Tight Foreskin/Circumcision

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have any experience dealing with a son with a tight foreskin? I took DS to the pediatrician for his twelve year old check-up yesterday and during the genital exam, she was unable to easily pull his foreskin back. She said that it's not adhered anymore like a younger kid, but that the opening is just very tight (it's called phimosis). He was able to retract it fully when he was younger so she said this is most likey a result of him not doing a good job with hygiene. She believes that circumcision is justified at this point but she told us that we could also try a special cream or just hope that it loosens up on its own once he starts puberty. Anyone have any advice? If your son is uncircumcised, how old was he when he was first able to pull it back all the way?

[Anonymous]

My son was circumcised at 10 due to both phimosis and a congenial defect where the scrotum attaches too high, causing problems. It was needed. However - the healing was no joke. It was very painful (like couldn’t bear to have anything but a sheet over his front) for 4-5 days and sore for another two weeks or so. It scabbed, and then it took weeks for the scab to dissolve. I just want you to be prepared - the doctor will talk about “discomfort for a few days.” That’s hogwash. On the bright side, my son had zero worries about the change in appearance or whether he had a foreskin or not. He already knew some people are circumcised and some are not and both ways are fine. The only issue was with pain control. He did refuse narcotics - they upset his stomach and he hates to be nauseated so wouldn’t take the narcotics after the first dose.

[Anonymous]

Uncut man here. See if he can try pulling it back gently every day to stretch it out. Actually, he should be doing it anyway when he urinates and when bathing, so if he just does that, it will probably adjust.

[Anonymous]

Yes, my son had unretractabke foreskin from a very early age; we tried steroid creams several times which would loosen/thin it, but the effects wore off quickly when we stopped using it. I took him to a pediatric urologist who monitored for about a year as he approached puberty, then he recommended surgery. We could have waited more and continued monitoring, but decided just to go ahead with it. It was an easy procedure and recovery, and he wasn’t traumatized or anything. I don’t think he even thinks of it anymore. I remember what a worry it was, but it was really fine in the end. Good luck

[Anonymous]

The opinion of a female pediatrician should be ignored. At least consult a male urologist.

DS needs to learn to start peeling it back to wash underneath anyway, and that should do the trick.

[Anonymous]

Might as well get the circ now, while we're in a pandemic and school is at home. He won't feel like he's missing out on things while recovering.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any experience dealing with a son with a tight foreskin? I took DS to the pediatrician for his twelve year old check-up yesterday and during the genital exam, she was unable to easily pull his foreskin back. She said that it's not adhered anymore like a younger kid, but that the opening is just very tight (it's called phimosis). He was able to retract it fully when he was younger so she said this is most likey a result of him not doing a good job with hygiene. She believes that circumcision is justified at this point but she told us that we could also try a special cream or just hope that it loosens up on its own once he starts puberty. Anyone have any advice? If your son is uncircumcised, how old was he when he was first able to pull it back all the way?

I have two sons who aren’t circumcised and a doctor has never tried to retract their foreskin. Ever.
If your son is bothered, you can make an appointment with a pediatric urologist. My oldest son had a tight adherence at age 8. We went for a visit and the urologist did a 15 minute procedure to release the tissue. He healed within a day or two and didn’t need a full circumcision although we did give him the option (when he found out what it was, he said no.)

[Anonymous]

My 2 boys are uncird. My 11 year’s old foreskin does not retract at all, never has. Urologist at Children’s said there was some scar tissue and recommended surgery before he turns 12. We did 2 rounds of steroid cream but it didn’t help at all. We were just about to schedule surgery when COVID hit and are now starting to discuss again.

[Anonymous]

My son is 10 and I have no idea if his for skinretracts. No pediatrician has ever said we need to check it. Now I’m very confused!

[Anonymous]

I dated a man with this. It was fine. I also dated a man who got circumcised as a tween and never forgave his parents. Don’t do it.

[Anonymous]

Wait until 13 when he starts masturbating, it will loosen up then. LOL

[Anonymous]

my DH had to be circumcised for this reason when he was a late teen. It happens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son is 10 and I have no idea if his for skinretracts. No pediatrician has ever said we need to check it. Now I’m very confused!

Your son should be pulling in back completely when he showers. Ask if he is. If he isn’t instruct him he needs to be doing this as part of routine hygiene. If there is a problem, he should let you know

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son is 10 and I have no idea if his for skinretracts. No pediatrician has ever said we need to check it. Now I’m very confused!

Your son should be pulling in back completely when he showers. Ask if he is. If he isn’t instruct him he needs to be doing this as part of routine hygiene. If there is a problem, he should let you know

When he goes to the bathroom as well.