breve: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

Frenulum breve is a condition that affects men, causing discomfort and potential challenges in their sexual activities. This blog will discuss what frenulum breve is, explore its causes, identify symptoms, and discuss available treatment options.

What is Frenulum Breve?

The frenulum is a small band of tissue located on the underside of the penis, connecting the glans to the foreskin. In individuals with frenulum breve, this band is shorter than usual, restricting the movement of the foreskin. This condition can lead to pain, tearing, and difficulty retracting the foreskin during activities such as sexual intercourse or masturbation.

Causes

Frenulum breve can be caused by various factors, including congenital conditions where the frenulum is naturally shorter than average. Additionally, trauma, injury or scaring (BXO) to the genital area may contribute to the development of frenulum breve. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of frenulum breve include pain during sexual activity, difficulty retracting the foreskin and tearing of the frenulum. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice to diagnose the condition and explore suitable treatment options properly.

Treatment Options

1. Topical Steroids: In some cases, topical steroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and promote frenulum stretching. This conservative approach is often recommended initially.

2. Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises may be suggested to elongate the frenulum gradually. It's essential to follow medical guidance to avoid injury and ensure the effectiveness of these exercises.

3. Frenuloplasty: In more severe cases, a surgical procedure known as frenuloplasty may be recommended. This involves making a small incision in the frenulum to release tension with stitches and sealing it with glue, allowing for increased mobility.

4. Circumcision: In cases with tight foreskin or when other treatments are unsuccessful, circumcision – the surgical removal of the foreskin – may be considered as a last resort. However, this is a significant decision that should be thoroughly discussed with our urologist.

Conclusion

Frenulum breve is a condition that can impact the quality of life for affected individuals. Seeking medical advice is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the severity of the condition. With various treatment options available, individuals experiencing symptoms of frenulum breve can find relief and regain comfort in intimate situations. Always consult an experienced consultant urologist for personalised advice tailored to your problem.

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