What is paraphimosis?

Paraphimosis (say: "para-fim-oh-sus") is a serious condition that can happen only in men and boys who haven't been circumcised. Paraphimosis means the foreskin is stuck behind the head of the penis and can't be pulled back down into a normal position.

 

What causes paraphimosis?

Uncircumcised men sometimes pull the foreskin back during sex, when they go to the bathroom or when they clean their penises. Doctors and nurses might pull the foreskin back when they examine the penis or put in a catheter.

Sometimes you, a doctor or a nurse might forget to pull the foreskin back down. If the foreskin is left behind the head of the penis too long, your penis might swell so much that the foreskin is trapped behind it.

 

What can I do to avoid getting paraphimosis?

• After having sex, going to the bathroom or cleaning yourself, be sure to pull the foreskin back down to its natural position.
• Never leave the foreskin behind the head of your penis for any longer than you need to.
• If a catheter is put into your bladder, check afterward to be sure that the foreskin is covering the head of your penis.