Paraphimosis

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Male reproductive anatomy

Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin of an uncircumcised male cannot be pulled back over the head of the penis.

Causes of paraphimosis include:

• Direct trauma to the area
• Failure to return the foreskin to its normal location after urination or washing (most common in hospitals and nursing homes)
• Infection, which may be due to poor personal hygiene

Uncircumcised males, and those who may not have been correctly or completely circumcised, are at risk.

Paraphimosis occurs most often in children and the elderly.

Review Date: 09/03/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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