Which consequence can arise from phimosis?

• A. Bleeding during urination
• B. Hernia
• C. Smegma accumulates in the preputial sac causing irritation
• D. Testicular torsion

Answer: (C)

Phimosis creates a pocket under the unretractable foreskin where smegma can accumulate. Smegma, made up of shed epithelial cells, oils, and other secretions, irritates the preputial and glans skin, leading to itching, redness, irritation, and inflammation (balanitis) if hygiene is not maintained. This buildup is a direct consequence of the foreskin’s inability to retract and the resulting hygiene challenge, making irritation and potential infection the common issues that can arise. The other possibilities—bleeding during urination, hernia, and testicular torsion—are not typical direct outcomes of phimosis, as they involve different anatomical issues or acute emergencies unrelated to foreskin retractility.