Phimosis & Circumcision - Information

The Gentle Procedures Clinic does not treat phimosis.

Circumcision procedures are offered for personal, cosmetic and cultural reasons only – and we do not provide medically necessary circumcision.

Our clinic offers routine circumcision services only. Routine circumcisions are considered as medically non-necessary and un-insured services by Saskatchewan Health.

Routine circumcisions can be performed for reasons such as cosmetic, aesthetic, personal, religious, socio-cultural, hygiene maintenance, disease prevention, and symptoms of minor irritation, foreskin tightness or mild discomfort.

If you believe that you are seeking circumcision for one of these non-necessary reasons you can contact our clinic and self refer yourself for an appointment.

If you believe that you have significant symptoms affecting your regular functioning, you may be a candidate for medically indicated circumcision that is an insured service by Saskatchewan Health. In this case, please see your doctor and seek appropriate referral for further help and advice.

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What is Phimosis?

Simply put, phimosis is when the foreskin is too tight and cannot be fully retracted. This condition can result in painful erections, infections, and other complications. Risk of phimosis can be eliminated by removing the foreskin. This is commonly called circumcision.

A number of phimosis treatments are available and a circumcision surgery is not recommended as a prophylactic meaure, or as a first line treatment. Please speak with your doctor to find out more, if you think you have phimosis.

Circumcision for phimosis can be a solution when other treatments methods have been exhausted. Patients must carefully consider their options before making a decision on how to treat their phimosis. Other treatments are generally recommended first before determining that circumcision is appropriate.

Need more info about phimosis? Speak with your family doctor.

Adult Phimosis Treatment

Adult phimosis treatment can provide an important relief to men suffering from the difficulties of an overly tight foreskin. Symptoms of phimosis can include pain during urination and painful erections. Some men suffer for years before seeking effective treatment.

In some cases a locally applied steroid ointment can be effective at treating phimosis over a period of two months. The ointment softens the foreskin and can eventually permit full retraction. In other cases, the recommended treatment is the surgical removal of the foreskin, generally known as circumcision.

Men and boys who were circumcised as babies do not get phimosis, and circumcision is generally an available treatment option of last resort for men of any age.

Phimosis in Children

It is normal for young boys to have a foreskin that does not fully retract. This will normally become fully retractable as the child grows and matures. When parents observe that the normal process is slow, or not occurring, it is recommended to consult with a doctor to assess whether any intervention is appropriate.

There is no need to rush to treatment if the situation is not painful or otherwise problematic for the boy. Consult with your doctor, especially if there is any discomfort or if your son reports other issues. While it is important to correct an un-retractable foreskin, serious long-term health problems due to phimosis are very rare. The recommended approach to this very personal issue is a very calm and measured one. An experienced doctor will help you make a good decision for your son’s health.

Treatment for Adolescent Phimosis

Adolescent phimosis can be treated with steroid ointment and circumcision can also considered in some cases.

The recommended approach is to consult with an experienced doctor to assess the necessity for treatment and the options available in your specific case.

Adolescent phimosis can be traumatic for the boy so a fast and effective treatment can reduce stress levels and complications associated with an overly tight foreskin in pubescent boys. As with issues with a tight foreskin in children, approach the issue with your teen in a calm and careful way to minimize their anxiety.

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306-955-2250