Paraphimosis – Emergency Condition Explained | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Paraphimosis is a medical emergency in which the foreskin gets stuck behind the head of the penis and cannot be pulled back to its normal position. If not treated quickly, it can block blood flow and cause severe complications.
This condition needs urgent surgical evaluation to prevent long-term damage.
🔍 What Exactly Is Paraphimosis?
It occurs when:
✔ The foreskin is retracted (pulled back)
✔ It gets trapped behind the glans
✔ Swelling increases
✔ The foreskin cannot return to normal position
This leads to:
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Difficulty urinating
- Reduced blood supply
⚠️ Symptoms Patients Should Never Ignore
- Severe penile pain
- Swelling of foreskin and glans
- Tight ring of skin behind the glans
- Difficulty pulling foreskin forward
- Darkening of the penis (danger sign)
- Urinary obstruction
If these signs are present → Immediate treatment is necessary.
🩺 Causes of Paraphimosis
Common causes include:
✔ Not repositioning foreskin after examination or catheter insertion
✔ Forced retraction
✔ Poor hygiene
✔ Infections
✔ Trauma
✔ Tight foreskin (phimosis)
✔ Sexual activity causing tears/inflammation
💉 Treatment Options for Paraphimosis
1️⃣ Manual Reduction (First Step)
- Local anesthesia or numbing gel
- Gradual pressure to reduce swelling
- Foreskin is moved back to normal position
2️⃣ Needle Aspiration (If Severe Swelling)
- Removes trapped fluid
- Helps reduce tightness
3️⃣ Dorsal Slit Procedure (Emergency Relief)
- Small cut to free the trapped foreskin
- Immediate relief from pressure
4️⃣ Circumcision (Definitive Treatment)
Done once swelling settles to prevent recurrence.
⏳ Recovery After Paraphimosis Treatment
- Immediate relief after procedure
- Swelling reduces in 24–48 hours
- Most patients return to routine within 2–3 days
- Complete healing after circumcision: 2–4 weeks
🧼 Aftercare & Prevention
✔ Always bring foreskin back to normal position after cleaning
✔ Maintain good hygiene
✔ Avoid forced retraction
✔ Treat infections early
✔ Consider circumcision if paraphimosis repeats
⚠️ When to Seek Emergency Help?
Seek urgent medical attention if:
- Pain is severe
- Foreskin cannot be pulled forward
- Penis looks dark or bluish
- Swelling keeps increasing
- Urine flow is blocked
📍 Paraphimosis Treatment in Thane West – Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
🏥 Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic
📍 Shop No 4, Laxmi Krupa, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mQJ7pzpzX9d5Uk399
