I Cannot Retract My Foreskin - What Should I Do?

Published: July 13, 2017
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hi I'm 13, i am uncircumcised I have a small skin connection between my penis and my foreskin which is preventing me from retracting my foreskin, what can I do, I don't want to talk to my parents or go to the doctor
Signed: I Cannot Retract My Foreskin - What Should I Do?

Dear I Cannot Retract My Foreskin - What Should I Do?,

TeenHealthFX appreciates your concern and understands that you may be feeling emotionally unsteady at the moment.

FX reminds you that an uncircumcised penis has its foreskin intact. This foreskin will retract naturally, however, the age at which retraction occurs differs among every boy. Generally, most will be able to retract their foreskins by the time they are 5 years old, however, others will not be able to until their teen years. TeenHealthFX reminds you that your body is still maturing, and thus, it may simply be a matter of time until your foreskin retracts.

There is a small possibility that you are experiencing phimosis, “the inability to retract the skin (foreskin or prepuce covering the head (glans) of the penis.” Boys diagnosed with phimosis are generally treated by: gentle daily manual retraction, topical corticosteroid ointment application or circumcision.

You mentioned that you do not want to speak with your parents and/or doctor. FX understands that this may be an uncomfortable subject to discuss with an adult, however, doing so will be beneficial to both your health and emotional wellbeing. A doctor can provide you with proper medical advice and answer any questions that you may have. He/she will teach you about proper hygiene necessary to keep your penis clean and healthy once foreskin retraction occurs.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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