The foreskin is the sheath of skin that covers the glans (or “head”) of the penis. At the tip of the glans, there is an urethral opening for urination and ejaculation of semen. Normally, the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis can be pulled back to expose the glans.

 

Foreskin problems

 

Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis. The recurrent infection and inflammation may occur due to poor hygiene. If the foreskin is tight, it can get stuck at the root of the penis after retraction and cause severe pain. A tight foreskin may also cause pain and affect male sexual health.

 

 

If a baby boy’s foreskin is not retractable, is it phimosis?

 

When the baby boy is born, the foreskin is attached to the glans penis, protecting the glans penis and the urethral opening from irritation by the urine. Usually after 5 years old, the adhesion will decrease and the foreskin will gradually be retractable.

 

Foreskin problems can be treated by the surgical operation

 

Usually, the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis can be pulled back from the glans of the penis. If the foreskin may become too tight and be unable to be retracted, the surgical operation can be considered. But every surgery has its own risks, such as risk from anaesthesia, or surgical complications including wound infection, bleeding or urethral narrowing. Therefore, if you are considering doing circumcision, please consult your specialist first.

 

Circumcision Surgery: What to Expect

 

Circumcision is a surgical operation to cut off part of the too-tight foreskin so that the glans of the penis can be exposed. The operation in an adult usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes and can be performed as a day surgery under local or general anaesthesia. No hospitalization is required. Most men recover in about 3 weeks.

 

Foreskin Hygiene

 

When bathing, you can gently pull back the foreskin with your hands to expose the glans and wash it with mild soap and water. After drying with a clean towel, pull forward the foreskin to cover the glans as usual.

 

*The above information is for reference only, please consult your doctor for detail.

 

 

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