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The frequency of foreskin problems in uncircumcised children
Insights
Uncircumcised boys experience more foreskin problems, including balanitis and irritation, compared to circumcised boys. Despite higher complication rates, most issues were minor, though medical visits for penile problems were more frequent in the uncircumcised group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Dermatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Foreskin problems are common in childhood.
- Understanding the incidence of these issues is crucial for pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of foreskin problems in uncircumcised children.
- To compare complication rates between uncircumcised and circumcised boys.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective survey of 545 boys aged 4 months to 12 years.
- Comparison between 272 uncircumcised boys and 273 boys circumcised at birth.
Main Results:
- Uncircumcised boys had a significantly higher total complication rate (14% vs 6%).
- Balanitis and irritation were more frequent in uncircumcised children, though not statistically significant.
- Medical visits for penile problems were significantly higher in the uncircumcised group (10% vs 5%).
Conclusions:
- Uncircumcised children face a higher frequency of foreskin-related issues.
- Most complications observed were minor, but increased medical visits highlight the need for awareness.
Abstract:
We performed a retrospective survey to determine the frequency of problems of the foreskin among uncircumcised children. Among 545 boys aged 4 months to 12 years, there were 272 uncircumcised boys and 273 control patients who were circumcised at birth. The total frequency of complications was significantly higher in the uncircumcised group (14% vs 6%). Both balanitis (6% vs 3%) and irritation (4% vs 1%) were more frequent among the uncircumcised children, but the difference was not statistically significant. Problems with adhesions were uncommon (1.5%) and equal in both groups. Symptomatic phimosis was seen in eight patients. The frequency of medical visits for penile problems was significantly higher in the uncircumcised group (10% vs 5%). Although the overall frequency of complications was higher among the uncircumcised children, most of the problems were minor.