Phimosis... When should the foreskin be able to retract?!
Question: Phimosis... When should the foreskin be able to retract.?
My son is six and the MD is treating him for phimosis. His tip hurts and is red and can not retract. I thought it would not retract till he is older. I am finding different ages in the literature. Any info would be appreciatedHealth Question & Answer
Answers:
Nothing is wrong with your son's penis. It is completely normal. The foreskin isn't supposed to retract over the head at this age. In fact, doing so can seriously hurt him.
It may start to retract sometime in the next few years, however, a study in Europe, where most boys are intact, found that the average age of retraction wasn't until 10 or 12 years. Some boys aren't retractable until after puberty and that is also normal. You don't have to worry about cleaning it at all. Your son will be the first person to retract it, and it needs no special cleaning until he hits puberty- at which point just tell him that in addition to shaving, using deodorant etc, he needs to start retracting his foreskin as well.
Here are some links on proper care of intact boy-
From Doctors Opposing Circumcision
http://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.o...
From NOCIRC (run by a nurse)-
http://www.nocirc.org/publish/pamphlet4....
From the American Academy of Pediatrics guide to caring for an intact son-
http://www.aap.org/publiced/br_uncircumc...
Your son is normal, check out the links, and if you would feel better having a doctor see him, both DOC and NOCIRC give referrals to pediatricians who are familiar with foreskin care (as most doctors are very poorly informed on this subject) -NebHealth Question & Answer
It may start to retract sometime in the next few years, however, a study in Europe, where most boys are intact, found that the average age of retraction wasn't until 10 or 12 years. Some boys aren't retractable until after puberty and that is also normal. You don't have to worry about cleaning it at all. Your son will be the first person to retract it, and it needs no special cleaning until he hits puberty- at which point just tell him that in addition to shaving, using deodorant etc, he needs to start retracting his foreskin as well.
Here are some links on proper care of intact boy-
From Doctors Opposing Circumcision
http://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.o...
From NOCIRC (run by a nurse)-
http://www.nocirc.org/publish/pamphlet4....
From the American Academy of Pediatrics guide to caring for an intact son-
http://www.aap.org/publiced/br_uncircumc...
Your son is normal, check out the links, and if you would feel better having a doctor see him, both DOC and NOCIRC give referrals to pediatricians who are familiar with foreskin care (as most doctors are very poorly informed on this subject) -NebHealth Question & Answer
The average age is definitely older than 6 so as it doesn't retract for your son that's really nothing to be concerned about. A lot of guys find they can only retract it in puberty.
The pain and redness could be a number of other factors - including "separation trauma" which usually only happens for a brief period, but it's where the foreskin and glans are separating and the foreskin is becoming ready to retract. But it could be other factors. One option is irritation from bubble bath or even soap.
I suggest you ask your doctor to investigate the pain and redness if it continues, but remind him that a non-retracting foreskin at age 6 is very normal.
HarrietHealth Question & Answer
The pain and redness could be a number of other factors - including "separation trauma" which usually only happens for a brief period, but it's where the foreskin and glans are separating and the foreskin is becoming ready to retract. But it could be other factors. One option is irritation from bubble bath or even soap.
I suggest you ask your doctor to investigate the pain and redness if it continues, but remind him that a non-retracting foreskin at age 6 is very normal.
HarrietHealth Question & Answer
The average age for retraction is 10, so it is completely normal not to retract at 6. Are you using any bubble baths or a lot of soap in the bath water.? These can cause the redness and soreness. He needs to be able to rinse off with clean water, as in the shower and bubble baths should be avoided completely.
As Mike says if the treatment is not invasive (like a steroid cream), stick with it. It might improve things but resist allowing the doctor to retract or circumcise. A six-year old with a non-retracting foreskin does not need to be able to retract but if the cream helps the soreness that's good.
NOCIRC http://www.nocirc.org/centers/ or DOC http://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.o... could refer you to a foreskin-friendly doctor if you need a second opinion.Health Question & Answer
As Mike says if the treatment is not invasive (like a steroid cream), stick with it. It might improve things but resist allowing the doctor to retract or circumcise. A six-year old with a non-retracting foreskin does not need to be able to retract but if the cream helps the soreness that's good.
NOCIRC http://www.nocirc.org/centers/ or DOC http://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.o... could refer you to a foreskin-friendly doctor if you need a second opinion.Health Question & Answer
The best source to look for advice in this instance is the NOCIRC organization. Here is their publication on care of the foreskin:
http://www.nocirc.org/publish/pamphlet4....
It emphasizes that the tip being red is not anything to be concerned about, and that the foreskin is not always fully retractable until puberty. At any age a non-retractable foreskin is NOT an indication for circumcision, so let your doctor carry on his treatment, but do not allow him to forcibly retract your son's foreskin or suggest he be circumcised.
Don't hesitate to contact NOCIRC if you have any more questions or worries, they will certainly help you out.Health Question & Answer
http://www.nocirc.org/publish/pamphlet4....
It emphasizes that the tip being red is not anything to be concerned about, and that the foreskin is not always fully retractable until puberty. At any age a non-retractable foreskin is NOT an indication for circumcision, so let your doctor carry on his treatment, but do not allow him to forcibly retract your son's foreskin or suggest he be circumcised.
Don't hesitate to contact NOCIRC if you have any more questions or worries, they will certainly help you out.Health Question & Answer
It varies from child to child. Some children retract by three, others not until they're 17. It really does vary. In some children, they are born retractable, but that is quite rare I'm told, and most certainly not the norm.
Has his foreskin ever been forcibly retracted.? If so, it may have caused complications. Or has he retracted it himself prior to this.? If not, I have my doubts he has phimosis, and probably doesn't need to be "treated" for it at this point. There is a steroid cream that you can get that will help the skin loosen, as well. You should ask your doctor about this.
One more thing: is your doctor well-versed in foreskin anatomy.? Many doctors aren't, especially if you're American. Try checking with NOCIRC. They have tons of information about this.Health Question & Answer
Has his foreskin ever been forcibly retracted.? If so, it may have caused complications. Or has he retracted it himself prior to this.? If not, I have my doubts he has phimosis, and probably doesn't need to be "treated" for it at this point. There is a steroid cream that you can get that will help the skin loosen, as well. You should ask your doctor about this.
One more thing: is your doctor well-versed in foreskin anatomy.? Many doctors aren't, especially if you're American. Try checking with NOCIRC. They have tons of information about this.Health Question & Answer
mine fully retracted when I was 3 or thereabouts it is different for different people but the doctor can tell if the 'not retracting' is due to phimosis or due to the connective tissue not having disolved yet so if he is treating him for phimosis then that is probably what it is. I would recommend checking about creams and stretching before circumcision although that may be what is neccessary. Health Question & Answer
Heidi My parents taught me a a young age to pull it back in the bath and clean it with soap and water. I have been pulling it back as far as i can remember it was part of them teaching me how to take a bath.
if a doctor is treating the problem it is just a matter of streaching ou the opening so the glans can fit through. the foreskin should move freely up and down the shaft of his unit
curtdude Health Question & Answer
if a doctor is treating the problem it is just a matter of streaching ou the opening so the glans can fit through. the foreskin should move freely up and down the shaft of his unit
curtdude Health Question & Answer