About Phimosis

What is Phimosis? Tight Foreskin?

Phimosis is a treatable and surprisingly common condition among uncircumcised males, affecting up to 5% of the population. It occurs when the male foreskin is unable to retract properly from the head of the penis (or glans) due to an unusually tight foreskin.

The causes of a tight foreskin in adult males can vary, but the most common cause is the development of a whitish ring of hardened tissue near the tip of the penis, which prevents retraction of the foreskin. Other causes include inflammation of the foreskin or scarring, and further complications can occur when the tight foreskin is made worse when the opening tears—leaving scars—which, when they heal, sometimes leave the foreskin tighter than before. Phimosis is not to be confused with the normal non-retractability of the foreskin, which occurs in infancy and childhood (see below).

Development of the Foreskin

The foreskin is usually non-retractable in infancy and early childhood. Studies have indicated the foreskin becomes retractable in approximately 50% of cases at 1 year of age, 90% by 3 years of age, and 99% by age 17. Therefore, it is considered perfectly normal that full retractability of the foreskin may not be achieved until late in childhood or in early adulthood.

Adult Phimosis

For some men, a non-retractable foreskin can persist into adulthood. Phimosis may also develop in an uncircumcised adult who was previously able to retract his foreskin. There are varying degrees of Phimosis: some men are able to retract their foreskin partially (relative Phimosis), and some are completely unable to retract their foreskin, even in the flaccid state (full Phimosis).

Problems Associated with Phimosis

Problems associated with Phimosis can include:

an increased likelihood of infectionbuild up of smegma (the white substance under the foreskin)ballooning/inflammation of the foreskin during urinationpain during sexloss of sensation during sex

A more serious condition, ParaPhimosis, occurs when a tight foreskin is pulled back over the head of the penis and remains there, constricting the blood flow. This can rapidly lead to permanent damage and/or loss of the penis. ParaPhimosis is a very serious issue and warrants immediate medical attention from a doctor. If you find yourself in this situation, you must seek medical attention immediately to avoid the very serious effects of ParaPhimosis.

Gentle Foreskin Stretching provides a long-awaited solution.

Men with Phimosis are typically faced with two possible solutions:

  1. leave the foreskin alone, or 
  2. adult circumcision—which can be extremely painful and expensive.


Neither of these solutions is ideal, and each has its consequences. With regular washing and proper hygiene, many men with Phimosis can continue on for years with this condition left untreated; however, these men typically endure a level of discomfort and diminished sexual satisfaction. As a solution, adult circumcision is not for everyone, as not only is it painful and often expensive, but many men also wish to keep their foreskin for various reasons, including increased sexual sensitivity.

Gentle Foreskin Stretching—A Reliable Solution that Provides Long Lasting Relief

For many men who suffer from Phimosis, a clinical device like the Novoglan Gentle Foreskin Stretcher™ can be extremely worthwhile. We advise you to follow these three steps.

Step 1.

Use the Novoglan GFS to stretch a tight foreskin for two to four minutes per day. The treatment will take on average two to three weeks, depending on your skin.

Step 2.

Use the Novoglan Stretching Cream and Cleanser to aid the stretching process. This will also ensure that your foreskin stays clean, healthy and free from irritation.

Step 3.

After a week of successful stretching, you may wish to increase the pressure, within the limits of what you find comfortable.

With the Novoglan Gentle Foreskin Stretcher™, more than 90% of users have reported satisfaction — these men are able to achieve a loose foreskin with two to four weeks. Should your Phimosis persist, we recommend that you seek a referral to a specialist urologist.

“Being in my mid forties, I have suffered for many years with phimosis. That was, until I discovered your product. I used to have pain during sex and many infections, you know the drill. I came across your product on the internet and talked to my Doctor about using Novoglan. I am so grateful to you! Finally I can fully enjoy sex with my wife again and I no longer get any pain.”

Andrew, United Kingdom

CEO of NOVOGLAN | Platigo Solutions Talks about NOVOGLAN and Phimosis: