Why Does It Hurt When I Peel My Foreskin?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Posthitis refers to

inflammation

of the foreskin alone. Balanitis usually leads to this if you’re uncircumcised. When both the glans and foreskin are inflamed, it’s called balanoposthitis. These conditions can be due to infection or other things that cause irritation.

Why does it hurt when I pull my foreskin back?

Called

paraphimosis

, this occurs when a tight, uncircumcised foreskin gets pulled back and stuck behind the head of the penis (the glans). When this happens the end of the penis swells up, which can be eye-wateringly painful.

Are you supposed to peel back your foreskin?

In the first several years your son’s foreskin will separate from the tip of the penis. … But foreskin retraction should never be forced. Until the foreskin fully separates,

do not try to pull it back

. Forcing the foreskin to retract before it is ready can cause severe pain, bleeding, and tears in the skin.

How can I peel my foreskin back without it hurting?

Don’t pull the foreskin back too hard, and stop pulling when it starts to hurt. Use

a topical steroid cream

to help massage and soften the foreskin so that it’s easier to retract. A prescription ointment or cream with 0.05 percent clobetasol propionate (Temovate) is usually recommended for this.

Why can’t I pull my foreskin back at 15?

It’s normal. During childhood, many boys can begin to pull back their foreskin as it separates gradually from the glans. But even at 10 years, many boys still can’t fully pull back their foreskins

because the opening at the end is too tight

. This is still normal.

Why can I not pull my foreskin back when I’m erect?

If the foreskin can be retracted when the penis is erect, the tightened ring can sometimes prevent the skin from moving forward again, which results in a painful condition known as

paraphimosis

. This requires emergency management to prevent the glans from swelling.

At what age does the foreskin peel back?

Most uncircumcised baby boys have a foreskin that will not pull back (retract) because it’s still attached to the glans. This is perfectly normal for about the first 2 to 6 years.

By around the age of 2

, the foreskin should start to separate naturally from the glans.

Does uncircumcised smell bad?

If a person does not clean their penis regularly, the smegma can build up, resulting in a thick white substance. This buildup is more common on uncircumcised penises as it forms around the head of the penis. In addition to

a bad smell

, smegma can: cause redness and irritation.

Why is my foreskin stuck to the head?


Paraphimosis

is a serious condition that can happen only to people who have penises and who haven’t been circumcised. (Circumcision is when the foreskin of the penis is removed, usually in the first few days after birth.) Paraphimosis happens when the foreskin gets stuck behind the head of the penis.

How painful is circumcision in adults?

Pain is

mild to moderate after circumcision

in adults under general anesthesia with an intraoperative penile block. Severe pain is rare and mostly related to complications. Younger patients generally have more discomfort.

Does a circumcision hurt?

Circumcision can be done at any age. Traditionally, the most common time to do it is soon after your baby is born, or within the first month of life. Because

the process is painful

, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area and the surgery is performed while the baby is still awake.

What phimosis looks like?

When the foreskin can’t be pulled back, this is called phimosis. When a man has phimosis, it may look like

there is a tight ring around the tip of his penis

. The area may be swollen and red and he might have trouble urinating. Phimosis is a common condition.

How can I shorten my foreskin?

  1. Circumcision: This is the surgical removal of all or part of the foreskin. …
  2. Preputioplasty: This procedure involves the cutting and stretching of the foreskin. …
  3. Frenuloplasty: Similar to preputioplasty, a frenuloplasty involves the surgical cutting of the foreskin on the underside of the penis.

How do I know if my foreskin is tight?

Symptoms of phimosis

The foreskin usually loosens over time, but this process can take longer in some boys. By around the age of 17, a boy should be able to easily retract his foreskin. Another common symptom of phimosis is a

swelling of the foreskin while urinating

.

Why do vaginas smell like fish?

If you notice a fishy odor from your vagina or vaginal discharge, it may be caused by sweating,

a bacterial infection

, or even your genetics. The most common is cause is vaginitis, an infection or inflammation of the vagina. The odor of your vagina varies throughout your menstrual cycle.

Why does it smell when I open my legs?


Sweating in the groin area

can attract fungus and bacteria that can lead to a bad smell. Showering after exercise or athletic activity can help reduce the bad-smelling effects of smells related to sweating. Putting on clean, dry clothes after a sweat session can also help.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.