Should You Consider Circumcision for Phimosis? Expert Insights

Q: Should You Consider Circumcision for Phimosis? Expert Insights

Hello： If you experience pain from pulling on the foreskin during intercourse, you may consider circumcision. <br>If you cannot find the time for the procedure, you can consult a doctor to apply a topical corticosteroid ointment to see if it helps loosen the foreskin a bit.

Phimosis (excessive foreskin) issue?

Hello, doctor.
This afternoon, I visited a urologist at Taipei Hospital to see if I need a circumcision.
The doctor examined my condition when not erect and said that circumcision is optional.
The doctor suggested that I might not need it, but advised me to test the looseness of the foreskin during an erection at home.
I found that when erect, about one-third of the glans is exposed, and when I am very excited, it is about half exposed.
The foreskin can move up and down, but when pulled close to the glans, it becomes tight and somewhat painful.
However, if I slowly pull it with my hand, I can retract the foreskin fully down to the glans during an erection, but it still feels tight and a bit painful.
Additionally, during intercourse, I experience a tight and painful sensation, as if the foreskin is being pulled hard up and down.
This sensation during intercourse leads to some degree of lasting, which I do not wish to experience.
I would like to ask the doctor if circumcision is necessary for me or if there are other ways to improve this situation.
Due to work commitments, I may not be able to take time off for the recovery period after circumcision.

Kunhuo de ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/09/20

Dr. Lai Ronghao reply Urology

Hello: If you experience pain from pulling on the foreskin during intercourse, you may consider circumcision.
If you cannot find the time for the procedure, you can consult a doctor to apply a topical corticosteroid ointment to see if it helps loosen the foreskin a bit.

Reply Date: 2007/09/20

More Info

When considering circumcision for phimosis, it's essential to weigh the symptoms, potential benefits, and risks associated with the procedure. Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin cannot be easily retracted over the glans (the head of the penis). This can lead to discomfort, pain during erections, and difficulties during sexual intercourse, as you've described.

Based on your description, it seems that you experience tightness and pain when the foreskin is pulled back, especially during erections and sexual activity. This indicates that your phimosis may be causing significant discomfort, which can affect your quality of life and sexual experiences. The fact that you feel pain during intercourse suggests that the condition is not just a minor inconvenience but may be impacting your sexual health and enjoyment.

Expert Insights on Circumcision for Phimosis
1. Indications for Circumcision: Circumcision is often recommended when phimosis leads to recurrent infections, pain, or significant discomfort during sexual activity. If conservative measures, such as topical steroid creams or gentle stretching exercises, do not alleviate the symptoms, circumcision may be considered a more definitive solution.

2. Alternative Treatments: Before proceeding with circumcision, you might want to explore non-surgical options. These include:
- Topical Steroid Creams: Applying a steroid cream can help soften the foreskin and make it easier to retract over time.

- Gentle Stretching Exercises: Gradually stretching the foreskin can sometimes alleviate tightness. This should be done carefully to avoid pain or injury.

- Consultation with a Urologist: A specialist can provide tailored advice and may suggest other interventions, such as preputioplasty, which is a less invasive procedure that can relieve phimosis without complete circumcision.

3. Timing and Recovery: If you decide to proceed with circumcision, it's important to consider the recovery time. Typically, recovery from circumcision takes about one to two weeks, during which you may need to avoid strenuous activities and sexual intercourse. If your work schedule does not allow for this downtime, it may be worth discussing with your urologist about the timing of the procedure.

4. Potential Risks: As with any surgical procedure, circumcision carries risks, including bleeding, infection, and complications related to anesthesia. Discussing these risks with your healthcare provider can help you make an informed decision.

5. Quality of Life Considerations: Ultimately, the decision to undergo circumcision should be based on how much your symptoms affect your daily life and sexual health. If the discomfort is significant and persistent, circumcision may provide relief and improve your quality of life.

Conclusion
In summary, while your urologist has indicated that circumcision is optional, your symptoms suggest that it could be beneficial. If conservative measures do not provide relief, and if the discomfort during erections and sexual activity continues, circumcision may be a reasonable option to consider. It’s crucial to have an open discussion with your urologist about your symptoms, concerns, and the potential benefits and risks of the procedure. This will help you make the best decision for your health and well-being.

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