What is the medical definition of phimosis?

Phimosis is medically defined as the inability to retract the foreskin from the glans penis. It is a condition often observed in males, particularly in infants and young children, where the foreskin cannot be easily pulled back to expose the head of the penis. In some cases, this condition can lead to complications such as difficulty with hygiene, infections, or pain during erections.

The other options describe different conditions: painful and persistent erection refers to priapism, a condition characterized by prolonged and often painful erections that can occur without sexual stimulation. The condition causing inguinal hernias pertains to issues related to the anatomical structure of the groin area, specifically when abdominal contents protrude through a weakness in the abdominal wall. Lastly, an infection of the corpora cavernosa refers to a rare condition that may lead to erectile dysfunction or pain but is not related to the inability to retract the foreskin. Therefore, option A directly aligns with the clinical understanding and definition of phimosis.