Long Foreskin: Concerns and Care for Your Health

Please provide information regarding phimosis?

Hello, Dr.
Hsu: I have read many articles here, and I appreciate your patience and detailed responses.
I have a question regarding my foreskin.
Whether I am erect or not, my foreskin always covers the glans.
Even when I am erect, it does not retract naturally; there is only a small opening to see the glans, but I can manually pull the foreskin back to fully expose the glans.
However, all the foreskin gathers at the coronal sulcus, and I cannot pull it further down.
During masturbation, the foreskin moves back and forth between the coronal sulcus and the meatus without any discomfort.
However, if I try to forcibly pull the foreskin that is gathered at the coronal sulcus towards the base, it becomes uncomfortable.

From what I have read, it seems that for a normal person, the foreskin usually covers the glans, but during an erection, the glans (either partially or fully) should naturally emerge.
Would my situation be considered phimosis? Besides hygiene issues, could there be any other complications? Should I make an effort to expose the glans regularly? (However, this makes the glans uncomfortable when it comes into contact with my pants; should I just endure it?)

Long Tao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/02/12

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, based on your condition, it appears that you may be experiencing phimosis that requires further surgical correction.
Inability to properly clean the glans can lead to inflammation of the glans or foreskin, and over time, this may result in the formation of hard lumps.
Some individuals may experience a decrease in sensitivity, and in severe cases, it can lead to erectile difficulties.
If you have any further questions or need more clarification, feel free to ask, and we can discuss this further.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai
Director, Urology Department
Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan

Reply Date: 2010/02/12

More Info

When it comes to concerns about long foreskin, also known as phimosis, it's important to understand both the physiological aspects and the potential health implications. From your description, it seems that your foreskin does not retract naturally during an erection, which can be a sign of phimosis. While some degree of foreskin coverage is normal, if it causes discomfort or hygiene issues, it may warrant further attention.

Phimosis can be classified into two types: physiological and pathological. Physiological phimosis is common in infants and young boys, as the foreskin is often not retractable until puberty. In adults, however, if the foreskin remains non-retractable, it may be classified as pathological phimosis, which can lead to complications such as infections, inflammation, or pain during sexual activity.

In your case, you mentioned that you can manually retract the foreskin, which is a positive sign. However, if you experience discomfort when trying to pull the foreskin back or if it causes issues during sexual activity, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess your situation more thoroughly and provide guidance tailored to your needs.

Regarding hygiene, it is crucial to maintain cleanliness in the area beneath the foreskin to prevent infections. This includes gently retracting the foreskin during bathing to clean the glans (the head of the penis) and the inner foreskin. If you find that exposing the glans causes discomfort due to friction with clothing, you may want to consider wearing looser-fitting underwear or using a lubricant to reduce irritation.

As for whether you need to consciously expose the glans regularly, it is not strictly necessary unless advised by a healthcare provider. However, gradually acclimating your glans to exposure can help reduce sensitivity over time, which may make it more comfortable when it comes into contact with clothing.

In terms of potential long-term effects, if phimosis is left untreated, it can lead to complications such as recurrent infections (balanitis), scarring, or even pain during erections. In severe cases, surgical options such as circumcision or preputioplasty may be considered, but this is typically a last resort after conservative measures have been explored.

In summary, while having a long foreskin does not inherently pose a health risk, it is essential to monitor for any signs of discomfort or infection. Maintaining proper hygiene and consulting with a healthcare professional can help address any concerns you may have. If you experience persistent issues or discomfort, seeking medical advice is the best course of action to ensure your health and well-being.

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