Q&As View a Question

Response from Men's Sexual Health:

No! A circumcision should be the last option for your condition. Your question appears to describe Acquired Phimosis (also known as Pathological Phimosis). Phimosis is a vague term used to describe any condition where the foreskin does not retract over the glans of the penis. All males are born with the foreskin attached. It can take years, even well into puberty, for the foreskin to be able to retract over the glans. This can be completely normal. In adult males, however, Phimosis can lead to problems including difficulty with urination and painful intercourse, among others which can become more serious. It is important you visit your GP to discuss this condition. Your GP will explain your options, which should include applying a topical steroid cream, gentle manual stretching or possibly a combination of both. There is also another surgical procedure called Preputialplasty, which releases the band of constricted skin but preserves much of the foreskin. Please do not be afraid to visit your GP for fear that a circumcision will be immediately recommended, as this should be a LAST RESORT. Your GP may also be able to give you an idea why this condition has occurred and advise you how to avoid it in the future. Please let us know how it goes and don't hesitate to contact if we can be of any help.

Answered by team member Mara
21st October 2009