Looking for expereinces of circumcision later in life (Zoon's Balanitis + Phimosis)

[mrg2017]

Hello everyone,

I've only just discovered this website after having a consultant meeting and researching his diagnosis so this is my first post.

I'm 29 and when I was about 8 I had an infenction which has meant for all of my life I've had Phimosis. Its not caused me any pain, problems or lack of pleasure with sex so haven't gone back to the doctor. Circumcision was mentioned when I was 8 so its been a thing apearing in my mind occasionally ever since and I've never thought its a good idea.

Over the last two years I've been stretching my forskin to try and fix the Phimosis myself (which has been fairly successful). In doing so I found a redness that didn't look right, went to the doc and he said it looks like Zoon's Balanitis (I agree with him from my research afterwards).

I have a feeling this is something I've had for as long as I can remember because I've always had an area of extra sensitivity in the area but I've just never been able to see it so am not 100% sure. I also remember seeing an area of redness when I tried a previous regime of stretching about 10 years ago (stupid for not getting it checked I know...). I've still got quite a bit of the forskin attached to the head of my penis. The only option he really gave was circumcision, there was a mention of steriod cream but was glossed over very quickly.

From my reasearch it seems there isn't any long term issues with Zoon's Balanitis (I have asked my doctor to confirm) so my feeling with the info I have at the moment is to ask for a course of steriod cream and continue the streatching I've been doing.

However both my GP and Consultant are suggesting circumcision, which isn't really something I want to do. From the info I have at the moment the risks of circumcision and detrimental change outweight any benifits. Though I realise that could change with more information and a change in diagnosis.

The reason for this post is to ask specifically for anyones experience who has been circumcised later in life due to phimosis. I have found pleanty of people saying it was amazing due to the pain or discomfort they were having due to phimosis but there doesn't seem to be anyone with a similar kind of experience to me.

So my questions are have you had a circumcision later in life after realising you had (non-painful) phimosis? If so how did things change for you? How did sensitivity and pleasure change? Did it increase (because of never having your head exposed and so the reduction in sensitivity reported by others without phimosis was offset)? Were they any other issues?

I'm trying to gather as much info to make the right decision for me so thanks in advance for sharing.

[jimfromcalif]

Few adults seem happy after having done this. As you’ve observed, those positive about results suffered pain due to phimosis

It appears in various articles the circumcision does not necessarily cure Boone’s as it mainly affects the glans. I’d ask for a treatment to fight the infection. Numerous online articles discuss treatment with antibiotics and steroids. You might ask the doctor how he’d treat a woman so afflicted. Circumcision would likely not be his answer.

[mrg2017 in reply to jimfromcalif]

Yea thats the direction I'm going first - how can it be treated without surgery. I don't want circumcised but I am trying to be as informed as possible before the next conversation with my doctor.

The more I read the less I want it given that I have no problems at the moment. By that I mean its gone from 'ok I'll consider it but probably not' in the consoltation to 'hell no!'

[jaglad]

I had to have mine due to a possible cancer risk, which actually turned out to be Zoons Ballantitis. Pre diagnosis my condition sounds much the same as yours.

Options where limited with no real time to consider. I have to say I wish there had been an alternative. Sensation is not as good as before and I worry about causing damage by being 'over enthusiastic'.

It is not all bad, generally I do last longer, but if I lose my erection it is more difficult than before to get hard again. And my penis actually does look bigger !

Good luck and make your choice on what you need.

[mrg2017 in reply to jaglad]

Thanks for your reply. If I was in the situation that you were in I'd probably just go for it but the consultant is very confident I have Zoon's, especially because nothing has changed in the 12 months or so since noticing the redness. So there doesn't seem a rush. His parting words were 'I'd advise you to get a circumcision but it is your choice' which doesn't scream urgency.

How do you mean 'causing damage by being over enthusiastic', damage in what way?

The lasting longer bit I don't really see as a benifit I'm happy with my stamina, experience and size. So thats why I'm so hesitant, if I'm happy now why change something that isn't really needed. Your reply is solidifying that thought.

Thanks for your honesty.

[jaglad]

I definitely agree, in your position knowing what you do I would probably not have the surgery. Perhaps look for possible alternatives, creams ?

As for the 'damage', it is just something at the back of my mind. The Op was a complete success and everything is as it should be. But. If I pull to hard or my Wife is a bit rough I have a concern that the scar could be opened up. Yes it is probably irrational but another reason why I would advise anyone to think very carefully.

Let us know how you get on.

[mrg2017 in reply to jaglad]

Yea thats what I'm going to talk to my GP about see what creams there are. Also it seems Zoon's is esentially a skin blemish with no long term effects so if any other options don't work then no big deal. I think since my initial post, more research and your comments my view of not wanting to get circumcised has become much more solid (pending new info anyway).

Ahh that makes sense about the 'damage'. Its more a mental thing than a physical thing. Have you talked to your doc about it? I think it probably is irrational but the area that it is you don't want to take too many risks.

Thanks again for your reply.