Foreskin Issues: Do You Need Circumcision?

Q: Foreskin Issues: Do You Need Circumcision?

Hello, regarding the first question about the length or narrowing of the foreskin, if it feels tight when retracted and even compresses the glans, it is likely a sign of phimosis. <br>In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. <br>There are various methods for circu

Foreskin issues

Doctor: I have a question that has been bothering me for a long time regarding my foreskin.
I don't fully understand my body, and I've done some research but still have questions.
1.
When I have an erection, my foreskin covers the glans, but sometimes when I'm more excited, a little bit of the glans is exposed.
2.
I can manually retract my foreskin to fully expose the glans.
3.
Does this mean I have phimosis or just a long foreskin? 4.
Even when I retract the foreskin, it still feels a bit tight! 5.
Is this because the foreskin ring is too tight? Sometimes it gets stuck in the groove of the glans when I retract it, but sometimes it doesn't.
6.
Do I need a circumcision? I can easily retract the foreskin when I'm not erect to clean it.
7.
When I was in the second year of junior high (around 14-15 years old), I thought everything was normal, so I would masturbate without any concern.
One time, I pulled the foreskin back too hard, and it went behind the glans, which felt very tight and painful, so I became afraid to pull too hard afterward.
8.
Recently, I've been feeling that this isn't very hygienic (because there's a white film on the glans, which I think is dried semen, and it smells quite bad), so now I make sure to clean it thoroughly while showering.
9.
Again, I ask the doctor, do I need a circumcision? I can retract my foreskin, but normally it should retract behind the glans when erect! 10.
I also saw your responses to other people's questions! What is the difference between "circumcision" and "preputial plasty"? 11.
If I do get circumcised, can I choose not to fully expose the glans? Can it be done so that when I'm not erect, the foreskin still covers the glans, but retracts completely behind the glans when erect? 12.
Is my situation due to a tight foreskin ring? If so, would cutting the foreskin ring improve the situation without needing a full circumcision? 13.
I think many people have asked this question: My erection is about 11-13 cm long, but the width is less than 4 cm.
Is that considered too thin? (I found online that the average size for Taiwanese men is 13-15 cm in length and 4 cm in width...) 14.
I feel like I'm too thin to even fit a condom! The glans fits, but the shaft doesn't...
What should I do? I think that's all for now.
I'm sorry! I seem to have asked too many questions at once! But these issues have been bothering me for almost 3-4 years, and I haven't dared to see a doctor because I'm too shy and afraid of the embarrassment >////< I hope the doctor can explain everything to me in detail.

xiang jiao liao jie zi ji shen ti de xiang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/11/25

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, regarding the first question about the length or narrowing of the foreskin, if it feels tight when retracted and even compresses the glans, it is likely a sign of phimosis.
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
There are various methods for circumcision; some people may have more foreskin left, while others may have just enough removed to fully expose the glans.
It is important to communicate with your physician about this during the procedure.
Regardless of the method used, the goal of the surgery is to make it easier to clean the glans, and achieving that goal is what matters.
The size of the penis has been discussed many times and can be easily researched online.
It can be challenging to find the right condom size, as each brand has specific sizing ranges.
For example, sizes suitable for individuals of Asian descent differ from those for Western individuals.
When purchasing, it is advisable to pay attention to this; unless one has exceptional endowment, it is best to buy condoms designed for Asian individuals or those made in Taiwan or Japan, as they will likely fit better.
Sincerely, Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2005/11/25

More Info

When it comes to foreskin issues and the potential need for circumcision, it's important to understand the anatomy and function of the foreskin, as well as the conditions that may necessitate surgical intervention. Based on your description, it seems you have several concerns regarding your foreskin and its ability to retract, as well as hygiene issues.

