The Risks of Forcibly Retracting the Foreskin: What You Need to Know

The consequences of attempting to retract the foreskin on your own!

Hello Doctor: Since childhood, I have had a long foreskin, and during an erection, only half of the glans is exposed.
Today, I forcibly pulled the foreskin back, and it was exposed; however, when not erect, the opening of the foreskin is too small, and the glans cannot retract back.
I tried to pull the foreskin forward again, but it doesn't cover the glans like it used to.
Now, the glans is constantly exposed, and it hurts when it rubs against my clothing while walking.
Should I really consider getting a circumcision? Thank you, Doctor.
July 27, 2005.

Da Nan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/07/27

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, I see your situation and it seems that you may have a paraphimosis, which means the foreskin is stuck.
It would be best to apply some lubricant on the glans and then gently retract the foreskin using a cloth or towel.
If you really cannot retract it, the glans will gradually swell and become more painful.
In such cases of paraphimosis, I believe surgery may be necessary sooner or later.

Urology Department Chief, Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai
Response from Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan

Reply Date: 2005/07/27

More Info

Forcibly retracting the foreskin can lead to several complications, particularly in individuals with a condition known as phimosis, where the foreskin cannot be easily retracted over the glans (the head of the penis). In your case, it seems that you have experienced a situation where the foreskin was forcibly pulled back, resulting in the glans being exposed and causing discomfort.

Understanding the Risks
1. Pain and Discomfort: As you have already experienced, forcibly retracting the foreskin can lead to pain and discomfort due to friction against clothing and movement. The glans is sensitive, and exposure can cause irritation, especially if it is not accustomed to being exposed.

2. Injury: Forcibly pulling back the foreskin can cause micro-tears or abrasions on the skin, leading to bleeding or infection. This can also result in scarring, which may further complicate the ability to retract the foreskin in the future.

3. Paraphimosis: This is a serious condition that occurs when the foreskin is retracted and cannot be returned to its original position. This can lead to swelling and impaired blood flow to the glans, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

4. Infection: The exposure of the glans can increase the risk of infections, such as balanitis (inflammation of the glans) or posthitis (inflammation of the foreskin). These conditions can cause redness, swelling, and discharge.

5. Psychological Impact: The discomfort and potential embarrassment associated with these physical issues can also lead to psychological stress, affecting self-esteem and sexual health.

Treatment Options
Given your situation, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably a urologist, who can provide a thorough examination and discuss your options. Here are some potential treatments:
1. Gentle Care: If the foreskin can be gently retracted without pain, maintaining good hygiene is essential. Regular cleaning can help prevent infections.

2. Topical Treatments: If there is irritation or inflammation, topical corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling and discomfort.

3. Surgical Options: If phimosis is confirmed and conservative treatments are ineffective, circumcision may be recommended. This procedure involves the surgical removal of the foreskin and can alleviate the issues you are experiencing.
4. Preputioplasty: This is a less invasive surgical option that involves widening the opening of the foreskin without complete removal. This can be a suitable alternative for those who wish to retain their foreskin.

Conclusion
In summary, forcibly retracting the foreskin can lead to significant complications, including pain, injury, and infection. Given your current symptoms and the inability to return the foreskin to its normal position, it is crucial to seek medical advice promptly. A urologist can provide a comprehensive evaluation and discuss the best course of action tailored to your needs. Remember, it is essential to avoid any further attempts to forcibly retract the foreskin, as this can exacerbate the situation. Your health and comfort should be the priority, and professional guidance is the best way to achieve that.

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