Infection – the most common include posthitis and balanitis. Posthitis is infection of the foreskin, usually caused by fungus thriving in the hot and moist conditions. Balanitis is infection of the foreskin and glans, and is usually caused by poor hygiene.
Complications of a tight foreskin
The end of the penis can then become very swollen and painful. This is known as paraphimosis and it's a medical emergency. Immediate treatment is needed to avoid serious complications like restricted blood flow to the penis.
Some boys can retract their foreskin as early as age 5, but some may not be able to do this until their teenage years. Retraction of the foreskin should not be forced. This may cause pain and bleeding and can lead to scarring and adhesions (where skin is stuck to skin).
Smegma. If you do not wash your penis every day, a cheesy-looking substance called smegma can build up. Smegma is a natural lubricant that keeps the penis moist. It's found on the head of the penis and under the foreskin.
This usually goes away after a day or two. The foreskin naturally sheds, leaving small white or yellow clumps behind. These clumps are called smegma and may look like pus. The smegma eventually goes away on its own.
Smegma is a harmless combination of oils, skin cells, sweat and other fluids that accumulate around your genitals. It looks like crumbly cheese and usually has a foul odor. The best way to prevent and treat smegma is to regularly wash your genitals and the surrounding areas with soap and clean water.
So both circumcised and uncircumcised penises are common in the U.S. It's also worth mentioning that in many countries outside of the U.S, it's much more common to be uncircumcised.
If you are not circumcised, you can still avoid paraphimosis by: Always pulling the foreskin back down to its natural position. This could be after having sex, going to the bathroom, or cleaning yourself.
The same basic principles apply whether you have a foreskin or have been circumcised. Gently wash your penis each day. Carefully pull back and clean underneath the foreskin, as well as the tip of your penis (the glans) using only water and a very gentle soap. Don't scrub this sensitive area.
However, circumcision does not increase the penile size, and a meta-analysis revealed that circumcision does not affect premature ejaculation10.
Swelling or inflammation (Balanitis)
You may also not be able to pull back your foreskin. It can be caused by irritation from bacterial or fungal infections, chemicals, viruses such as HPV, diabetes, and allergies to latex (i.e. condoms) or medicines.
If your foreskin is very tight, it's advisable to speak to your GP. There are creams available on prescription, but if these don't work you might need a circumcision (don't worry, it's harmless, in America almost everyone is circumcised).
Smegma is normal in both men and women and is due to the buildup of skin cells, oil secretions, and moisture. Practicing good genital hygiene may help prevent or reduce smegma buildup in both sexes.
Inflammation – sore and red foreskin. Common causes include forced retraction, irritants such as bubble baths or dirty nappies. Infection – the most common include posthitis and balanitis. Posthitis is infection of the foreskin, usually caused by fungus thriving in the hot and moist conditions.
Overall, uncircumcised men reported between 0.2 points and 0.4 points higher sensitivity and sexual pleasure when their penis's head - known as the glans - was stroked during arousal, compared to circumcised men.
A teen circumcision performed at Gentle Circumcision should be virtually painless, as Dr. Pittman makes every patientʼs comfort a priority at every stage. We recommend teens take a pre-surgery loading dose of extra-strength acetaminophen at bedtime, and repeat at breakfast the morning of their procedure.
A 2013 review looked at studies into the effect of male circumcision on sexual function and enjoyment. The review found that in the most accurate studies, circumcision had no negative effects on sexual function, sensitivity, pain, or pleasure during sexual intercourse.
What could have caused my tight foreskin? In children, a tight foreskin is usually congenital but, in adults, it is often due to a scarring disease known as balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO, sometimes called lichen sclerosus).
Tight foreskin
But if you or your child has concerns about phimosis, check with your GP. The GP might prescribe a corticosteroid cream to help treat the phimosis. If the foreskin is still tight after puberty, it's best for a doctor to check it.
Phimosis is defined as the inability to retract the skin (foreskin or prepuce) covering the head (glans) of the penis. Phimosis may appear as a tight ring or “rubber band” of foreskin around the tip of the penis, preventing full retraction.
Foreskin retraction may happen right after birth. Or it may take several years. Most foreskins can be fully retracted by the time a young man is 18 years old.
By age 17, most boys will be able to fully retract their foreskin. Phimosis can also occur if the foreskin is forced back before it is ready. This can cause a fibrous scar to form. This can stop the foreskin from retracting in the future.