I can’t retract my foreskin over my penis head.

Hi, I’m 16 and can’t full retract my foreskin over my penis head. I want to avoid circumcision at all costs. Will this fix itself as I get older? If not, how can I fix this? The opening in the foreskin at the top of my penis is around 1cm.

[roddythescot]

You appear to be suffering from phimosis which needs to be resolved quickly to allow you to maintain proper daily penile hygiene and avoid infections under the foreskin.

You need to see your doctor as a matter of some urgency and get a proper diagnosis.

[Hidden in reply to roddythescot]

Is there no chance I could stretch it or just live with it as is?

[BryceD123 in reply to Hidden]

Go get a diagnosis first, you can use a steroid cream and stretching hut you will need to do this for months and sometimes might not be a permanent cure.

Only way to know for sure is to go get it seen too, it may seem embarrassing but they see it all the time and it's very common. Circumcision is a last resort by all means. Definately don't live with it like I did until my mid 20's as it needs sorted mate.

[Hidden in reply to BryceD123]

Ok thank you. How did you get yours sorted if you don’t mind me asking?

[BryceD123 in reply to Hidden]

I have severe phimosis (unretractable foreskin) for years and ignored it till my current partner said to me that it was unusual, my previous partner never said anything but it make sex dmvery difficult for us both when I couldn't pull it back. I tried the stretching but it didn't work as I couldn't retract flacid at all. I had to get a circ done last July and it's changed my life I'm so much happier but that's my opinion as I'm finally able to have a great sex life. You're only 16 so hopefully the stretching will work, stick at it and hopefully it works for you. Are you with the NHS? Normally Dr's need to see the problem so explain you need to see a male (if you prefer) and tell him exactly what you're telling us. Good luck bud hope it works out

[BryceD123 in reply to BryceD123]

Circumcision is a mixed bag but ultimately if you take care of it, its not as bad as some anti-circ people make it out to be my missus actually loves the cut feel of a penis so if that is the final outcome don't fret. I found this forum very helpful so hopefully you can too, ask as many questions as you need

[Hidden in reply to BryceD123]

If I had a choice I’d rather not be circumcised but do you think there is a chance it could work without it?

[BryceD123 in reply to Hidden]

Yeah for sure, as I mentioned about the steroid stretching that's the best place to start, as Osidge says you have age on your side so go to the GP and get started

[jimfromcalif in reply to Hidden]

My clinical experience showed a very high success rate from stretching. In absence of any underlying skin disease, stretching always bring success. It's the way the body is programmed.

[Hidden in reply to jimfromcalif]

Also, do you know what stretches I should be doing?

[jimfromcalif in reply to Hidden]

Yes. Go to phimosisjourney.com

[Hidden in reply to jimfromcalif]

Ok thanks

[Pauluslittlewoidgnom in reply to Hidden]

My foreskin suddenly went back when I was about 12 had no trouble during my adult life but in the last couple of years or so it's kind of tightened up my doctor give me hydrocortisone 1% which has improved things you might try baby oil under your foreskin.. good luck friend.

[Hidden in reply to BryceD123]

Ok, thanks for the advice.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Here is the NHS advice. Try not to worry and see your doctor. He will advise on possible stretching with steroid cream. Your age is on your side. Try not to be put off by those who are negative about stretching. There are those who are keen for people to be circumcised even if there are non-surgical solutions. Take care and get that doctor appointment made.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your positive advice

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

You are welcome. I apologise for those who have been less than supportive.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi, I just spoke to my doctor over the phone and he hasn’t even seen it yet but recommended Circumcision first thing. What should I do? He gave me some anti fungal cream and asked a specialist to call me but didn’t even mention stretching and my foreskin doesn’t seem half as bad as other people in the forums but they fixed theirs without a Circumcision. Is there any chance I can fix it without one? Do you think the specialist will know a bit more what s/he is talking about as a Circumcision really is the last resort for me?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Not a problem. Discuss what *you* want with the specialist. Medicine these days is by agreement.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

So is it definitely possible to fix it without Circumcision or at least extremely likely?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Unless your specialist is of the view that your foreskin is too tight to stretch then stretching is always a possibility. The NHS generally goes for stretching before surgery:

nhs.uk/conditions/phimosis/

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

How tight would ‘too tight’ have to be?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

That is for the specialist to assess. I am not a doctor.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Ok

[Hidden]

I'm a similar age to you and noticed this when I was younger. I spoke to my dad and he told me to slowly pull back in a warm bath.. Over a few weeks it slowly sorted its self out

Hope this helps

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Ok I’ll definitely try 😂 thank you for the help.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I hope you don’t mind me asking, but how long did it take before you started to notice it actually getting bigger? E.g how many baths or weeks? 😂

[Hidden]

Hi Wwhdifn I think the guys have said what you need to no but go see the doc for peice of mind you are very young and you will most probably sort it dont worry about going to docs its normal to them they see these problems every day take care and good luck

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Your welcome

[jimfromcalif]

At 16, you're still developing. Obviously, this had not been a health issue in your life, so there's no urgency in the matter. Time probably will resolve the issue as it has for millions of others, but for optimum enjoyment of your foreskin, having full retraction soon is best. It's really a simple thing to cure by simple stretching exercises, and no surgery is involved. Go to phimosisjourney.com to learn what to do.

[Hidden in reply to jimfromcalif]

Ok, thanks

[Hidden in reply to jimfromcalif]

Hi, I just spoke to my doctor over the phone and he hasn’t even seen it yet but recommended Circumcision first thing. What should I do? He gave me some anti fungal cream and asked a specialist to call me but didn’t even mention stretching and my foreskin doesn’t seem half as bad as other people in the forums but they fixed theirs without a Circumcision. Is there any chance I can fix it without one? Do you think the specialist will know a bit more what s/he is talking about as a Circumcision really is the last resort for me?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Wwhdifn first off dont worry based on what you have said I think you will be able to sort it you could try coconut oil it's very good for your skin massage masterbation and sex if you do speak to a urogalist who have more experience but please don't worry you will be ok tale care and good luck

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Ok, thanks for the help.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Your welcome

[jimfromcalif in reply to Hidden]

Stretch it out and prove him wrong.

[Hidden in reply to jimfromcalif]

Correct

[georgewhittington]

Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin can't be retracted (pulled back) from around the tip of the penis. A tight foreskin is common in baby boys who aren't circumcised, but it usually stops being a problem by the age of 3. Phimosis can occur naturally or be the result of scarring.

[SnipperSniffer]

It will likely resolve itself over the next 2-3 years. Gently keep trying to retract and wash it with plain water only.