phimosis
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A medical condition of abnormal tightness of the foreskin: "Phimosis" is a condition where the foreskin of the penis is too tight to be pulled back (retracted) over the head (glans) of the penis.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The pediatrician diagnosed the infant with phimosis, but said it might resolve naturally.
- Severe phimosis can sometimes require a minor surgical procedure called a circumcision.
Advanced Usage
- "Congenital phimosis": refers to the condition being present from birth, which is common in infants and often resolves with age.
- Congenital phimosis is rarely a cause for concern in young boys.
- "Pathological phimosis": refers to phimosis caused by scarring, infection, or inflammation, often occurring later in life.
- Recurrent infections can lead to pathological phimosis.
Variants and Related Words
- Paraphimosis (n): A related urological emergency where a retracted foreskin becomes trapped behind the glans and cannot be returned to its normal position, constricting blood flow.
- Paraphimosis is a painful condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Synonyms
- Foreskin tightness: A descriptive, non-medical term for the condition.
- Preputial stenosis: A more clinical synonym using anatomical terms ('preputial' refers to the foreskin).
Notes on Meaning
- Medical vs. Developmental: It is important to distinguish between physiological (normal, developmental) tightness in young children and true pathological phimosis, which is a medical problem causing symptoms like pain, ballooning during urination, or infection.
- Treatment Context: The word is primarily used in medical, clinical, or anatomical discussions. It is not used in general conversation.
Noun
- an abnormal tightness of the foreskin preventing retraction over the glans