Foreskin Issues: Do You Need Circumcision?

Prepuce issues

I have not undergone circumcision, so I'm unsure if my foreskin is too long.
1.
My foreskin usually covers the glans, and I cannot see it.
It seems that the tip of the glans is slightly wrinkled and covered.
Does this count as being too long? Is it normal for the glans to be visible (not counting exposure) when not erect? 2.
When the foreskin is not retracted, its length is about 6 cm.
Is this considered normal? I've heard that not retracting the foreskin can affect length and size.
3.
When cleaning, I can easily retract the foreskin to the coronal sulcus and clean it, but there is a ring of skin around that area, like a swimming ring.
I can continue to retract it, but that ring remains.
Is this a sign of being too long? 4.
Sometimes when I sleep, the glans becomes exposed, and I have woken up to find that the foreskin has retracted back, covering the glans again.
Does this indicate that it is too long? 5.
Yesterday, I exposed the glans while sleeping, and upon waking, I noticed slight swelling in the skin around the coronal sulcus and below the glans (is this referred to as the area below the frenulum?).
It looks somewhat waterlogged, and I'm unsure if this is due to the foreskin opening being too small, causing pressure at the coronal sulcus and preventing circulation.
Should I retract the foreskin to cover the glans again or leave it exposed to see if it resolves on its own? 6.
When erect, I can only see about one-third of the tip of the glans.
If I try to retract it fully, it causes slight pain, and if I retract it to the coronal sulcus, it feels tight and constricted there.
Do I need a circumcision? 7.
Additionally, what does it mean for the foreskin to move freely? Should it be in a position that covers the glans or when exposed? Given these questions, do I need to undergo any surgical procedures? I prefer to avoid surgery and expenses unless it's an urgent situation.
Therefore, I would like to ask the doctor if these issues can be improved through practice.

Hu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/01

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

1.
Is the foreskin too long? Your description does not provide enough information for a determination.
It is generally normal for the foreskin to cover the glans when not erect.
During an erection, some individuals may still have the foreskin covering part of the glans, which is also normal.

2.
Regarding length, it is difficult to assess due to the measurement methods involved.
You may need to consult a urologist.
3.
If you can easily retract the foreskin to expose the glans during cleaning, that is a good sign.
4.
It is not possible to determine if it is too short or too long.
However, if it can retract naturally, there is no need for surgical circumcision.
5.
If the foreskin has been retracted for an extended period, it may become swollen.
Simply covering it back is sufficient.
6.
If you feel tightness, it is advisable to consult a professional physician for an assessment.
Online evaluations cannot provide a definitive judgment.
7.
Just like your foreskin, it can sometimes retract and also cover the glans, allowing for free movement.
Note: Some individuals may not be able to see the glans.
8.
Essentially, as long as you can clean the coronal sulcus and do not experience pain or constriction during an erection, surgery is not recommended.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.
Online responses should only serve as a reference; if necessary, it is best to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare Taitung Hospital cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2015/08/01

More Info

When considering foreskin issues and whether circumcision is necessary, it's important to understand the anatomy and function of the foreskin, as well as the potential implications of any concerns you may have. Let's address your questions one by one.

1. Foreskin Coverage: It is normal for the foreskin to cover the glans (the head of the penis) in an uncircumcised male, especially if you have not reached puberty. However, the foreskin should be retractable without pain. If the glans is completely covered and cannot be seen at all, this may not necessarily indicate a problem, but it can vary based on individual anatomy. In general, during a flaccid state, it is common for the glans to be partially or fully covered by the foreskin.

2. Length of Foreskin: A length of around 6 cm when the foreskin is not retracted is within the normal range. Concerns about the length of the foreskin affecting size or growth are generally unfounded. The penis will grow to its full size regardless of the foreskin's length.

3. Cleaning and Retraction: The ability to retract the foreskin to the corona (the ridge of the glans) for cleaning is a good sign of normal function. If there is a ring of skin that remains at the corona, it may indicate that the foreskin is somewhat tight, but this is not necessarily a cause for concern unless it causes pain or discomfort.

4. Foreskin Retraction During Sleep: It is not uncommon for the foreskin to retract during sleep, exposing the glans. If it naturally returns to its position, this is generally normal. However, if it causes discomfort or pain, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

5. Swelling and Discomfort: If you notice swelling or a "waterlogged" appearance around the corona, it could be due to the foreskin being too tight, which may restrict blood flow or cause irritation. If this is a recurring issue, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to assess whether there is a need for intervention.

6. Erection and Pain: Experiencing tightness or pain when the foreskin is fully retracted during an erection is a sign that the foreskin may be too tight (a condition known as phimosis). If you are unable to retract the foreskin comfortably, this could warrant a discussion about circumcision or other treatments.

7. Freedom of Movement: The term "freely sliding" refers to the ability of the foreskin to move easily over the glans, whether it is covering the glans or retracted. This is important for comfort and hygiene.

In conclusion, whether you need circumcision depends on the degree of discomfort, the ability to retract the foreskin, and any associated symptoms like swelling or pain. If you are experiencing tightness, pain, or other issues that affect your quality of life, it is advisable to consult a urologist or healthcare provider. They can provide a thorough examination and discuss options, which may include non-surgical methods to improve foreskin mobility or, if necessary, surgical options.

It's also worth noting that many men live comfortably with an intact foreskin, and surgical intervention is not always necessary unless there are significant medical concerns. If you prefer to avoid surgery, practicing gentle retraction and hygiene may help improve your situation over time. However, if you experience persistent issues, seeking medical advice is the best course of action.

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