Doctor Dinh Quang Huy, from the Department of Urology and Andrology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, explains that approximately 96% of newborn boys have physiological phimosis, and in most cases, the foreskin retracts naturally as they grow. However, in some instances where the condition doesn't resolve on its own, it can lead to several dangerous complications, affecting reproductive health. Parents need to be aware of this to take appropriate interventions for their children.

Balanitis (inflammation of the foreskin)

Phimosis makes hygiene difficult. Dirt, urine residue, and dead skin cells can easily accumulate inside the foreskin, creating a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to inflammation. Signs of this condition include swelling, redness, and warmth of the foreskin. Children often complain of pain and discomfort when touched or while urinating; there might even be a white discharge. Recurring infections not only cause persistent pain and discomfort for the child but can also lead to fibrosis and adhesions of the foreskin, worsening the phimosis.

Doctor Huy performing surgery on a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Huy performing surgery on a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Bacteria from the inflamed area can enter the urethra and bladder, traveling up to the kidneys. Children often present with fever of unknown origin, painful urination, frequent urination, and urinary incontinence. The urine may appear cloudy or have a foul odor, accompanied by lower abdominal pain. Recurrent UTIs left untreated can become chronic. This is one of the causes of kidney failure in young children and can persist into adulthood.

Dysuria (difficulty urinating) and urinary retention

An excessively tight foreskin obstructs the flow of urine. Children have to strain while urinating, causing discomfort and putting pressure on the entire urinary system. Parents may observe their child straining and turning red while urinating, with a weak or intermittent urine stream, incontinence, crying during urination, and even a distended bladder causing a bulge in the lower abdomen.

Paraphimosis

If a tight foreskin is forcefully retracted and cannot return to its original position, it can become constricted. The blood supply is cut off, causing the tip of the penis to swell and possibly turn dark red or black, leading to severe pain. Immediate medical intervention is needed within a few hours. Parents should not attempt to treat this at home due to the risk of necrosis of the glans penis.

To avoid these unfortunate consequences, Doctor Huy advises parents against forcefully retracting their child's foreskin by hand or with any other objects, as this can cause tearing, bleeding, infection, and scarring, which can worsen the phimosis. Parents should assist or guide their children in gentle cleaning and take them to the hospital if any unusual signs appear.

Anh Kiet