Do I Need Circumcision for Foul Odor and Tight Foreskin?

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I have a question! When I have an erection, my foreskin cannot fully retract to expose the glans; I can only see a small opening at the tip.
However, when I pull the foreskin back, I can see the entire glans easily and without any pain.
But I have a significant issue: there is often an unpleasant odor coming from the area of the glans and foreskin.
This odor becomes noticeable even after just washing and using the restroom once or twice, and it is quite strong.
I believe this odor may be due to urine coming into contact with the inner surface of the foreskin and then drying, which causes the smell.
However, my situation doesn’t seem to be phimosis since I can easily pull back the foreskin without pain.
My main concern is the odor, which is why I am considering circumcision.
I would like to ask the doctor if circumcision is necessary in my case.
Since I do not have phimosis, will health insurance cover the procedure?

zero zero, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/03/10

Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology

If the foreskin can be easily retracted during an erection without pain, it indicates that everything is normal and not phimosis.
As for the odor, maintaining cleanliness and ensuring that urine does not come into contact with the inner side will help; simply washing thoroughly during your daily shower can improve the situation.
Phimosis surgery is covered by health insurance, but your condition is merely excessive foreskin.
I recommend reading two books: "The Love of the Little Brother" and "About Sex."

Reply Date: 2003/03/10

More Info

When considering whether circumcision is necessary for issues such as foul odor and tight foreskin, it's important to evaluate several factors related to your specific situation. Based on your description, it seems that you do not have phimosis, as you can retract your foreskin without pain. However, the persistent foul odor you are experiencing is a significant concern that warrants further discussion.

The odor you describe may indeed be related to the accumulation of urine and smegma (a combination of dead skin cells, oils, and moisture) under the foreskin. This can occur even if the foreskin can be retracted, especially if proper hygiene is not maintained. It's crucial to ensure that the area is cleaned thoroughly during bathing and after urination to minimize odor. Regular washing with mild soap and water is typically sufficient to keep the area clean.
If you find that maintaining hygiene is difficult or if the odor persists despite good hygiene practices, circumcision could be considered as a potential solution. Circumcision removes the foreskin entirely, which can help eliminate the environment where bacteria and smegma can accumulate, thus reducing odor.
However, before deciding on circumcision, it is advisable to consult with a urologist or a healthcare provider who specializes in male genital health. They can perform a thorough examination and discuss your symptoms in detail. They may also suggest alternative treatments or hygiene practices that could alleviate the odor without the need for surgery.
Regarding insurance coverage, many health insurance plans in the United States do not cover circumcision unless there is a medical necessity. Since your situation does not appear to involve phimosis or other medical conditions that typically warrant circumcision, it is unlikely that your insurance would cover the procedure solely for odor issues.
In summary, while circumcision may help with the odor problem, it is not the only solution. Improving hygiene practices and consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice is essential. If circumcision is deemed necessary after a thorough evaluation, you can then discuss the implications, including potential costs and insurance coverage, with your provider.

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