Phimosis is a common condition in childhood, but one that can cause major concerns when not treated properly. Its treatment aims not only to resolve the narrowing of the foreskin, but also to prevent infection, avoid discomfort and promote the child’s healthy development.

Dr. Rafael Rocha, Specialist in Pediatric Surgery and Child Urology at MEF, warns that delaying diagnosis and intervention can have short, medium and long-term consequences. These problems range from an increased risk of urinary infection and penile injury to penile neoplasia in adulthood.

So the earlier you treat phimosis, the better the direct benefits will be, from well-being in childhood to adulthood. In this article, you’ll understand the main reasons for considering early treatment, when to seek specialist help and what alternatives are available in modern medicine.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Rafael Rocha, Pediatric Urologist in São Paulo at Instituto Medicina em Foco.

What is phimosis and why does it need to be treated?

Phimosis is characterized by the difficulty or inability to retract the skin (foreskin) that covers the glans penis.

This condition is common in babies and young children and is considered physiological up to a certain age. However, if it persists over the years or causes symptoms, it is called pathological phimosis.

Many parents have doubts about the right time to see a specialist. Knowing how to identify warning signs and understand the risks associated with lack of treatment is essential to ensuring the child’s healthy development.

Thus, an evaluation by a Pediatric Urologist in São Paulo, such as Dr. Rafael Rocha, can bring security to the process.

Understanding infantile phimosis

In the first few years of life, it is common for the foreskin not to retract completely. This is due to the presence of natural adhesions between the skin and the glans, which tend to disappear spontaneously by the age of 2-3.

This condition is called physiological phimosis. It does not usually require immediate medical intervention.

On the other hand, when retraction remains difficult or impossible after this stage, especially if there are symptoms such as pain, infection or bleeding, we could be looking at pathological phimosis. In this case, treatment is essential to avoid complications.

Male intimate hygiene impaired by the presence of phimosis makes it difficult to remove secretions, favoring the proliferation of bacteria and increasing the risk of local inflammation and urinary tract infections.

How is phimosis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of phimosis in children is a clinical one, carried out by a professional trained in pediatric urology or pediatric surgery. During the consultation, the specialist assesses the degree of retraction of the foreskin, observes signs of inflammation, prolonged adhesion, fissures or difficulty in exposing the glans.

The pediatrician plays a fundamental role in this process, being the first professional to observe warning signs during the monitoring of child development.

However, when pathological phimosis is suspected or the condition persists between 2 and 3 years of age, an assessment with a Children’s Urologist is indispensable. In addition, a history of:

Repeated urinary infection.
Pain when urinating.
Difficulty with hygiene.
Complaints related to penile discomfort.

These elements help define the best approach: clinical treatment or surgical indication, such as postectomy surgery.

Make an appointment with a Pediatric Surgeon in SP and ask all your questions about this condition.

What are the benefits of treating phimosis in children?

The treatment of phimosis goes far beyond a simple surgical procedure. It represents essential care for the intimate health and integral well-being of the child.

Here are the five main benefits of treating phimosis, which should be a priority for parents and guardians.

1. improved male intimate hygiene

Children with infantile phimosis find it very difficult to expose the glans during bathing, which compromises the cleanliness of the area.

Correcting pathological phimosis significantly improves the cleanliness of the penile region, reducing infections and increasing the feeling of comfort on a daily basis.

2. Prevention of urinary infection and complications

Clinical studies show that boys with phimosis are at increased risk of urinary infection, especially in the first few years of life. The retention of bacteria under the foreskin and the difficulty in cleaning favor the ascension of microorganisms to the urinary tract.

When not treated in time, these infections can result in hospital admissions, the use of intravenous antibiotics and, in more serious cases, permanent kidney damage. Treatment of phimosis acts as an important preventative measure, protecting the child’s urinary system and reducing exposure to more invasive procedures.

3. Reduction of penile pain and discomfort

The presence of phimosis can be painful, especially during hygiene or attempts to forcibly retract the skin. This practice is even advised against by urologists.

In adolescents, pain can also occur during erections or attempts at sexual activity, causing physical discomfort and emotional insecurity.

Treating phimosis provides relief by eliminating painful friction and the feeling of “tightness” in the area. This improves the child’s daily life and prevents inflammatory conditions such as balanoposthitis, which cause pain, redness and even bleeding.

4. Prevention of future diseases in adulthood

A long-term and often overlooked benefit is the reduction in the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and penile cancer. In addition, poor hygiene and the chronic accumulation of secretions can lead to cellular alterations that favor the development of penile cancer.

Treating infantile phimosis therefore not only resolves a childhood condition, but also protects the sexual health of the future adult, making their life simpler.

5. Improved quality of life for children and future adults

The sum of all these factors results in a significant change in the patient’s quality of life. Boys who undergo phimosis treatment have fewer infections, less pain, less need for medication and less risk of long-term complications.

In addition to physical health, the psychological impact is also positive: less fear, greater autonomy in hygiene and more comfort with one’s own body. All this contributes to a healthier childhood and a smoother transition to adolescence and adulthood.

Schedule your appointment with a pediatric urologist in São Paulo right now.

What treatments are available for phimosis?

