PENILE PROBLEMS

Tight Foreskin

It is not uncommon for boys to be unable to pull back (retract) their foreskin although given time the foreskin should become progressively more retractile.

Conversely most adults should be able to pull back their foreskin, this is important for hygiene reasons, the inability to clean beneath the foreskin can lead to inflammation (redness), infection or rarely cancer. A tight foreskin can be painful, especially with erections and during sexual intercourse, it can crack, bleed or scar. A tight foreskin can become progressively tighter and can narrow and restrict the flow of urine in severe cases.

If you are concerned about this problem, it is best discussed with a doctor.

Circumcision

The most frequently offered treatment for a tight foreskin in adults is a circumcision ( BAUS information leaflet ).

Circumcision is the most common surgical procedure in the world. It can be performed for medical and religious reasons. Medical reasons for performing circumcision include tightness, repeated bleeding or cracking on intercourse, infections or concern about penile cancer. Some men have a foreskin which is not tight but cannot be pulled back fully because it is tethered by a tight band of tissue to the penis called the frenulum. If this is the only problem it can sometimes be treated by a smaller procedure called a frenuloplasty to release the frenulum rather than a circumcision.

Mr Christian Nayar has experience about treating this problem and will be able to offer advice on the best form of management.

Penile Cancer

This is fortunately a rare cancer affecting approximately 400 men in the UK per year. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to stop the spread of this disease. If you are concerned about a red area on your penis you should consult your doctor immediately. Early diagnosis will limit the treatment required and therefore essential if treatment is to be successful.