I can’t retract my foreskin over my p... - Men's Health Foru...

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

40 Replies

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.

40 Replies
roddythescot profile image
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.

in reply to roddythescot

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

BryceD123 profile image
BryceD123 in reply to

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.

in reply to BryceD123

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

BryceD123 profile image
BryceD123 in reply to

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 profile image
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

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 profile image
BryceD123 in reply to

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 profile image
jimfromcalif in reply to

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.

in reply to jimfromcalif

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

jimfromcalif profile image
jimfromcalif in reply to

Yes. Go to phimosisjourney.com

in reply to jimfromcalif

Ok thanks

Pauluslittlewoidgnom profile image
Pauluslittlewoidgnom in reply to

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.

in reply to BryceD123

Ok, thanks for the advice.

in reply to

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.

in reply to

Thank you for your positive advice :)

in reply to

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

in reply to

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?

in reply to

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

in reply to

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

in reply to

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/

in reply to

How tight would ‘too tight’ have to be?

in reply to

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

in reply to

Ok

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

in reply to

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

in reply to

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? 😂

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

in reply to

Thank you.

in reply to

Your welcome

jimfromcalif profile image
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.

in reply to jimfromcalif

Ok, thanks

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?

in reply to

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

in reply to

Ok, thanks for the help.

in reply to

Your welcome

jimfromcalif profile image
jimfromcalif in reply to

Stretch it out and prove him wrong.

in reply to jimfromcalif

Correct

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 profile image
SnipperSniffer

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

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