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Question:
Hi, Im not quite sure how to put this but I am unable to pull my foreskin back from my head with ease. If I work it very slowly, millimeter by millimeter then I eventually get the skin pulled back but there is pain when any movement of the skin occurs and it seems that the penis head swells up and turns purple. I read somewhere that I may have to have it circumsised but I would rather not, what can I do?

Answer:
by Patricia Fawver: (06/21/2005)
Hello! Thanks for writing in with your question. First of all, the foreskin of the penis should never be forcibly retracted!!! This can happen when you do it to yourself, or when receiving a medical exam by an uninformed doctor, or by a parent thinking they are doing the right thing when cleaning the child's genitals. If this has happened to you, you may have developed adhesions and this may be the cause of your pain. As the boy's penis develops, there is a natural process that occurs where the foreskin is gradually able to be retracted. Full retraction occurs often in childhood, but for some it does not happen until they are teens, or possibly even later. My advice to you would be to start learning more about the care of your intact, uncircumcised penis. You can start by contacting NOCIRC (National Organization of Circumcision Resource Centers in San Anselmo, CA). You can find them on the internet or their telephone number is: 415 488-9883. You can read lots of information on their website, find other links, get information on books, and also get a referral to a doctor that is knowledgable about the care of the uncircumcised penis. There are ways to address the problem of a tight foreskin without getting surgery! Please contact them - I am sure you will find much helpful information. In the meantime, try to find ways to masturbate that still give you pleasure and do not cause you to feel pain in your penis. Take care and please write back if you have any further questions. Thanks, Patty Fawver

Reviewed by: Patricia Fawver Ph.D. in Sexology

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