How Much of the Glans Should Be Exposed After Erection?

How much of the glans should be exposed after an erection is considered normal?

Hello doctor, I have a condition where only half of the glans is exposed after an erection.
If I try to push it back to expose the entire glans, it causes pain due to tight foreskin.
I went to a urologist for an examination, and the doctor diagnosed me with phimosis, recommending a circumcision.
It has been one month post-surgery, and when I attempted to check the glans during an erection, I found that the situation is exactly the same as before the surgery—only half is exposed, and pushing back to reveal the glans is still tight and painful.
How much of the glans should be exposed after an erection to be considered normal? Could this be a misdiagnosis by the doctor I consulted, considering he could only examine my foreskin and penis when not erect?

Ahan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/15

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology

Hello, I understand how you feel.
However, for issues like this, you should return to the original surgeon's clinic and communicate openly with them to express your concerns.
I cannot tell you which physician may have made a mistake, as I am not your attending physician and do not have a complete understanding of your condition.
Such matters need to be examined and discussed in person.

Reply Date: 2020/05/15

More Info

When it comes to the exposure of the glans (the head of the penis) during an erection, the normal expectation is that the glans should be fully exposed. However, variations can occur due to anatomical differences, conditions such as phimosis (tight foreskin), or other factors. In your case, it seems that despite undergoing a circumcision procedure to address the issue of a tight foreskin, you are still experiencing discomfort and incomplete exposure of the glans during an erection.

Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin cannot be easily retracted over the glans, which can lead to pain during erections and difficulties with hygiene. Circumcision is a common surgical intervention to alleviate this condition, and it typically resolves the issues associated with phimosis. However, if you are still experiencing tightness and pain after the procedure, it raises several considerations.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that the surgical technique and the extent of the circumcision can influence the outcome. If the circumcision was not extensive enough to allow for full retraction of the foreskin, or if there is residual tightness in the skin, you may still experience the same symptoms. Additionally, scarring or changes in the skin after surgery could also contribute to ongoing discomfort.

It is also worth noting that the assessment of phimosis is often made when the penis is flaccid, which may not accurately reflect the situation during an erection. Therefore, if the doctor did not evaluate the condition during an erection, there may be a possibility of misdiagnosis or an incomplete understanding of your specific situation.

In terms of what is considered normal, during an erection, the glans should ideally be fully exposed without pain or discomfort. If you are only able to expose half of the glans and experience pain when attempting to retract the skin, this is not typical and warrants further evaluation.

Here are some steps you can take:
1. Follow-Up Consultation: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your urologist to discuss your ongoing symptoms. It is crucial to communicate your concerns about the pain and the incomplete exposure of the glans during an erection.

2. Physical Examination: Request a thorough examination during an erection, if possible. This may provide the doctor with a clearer understanding of the issue and help determine if further surgical intervention is necessary.

3. Consider Second Opinion: If you feel that your concerns are not being adequately addressed, seeking a second opinion from another urologist may provide additional insights and options for treatment.

4. Treatment Options: Depending on the findings, your doctor may suggest additional treatments, which could include further surgical options, topical treatments to reduce sensitivity, or other interventions to alleviate discomfort.

In summary, while the expectation is for the glans to be fully exposed during an erection, your ongoing symptoms suggest that further evaluation is needed. It is essential to address these concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure that you receive appropriate care and to explore potential solutions for your discomfort.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Glans Exposure: Concerns and Care for Your Urological Health

Hello doctor, my glans is usually covered by the foreskin, and when I have an erection, the glans is partially exposed. I have tried to retract the glans, but it becomes very dry, wrinkled, and painful. Is there a risk of necrosis for the glans?

Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology
No! Please consult a urologist for further discussion.

Do You Need to Expose the Glans? Insights on Phimosis and Hygiene

I would like to ask the doctor, I am 29 years old and I often feel that the opening of my foreskin is too small during erections. I can see the urethral opening, and urination is normal, but the glans cannot be fully exposed. Pulling back the foreskin is painful. Recently, I trie...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Rhubarb: Hello! 1. It needs to be covered back. 2. If it is too tight, surgical correction is still necessary. If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further. Answers from the internet should only be used as a reference; if necess...

Understanding the First Exposure of the Glans: Concerns and Solutions

Since childhood, my foreskin has always covered the glans regardless of whether I have an erection. One time, before masturbation, I accidentally flipped the foreskin back to the coronal sulcus, and it didn't hurt. However, during an erection, only about one-eighth of the gl...

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
It sounds like the foreskin may require surgical intervention, so it is advisable to see a urologist for an examination and discuss it with the physician.

Should You Expose the Glans During Erection or Leave It Covered?

When I have an erection, the glans becomes exposed, but when I'm not erect, I experience phimosis and I'm not very accustomed to it. I feel a bit sensitive when it comes into contact with my pants, even when not erect. When I retract the foreskin to expose the glans, it...

Dr. Sun Hongshun reply Urology
Hello, Huang. I'm not sure if I misunderstood your question, but phimosis can cause sensitivity. When the foreskin retracts, it may get caught in pubic hair. Generally, it's recommended to let it happen naturally. If you still have concerns, feel free to visit the urolo...