1. Understanding Phimosis and Prepuce Length: Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin cannot be fully retracted over the glans (the head of the penis). From your description, it sounds like you can retract your foreskin manually, which suggests that you may not have complete phimosis. However, if you experience tightness or discomfort when retracting the foreskin, this could indicate a condition known as "tight foreskin" or "phimosis."
2. Hygiene Concerns: You mentioned that you have noticed a white substance on the glans, which is likely smegma, a combination of dead skin cells, oils, and other bodily fluids. It's important to maintain proper hygiene, especially if you have difficulty retracting the foreskin. Regular cleaning can help prevent infections and unpleasant odors. Since you are able to retract the foreskin during bathing, continue to do so gently to clean the area.

3. Circumcision Considerations: Whether or not you need circumcision depends on several factors:
- If you experience pain or significant discomfort when retracting the foreskin.

- If you have recurrent infections or inflammation (balanitis).

- If the tightness of the foreskin is causing hygiene issues that you cannot manage.

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin, and it can provide relief from these issues. However, if your primary concern is tightness, there are other options such as a preputioplasty, which involves widening the opening of the foreskin without complete removal.

4. Surgical Options: You asked about the difference between "circumcision" and "preputioplasty." Circumcision removes the entire foreskin, while preputioplasty preserves the foreskin but allows for more comfortable retraction. If you are concerned about having the glans fully exposed, discuss this with your urologist. They can tailor the procedure to your needs, ensuring that the foreskin remains over the glans when not erect, while still allowing for full exposure when erect.

5. Size and Fit Issues: Regarding your concerns about size, the average erect penis size varies widely, and it’s important to remember that size does not determine sexual function or satisfaction. If you are having issues with condoms fitting properly, consider trying different sizes or brands. There are condoms designed for smaller sizes, and experimenting with these may provide a better fit.

6. Consulting a Urologist: It’s understandable to feel shy or embarrassed about discussing these issues, but a urologist is trained to handle such concerns professionally and sensitively. They can provide a thorough examination and discuss the best options for your situation, whether that involves circumcision, preputioplasty, or simply monitoring the condition.

In conclusion, based on your symptoms and concerns, it would be advisable to consult a urologist who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and discuss your options. They can help determine if circumcision or another procedure is necessary based on your specific circumstances. Remember, addressing these issues can significantly improve your quality of life and hygiene. Don't hesitate to seek help; it's a common concern, and medical professionals are there to assist you.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Foreskin Issues: Do You Need Circumcision?

Doctor, I would like to ask, my foreskin can only retract to the back of the glans and cannot retract further. Do I need a circumcision? (I was circumcised as a child.) Will this hinder future sexual intercourse? Thank you, doctor.

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
If there are concerns about the foreskin, it is advisable to have an in-person examination. It is recommended to consult a urologist for evaluation and discussion with the physician.

Understanding Foreskin Issues: Do You Need Circumcision?

Hello, doctor! I have an issue where when I have an erection and pull back my foreskin, several small cracks appear. I have been applying ointment, but once it heals, pulling it back again causes the wounds to reappear. Do I need to undergo a circumcision, or are there other opti...

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
Hello: It sounds like it could be phimosis or chronic inflammation. It's important to see a doctor in an outpatient setting so that the physician can assess the situation and determine whether a circumcision is necessary. I hope this information is helpful to you.

To Circumcise or Not: Addressing Concerns About Foreskin Issues

Hello doctor, I have a problem with phimosis, but I can push it back to expose the entire glans; during erection, I can also fully retract it to reveal the glans. I always use body wash to clean the glans while showering. Is there still a need for circumcision? Some people say th...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Hesitation: Hello, it seems that your condition may not require a circumcision. However, a professional evaluation is necessary to confirm this. If there are any unclear aspects, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further. Online responses can only serve as a...

Is Circumcision Necessary for Tight Foreskin Issues?

When erect, the foreskin is too long to expose the glans, but it can be retracted to reveal the glans for cleaning. When the glans is exposed during an erection, there is a slight feeling of tightness. Occasionally, during ejaculation, the foreskin may tear. After researching, it...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: It depends on the severity, and it's important to take care of the areas with broken skin; otherwise, they may scar and become hardened, which could lead to increased tightness. It may be advisable to seek medical attention to check if the foreskin has the potential t...