Epidemiology

Congenital (physiological) phimosis occurs in 96% of newborns, with the tip of the glans visible in only 50% of newborn boys.[5][6]​​[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Physiological phimosisFrom the collection of Nicol Corbin Bush, MD [Citation ends].com.bmj.content.model.Caption@60834ade ​The foreskin becomes retractable at varying ages.​ In a prospective evaluation of more than 1000 boys over 8 years of follow-up in Denmark, congenital phimosis was present in 8% of 6- to 7-year-olds.[7]​ Prevalence in this group declined to 1% of 16- to 17-year-old boys.[7]

The reported prevalence of acquired (pathological) phimosis varies widely. A rate of 1% of uncircumcised males is commonly reported.[8][9]​ Acquired phimosis is more common in men with a history of diabetes.[6][10]

The prevalence of phimosis in men of all ages is widely variable; many studies appear to include both physiological and pathological phimosis in their cohorts.[6]​ 

Paraphimosis is seen exclusively in uncircumcised or partially circumcised males. Its true incidence is unknown.

The estimated prevalence of congenital penile curvature at birth varies from 0.6% to 20%.[11][12]​​[13] Congenital penile curvature >30 degrees is considered clinically significant.[11]​ Congenital buried penis (megaprepuce) is uncommon; its true incidence is unknown.

Hypospadias prevalence estimates vary widely. International birth defect surveillance systems suggest hypospadias prevalence of 21 per 10,000 births during the period 1980 to 2010.[14]​ In North America, prevalence of 34 to 83 per 10,000 live births has been reported.[15][16][17]​​​ Analysis of the Paris Registry of Congenital Malformations indicates that, between 1981 and 2020, hypospadias comprised 18% of reported non-genetic anomalies.[18]​ Most patients have distal hypospadias.

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