Sensitivity Issues and Residual Foreskin After Circumcision

Excessive stimulation of the glans may lead to numbness and a loss of firmness?

If I only stimulate the penis without frequently touching the glans, I can maintain an erection.
However, if I touch the glans, I experience a tingling sensation, and after a few times, it becomes soft.
This becomes a problem when my girlfriend performs oral sex; as soon as her tongue touches the glans, it goes soft.
Why is this happening? Additionally, I had a circumcision in the past, and there is some residual foreskin left towards the outer direction beneath the glans, which sometimes collects debris and feels uncomfortable.
Is it okay to have it removed? (The doctor advised leaving some, but I feel it might be excessive and I'm confused about this.)

dreamsogood, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/09/24

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

The penis has two particularly sensitive areas in response to sexual stimulation: one is the glans (head of the penis), and the other is the frenulum located on the underside of the glans.
These two areas tend to react more strongly to stimulation, and intense stimulation can more easily lead to ejaculation, resulting in the penis becoming flaccid.
This is a normal phenomenon.
As for your concern that this might hinder oral sex, it is not necessarily the case; sometimes, it is due to excessive stimulation, which can be alleviated through improved techniques.
I suggest that during oral sex, the partner's movements be gentler or the duration shorter.
By reducing stimulation, the issue of becoming flaccid should improve.

Regarding the issue of circumcision: typically, after the procedure, a small amount of skin will remain, but this should not cause any hygiene problems.
If you insist on having more skin removed, you can consult a nearby physician for an evaluation before making a decision.
Unless too much skin is removed, leading to pain during erection, circumcision generally does not have an impact on the body, including sexual function.

Reply Date: 2003/09/24

More Info

Understanding sensitivity issues and residual foreskin after circumcision involves a combination of physiological, psychological, and anatomical factors.
Firstly, after circumcision, many men experience changes in sensitivity due to the exposure of the glans (the head of the penis) to the external environment. The glans is typically covered by the foreskin, which provides a moist environment. Once circumcision is performed, the glans becomes keratinized (thickened skin), which can lead to a decrease in sensitivity over time. However, this process can vary significantly among individuals.
In your case, the sensation of tingling or numbness when touching the glans, followed by a loss of erection, could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is that the nerve endings in the glans are still adjusting to the new exposure. This adjustment period can lead to heightened sensitivity or discomfort when stimulated, which may cause psychological responses such as anxiety or stress, further impacting erectile function.
Additionally, the experience during oral sex, where stimulation of the glans leads to a loss of erection, could be related to a combination of physical sensitivity and psychological factors. If you are feeling anxious or self-conscious about your sensitivity or the residual foreskin, this can create a cycle where anxiety leads to erectile dysfunction. It might be beneficial to communicate openly with your partner about your feelings and experiences, as this can help reduce performance anxiety.

Regarding the residual foreskin you mentioned, it is not uncommon for some men to have a small amount of foreskin left after circumcision. This can sometimes lead to hygiene issues, as you noted. If the remaining foreskin is causing discomfort or hygiene problems, it is advisable to consult with a urologist. They can assess whether a revision circumcision or another procedure is necessary to remove the excess skin.
In conclusion, the issues you are experiencing with sensitivity and residual foreskin are not uncommon among men who have undergone circumcision. It is essential to address both the physical and psychological aspects of your concerns. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a urologist, can provide you with tailored advice and treatment options to improve your comfort and sexual function. Open communication with your partner can also help alleviate anxiety and enhance your sexual experiences.

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