Dear Uncircumcised

Published: April 24, 2019
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I’m a 16 year old boy and I’m uncircumcised. The head of my penis (aka the gland however also slightly the foreskin just surrounding the gland) is highly sensitive too the point where it hurts to touch it with anything including water from the shower, meaning that it is not entirely clean however I do try my best to clean it without factually touching it as this will cause pain. I do masturbate yet my foreskin cannot yet fully retract back over the whole of the penis gland. I’m worried that this ultra sensitivity is not normal and I’m worried that this will impede me in the future in sexual encounters and also for if I accidentally retract my foreskin and the gland touches my underwear. Please reply as I am highly concerned that this is not normal.
Signed: Dear Uncircumcised

Dear Dear Uncircumcised,

Your penis is one of the most sensitive areas on your body.  There are many factors that can contribute to heighten sensitivity in this area. While sensitivity is normal, experiencing pain the way you describe it is not.  

There are several common conditions of the glans (head) penis and foreskin.  Balanitis is a condition when the glans of the penis becomes inflamed.  If the foreskin and glans are inflamed, the condition is called balanoposthitis. Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis won’t retract back over the head of the penis, causing painful urination and erections. Paraphimosis is a condition in which the foreskin has retracted but cannot return to its original position. This can cause painful swelling of the penis and impaired blood flow. Urinary tract infections are also more common in uncircumcised males.

While you might find it difficult to talk with your health care provider about your penis, only they can determine what is causing your pain. TeenHealthFx recommends you make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Until then, it is important that you practice good foreskin hygiene. To do so gently pull back the foreskin, clean with mild soap and water, rinse and dry the area thoroughly, lastly, pull the foreskin back over the head of the penis.

 

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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