Foreskin Problems

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It is not unusual for the foreskin of a newborn boy to be non-retractile. As the child grows the foreskin will be manipulated and the connections (preputial adhesions) between the foreskin and the glans will be broken down. It is also not uncommon for the foreskin to be quite tight in the infant and for it not to retract fully. This is completely normal and does not require surgery.

Occasionally a young boy will experience repeated episodes of infection this can be problematical and surgery may be appropriate in some cases.

It is possible that the foreskin was retractile but becomes scarred and thickened and no longer retracts.  This can sometimes be the result of a skin condition called balanitis xerotica obliterans.  In my opinion this is best treated by circumcision.

In the adolescent, a non-retractile foreskin may become problematical during sexual activity.  After consultation and discussion it is sometimes appropriate to undertake circumcision, although this is not always required. If there is a short connection between the head of the penis and the foreskin (frenulum) it is sometimes possible to release this connection and circumcision can be avoided.