[NEED ADVICE] Issues from Phimosis Rings – Swelling and Discomfort (26M)
Greetings everyone, I’m reaching out because I've been dealing with phimosis and recently decided to use stretching rings. Unfortunately, I mistakenly chose a ring that was too large and left it on for an extended time beneath the foreskin. Once I removed the ring, I observed that there was a dark band around my foreskin and significant swelling. Initially, the discomfort was quite severe for several hours, but it has since lessened. Now, I only feel pain when I attempt to pull the skin back excessively. I can manage to retract my foreskin below the glans and pull it back into place; therefore, I don’t believe this is a case of paraphimosis. The swelling has improved compared to the initial days, yet I’m still worried about whether or not I should seek medical advice. Any guidance would be appreciated.
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 4:01:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with some swelling and discomfort after using a phimosis stretching ring that may have been too large for you. While the initial severe pain has improved, it's understandable to feel concerned about the lingering symptoms. Here’s a structured response to help you navigate this situation:
Main Points
- Current Symptoms: Swelling and a dark band around the foreskin after using a phimosis ring.
- Status of Foreskin Retraction: You can still retract the foreskin, but pain occurs with excessive retraction.
- Monitor Symptoms: You may not need immediate medical attention unless certain red flags appear.
Explanation
When using devices like stretching rings for phimosis, it’s crucial to select the correct size and duration to avoid complications like swelling or possible skin irritation. The dark band you mention could be due to temporary vascular changes or bruising from the ring. It's positive that your pain level has decreased and that you can retract your foreskin.
However, it's important to keep an eye on your symptoms moving forward. Since you've mentioned only feeling discomfort with excessive retraction and that your symptoms are improving, you may not need to rush to seek medical attention unless specific warning signs arise.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the swelling and discomfort. Note any changes in pain levels, color, or if the swelling worsens.
-
Gentle Care: Continue to keep the area clean and dry. You can use mild soap and water during bathing, but avoid harsh soaps or irritants.
-
Avoid Excessive Force: Do not attempt to forcibly retract your foreskin, as this can lead to further irritation.
-
Cold Compress: If the swelling returns or worsens, you may apply a cold compress to the area for short periods (about 15-20 minutes) to help reduce swelling.
-
Seek Medical Advice if Necessary: If you notice:
- Increasing pain or swelling
- Signs of infection (e.g., redness, warmth, fever, discharge)
- Issues with blood flow or mobility of the foreskin
In those cases, consulting a healthcare professional is important for proper evaluation.
Overall, it sounds like you’re making progress. Just continue to pay attention to your body, and don’t hesitate to reach out for medical assistance if things don’t improve or worsen. Let me know if you have any further questions or need more specific advice!
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