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I want to know about the treatment options

If you’ve been diagnosed with phimosis, there are different treatment options depending on your symptoms, the cause of the phimosis, and your age.

In children, normal foreskin development and foreskin adhesions usually do not need treatment. If treatment is needed, steroid cream is usually the first option for symptomatic phimosis. Surgery may be considered if symptoms continue or if there is significant scarring.

Possible treatments

Understanding treatment

Treatment depends on whether the phimosis is part of normal development or is caused by scarring or disease.

If there are no symptoms, treatment is usually not needed. If treatment is needed, steroid cream is usually tried first. Surgery may be considered if phimosis does not improve with treatment or if the patient or parents prefer a surgical option.

There are two main types of surgery:

  • Preputioplasty: the foreskin is widened so that it can be pulled back while keeping the foreskin.
  • Circumcision: the foreskin is completely removed.

Circumcision may be recommended if the phimosis is caused by BXO or does not improve with other treatment.

Simple ballooning of the foreskin during urination is not, by itself, a reason for surgery.

Follow the links above for more information about each treatment.

This chapter contains general information about the treatment of phimosis. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

Last updated: September 2026

Reviewed by (2026 update): 

  • Prof. Guy Bogaert (EAU Guidelines Panel on Paediatric Urology)