What is the primary treatment for phimosis?

The primary treatment for phimosis, especially in cases where conservative measures are not effective, is circumcision. Phimosis is the condition where the foreskin cannot be retracted over the glans penis, which can lead to complications such as inflammation, infection, or discomfort.

Circumcision addresses this condition definitively by removing the foreskin, thus eliminating the problem altogether. While some cases of phimosis may improve spontaneously or respond to less invasive treatments, circumcision is considered a reliable solution, particularly when phimosis causes significant symptoms or complications.

Other options, such as observation, may be suitable for mild cases in young children who may later outgrow the condition. Antibiotics might be used if there are associated infections but are not a treatment for the phimosis itself. Glucocorticoids could be indicated in some instances where topical treatment is attempted to facilitate foreskin retractability, but they do not resolve the anatomical issue, making circumcision the primary and definitive treatment.