What are the possible consequences of not having surgery for a long foreskin?

Without surgical intervention, long foreskin may cause balanitis, urinary tract infection, difficulty urinating and other problems. In severe cases, it may even affect sexual function or increase the risk of penile cancer. The treatment of foreskin or phimosis needs to be evaluated on an individual basis.

Excessive foreskin can easily create a moist environment between the foreskin and glans, leading to the growth of bacteria or fungi. Long-term accumulation of smegma may induce balanitis, which manifests as local itching, redness, swelling and abnormal odor. Repeated inflammatory stimulation will form scarring stenosis of the foreskin opening, further aggravating the degree of phimosis. When the urethra orifice is involved, urethral irritation symptoms such as frequent urination and urgency may occur. Infants and young children may cry and refuse to urinate due to pain during urination.

Phimosis in adult men may cause pain or lacerations due to the inability of the foreskin to retract during erection, which may affect the quality of sexual life in the long term. The continued stimulation of carcinogens in smegma is also related to the occurrence of penile cancer. Severe stenosis of the foreskin opening in some patients may cause urinary retention and require emergency medical intervention. Phimosis in childhood may prevent normal penile development, and the indications for surgery need to be evaluated before puberty.

It is recommended to pay attention to perineal cleaning on a daily basis and gently wash the inside and outside of the foreskin every day. When recurrent infections, urinary abnormalities, or foreskin incarceration occur, you should seek medical attention promptly to evaluate the necessity of circumcision. After surgery, you need to keep the wound dry, avoid strenuous exercise, and use antibiotic ointment as directed by your doctor to prevent infection. Eat a light diet, drink plenty of water to promote metabolism, and avoid spicy and irritating foods that may affect recovery.