Painful Erection: Issues with Retracting the Foreskin Explained

Pain during erection when pulling back the foreskin?

Hello, Doctor Hsu.
When I pull back my foreskin while not erect, it gets stuck at the coronal sulcus when I become erect, and it feels very painful (like the foreskin is being stretched outward).
I can't pull it back unless I stop the erection (waiting for it to shrink and become flaccid).
Is this situation normal? When I am normally erect, only the urethral opening is exposed; the entire glans does not become visible.
Thank you for your explanation, Doctor.

zhèngcháng ma, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/09/29

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Is it normal? Hello, experiencing pain during an erection may indicate an abnormal condition.
During a normal erection, the glans should be fully exposed.
Based on your description, it seems there may be a phenomenon of phimosis, which requires further examination and possibly surgical treatment.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.
Department of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan.
Director Xu Weikai.
Response.

Reply Date: 2009/09/29

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your question regarding painful erections and issues with retracting the foreskin. It sounds like you are experiencing a condition known as phimosis, which is when the foreskin cannot be easily retracted over the glans (the head of the penis). This can lead to discomfort, especially during an erection, as you described.

In a healthy male anatomy, the foreskin should be able to retract easily, allowing the glans to be exposed. However, if the foreskin is too tight, it can cause pain during an erection, as the skin stretches and pulls at the sensitive areas. This can lead to a feeling of tightness or even pain, particularly if the foreskin gets stuck behind the glans, which can happen during an erection.

It's important to note that experiencing pain during an erection is not considered normal. While some discomfort can occur due to tightness, persistent pain or the inability to retract the foreskin can indicate a medical issue that may require attention. In some cases, phimosis can resolve on its own, especially in younger males, but if it persists into adulthood, it may require treatment.

There are several treatment options available for phimosis. If the condition is mild, gentle stretching exercises of the foreskin may help. This involves gradually and gently pulling back the foreskin over time to increase its elasticity. However, this should be done carefully to avoid causing further pain or injury.

In more severe cases, or if stretching does not alleviate the symptoms, medical intervention may be necessary. This could include topical corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation and promote easier retraction of the foreskin. In some instances, a surgical procedure known as circumcision may be recommended, where the foreskin is removed entirely, or a preputioplasty, which involves widening the opening of the foreskin without complete removal.

It’s also worth mentioning that if you are experiencing recurrent pain, difficulty retracting the foreskin, or any other concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, such as a urologist. They can provide a thorough examination and discuss the best course of action tailored to your specific situation.

In summary, while some tightness of the foreskin can be common, experiencing significant pain during an erection is not normal and should be addressed. Seeking medical advice will help ensure that you receive appropriate care and can alleviate any discomfort you are experiencing. Don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for further evaluation and support.

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