Phimosis: When the Glans Can't Fully Expose

The glans cannot be fully exposed?

Hello doctor, when I was in middle school, my glans had not yet fully emerged.
Now that I am in the third year of junior high, it has come out halfway, but part of it is still adhered.
I cannot fully retract it.
I searched online and found that some people say it could be due to insufficient cleaning, which causes it to stick.
They suggested that regular washing would help.
However, I wash it every day, and after almost two years, I feel like the foreskin is tightly adhered to the glans.
Pulling it back causes a tearing sensation.
What should I do?

13145413, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/16

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, if there is adhesion, you may need to apply some force to separate them.
If you are unable to separate them on your own, a physician can easily do so in the outpatient clinic, typically within 1-2 minutes.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further.
Information obtained online should only be used as a reference; if necessary, it is important to seek medical care at a healthcare facility.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department at Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, who cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2016/02/16

More Info

Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin cannot be fully retracted over the glans (the head of the penis). It can be a normal condition in infants and young boys, but if it persists into adolescence or adulthood, it may require medical attention. In your case, it sounds like you are experiencing a partial phimosis, where the foreskin is only partially retractable, and you are feeling discomfort when attempting to retract it fully.

There are several potential causes for phimosis, including:
1. Physiological Phimosis: This is common in young boys and often resolves naturally as they grow older. The foreskin may remain attached to the glans due to a natural process that occurs during development.

2. Pathological Phimosis: This can occur due to scarring, inflammation, or infection. Conditions such as balanitis (inflammation of the glans) or recurrent infections can lead to scarring that makes retraction difficult.

3. Poor Hygiene: While you mentioned that you wash regularly, it is important to ensure that you are cleaning the area properly. Accumulation of smegma (a combination of dead skin cells and oils) can sometimes lead to irritation and adhesion of the foreskin to the glans.

Given your description of the foreskin feeling "stuck" and the sensation of tearing when you attempt to retract it, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a urologist. They can perform a physical examination and determine the best course of action. Here are some potential treatment options that may be discussed:
1. Topical Steroid Creams: These can help reduce inflammation and may assist in loosening the foreskin, making it easier to retract.

2. Gentle Stretching Exercises: Under the guidance of a healthcare provider, you may be instructed on how to gently stretch the foreskin over time to help it become more retractable.

3. Circumcision: In cases where phimosis is severe or does not respond to conservative treatments, circumcision (the surgical removal of the foreskin) may be recommended. This is a common procedure and can resolve the issue permanently.

4. Preputioplasty: This is a less invasive surgical option that involves widening the opening of the foreskin without removing it.

It is important to avoid forceful retraction of the foreskin, as this can lead to pain, tearing, and potential complications such as bleeding or infection.
In summary, while phimosis can be a normal condition, your symptoms suggest that it may be beneficial to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your situation. Remember that you are not alone in this, and many individuals experience similar issues. Seeking help is a positive step towards resolving your concerns.

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Hello, may I ask what your issue is? I can't see the main point. 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 reference; if necessary, it is still important to seek medical attention a...