The treatment of phimosis varies according to the age of the child, the degree of retraction of the foreskin and the presence or absence of symptoms such as infections, pain or recurrent inflammation. Fortunately, there are effective clinical approaches, in addition to postectomy surgery, which can be indicated by a Pediatric Urologist in São Paulo after an individualized assessment.

Knowing the therapeutic possibilities helps parents to make safer and more informed decisions.

Clinical treatments

Some of the treatments that can be seen for phimosis are more common:

Corticoid-based ointments.
Medication.
Gentle retraction exercises.

In mild to moderate cases, phimosis in children can be treated conservatively with corticosteroid-based ointments. This method aims to soften the skin and facilitate the gradual retraction of the foreskin, without causing pain or trauma.

There is also the possibility of using medication and gentle retraction exercises, advised by the urologist. It’s important to note that these exercises should be done under professional supervision. When performed improperly, they can cause penile injury and even infections.

When is postectomy surgery indicated?

Postectomy surgery, popularly known as phimosis surgery, is indicated when clinical treatment does not produce satisfactory results or when the child has significant symptoms, such as pain when urinating, repeated urinary infections, severe preputial adhesion or difficulties with male intimate hygiene.

It can also be indicated in cases of marked narrowing of the preputial ring or when there is a risk of paraphimosis, a condition in which the foreskin is unable to return to its original position after retraction, causing severe pain and vascular risk.

Schedule your appointment with a Pediatric Surgeon in SP right now.

Why look for a Pediatric Urologist in São Paulo at Instituto Medicina em Foco?

At Instituto Medicina em Foco, we are committed to specialized medicine. If you’re looking for a Pediatric Urologist in São Paulo, the clinic in the heart of the city offers state-of-the-art infrastructure with professionals who are trained and up-to-date in the treatment of phimosis.

When looking for a Pediatric Surgeon in SP, such as Dr. Rafael Rocha, parents will find security, clarity in the diagnosis and precise guidance on what to expect at each stage of treatment.

The importance of specialized assessment

Successful treatment of phimosis depends directly on a qualified medical assessment. This is because each patient has a different degree of foreskin retraction, associated symptoms and individual factors that require specific management.

This is precisely why the Instituto Medicina em Foco offers a model of care centered on the child and the family. With a humanized approach, MEF professionals listen attentively, explain all the therapeutic operations and monitor the progress of the condition with responsibility and empathy.

Schedule an appointment with Pediatric Surgeon in SP Dr. Rafael Rocha

Dr. Rafael Rocha took his first steps at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santos (FCMS). He later specialized in General Surgery at SUS in São Paulo, as well as doing a residency in Paediatric Surgery at Santa Casa de São Paulo and specializing in Children’s Urology at the Darcy Vargas Children’s Hospital.

If you need a consultation with Dr. Rafael at MEF, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Make an appointment with a Pediatric Surgeon in SP at MEF.

🏥 Address of Instituto Medicina em Foco: Rua Frei Caneca 1380, Consolação, São Paulo, CEP 01307-000.

🕗 O pening hours: Monday to Friday, from 8am to 9pm.

📞 Phone: (11)9.5675.6848

For more information, follow Instituto Medicina em Foco on social media:

Content updated in 2025.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about five benefits of treating phimosis in children

1. What signs indicate that my child needs a urological assessment because of a closed foreskin?

If the skin of the penis is very tight, causing pain, difficulty urinating, frequent inflammation or accumulation of secretion, it is important to seek an assessment with a Pediatric Urologist.

2. At what age is it recommended to see a doctor to treat excess skin on children’s genitals?

The recommendation is to carry out the assessment from the age of 2 to 3, especially if there are no signs of the foreskin opening naturally by this stage.

3. Is it normal for the foreskin not to retract in small boys? When does it become a problem?

Yes, it’s common up to the age of 2 or 3. The problem arises when retraction doesn’t happen over time or there is pain, infection, inflammation or urinary obstruction.

4. When does narrowing of the preputial ring require surgery in children?

Surgery is indicated when the ring remains rigid and completely prevents exposure of the glans, even after clinical treatment, or when there are recurrent infections.

5. Is there a clinical treatment to solve the difficulty in exposing the glans in children?

Yes. In many cases, the use of corticosteroid ointments and specific guidelines on hygiene and gentle retraction resolve the condition without the need for surgery.

6. What is the pediatrician’s role in diagnosing prolonged preputial adhesion?

The pediatrician plays a fundamental role in monitoring genital development and identifying early signs that require evaluation by a pediatric urologist.

7. When is intimate surgery for children indicated to solve problems with the penis?

It is indicated when there is persistent true phimosis, repeated infections, chronic pain, urinary changes or when clinical treatment fails.

8. My son has pain when he urinates. Could it be excess skin covering the glans?

Yes. Phimosis can cause difficulty or pain when urinating because it hinders the passage of urine, especially in cases of severe narrowing.

9. Does every boy with skin that doesn’t retract on his penis need surgery?

No. Many cases resolve naturally or with clinical treatment. Surgery is only indicated when there are symptoms or conservative treatment fails.

10. What care should I take with my child’s intimate hygiene to avoid inflammation of the foreskin?

Avoid forcing the skin back. Wash gently with warm water and mild soap. Keep the area dry and watch for signs of redness or discharge.

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Learn about the main advantages of treating phimosis with specialized pediatric urology care