[ ARC forum 2 ]

Re: pinhole phimosis

Written by Paul B. at 27 Apr 2001 12:42:10:

As an answer to: pinhole phimosis written by Lorissa at 27 Apr 2001 10:36:21:

> My boyfriend has pinhole phimosis. The "pinhole" is quite small.
> His penis balloons up whenever he pees, and it doesn't smell the
> greatest either.

For an adult, that is impressive.

> Is there any treatment for it besides a circumcision?

Stretching and fluorinated steroid ointment might just work, but would
probably be very tedious.

> I've been trying to get him to see a Dr. but he's afraid to. He's
> convinced the Dr. will want to cut, not questions asked.

He would be particularly correct in regard to American practice. But
in his case, that may well be the only option. However, it is absolutely
your, or his prerogative, to ask as many questions as possible and to
choose his own treatment. In particular, it is quite incorrect that a
circumcision, removing the whole foreskin, is appropriate treatment.

He is entitled to a procedure which fixes the problem, where the problem
is fully stated as "his foreskin won't retract". The procedure to
correct this is a modified "dorsal slit" which simply enlarges the opening
in the foreskin so that it can be retracted.

It is often stated that a dorsal slit looks bad. What this really
means is that it is performed with total disregard to the appearance.
There is no reason it cannot be made to look - like a normal foreskin
should, if that is the goal of the surgeon. Your task is to find a
competent surgeon, and you may have to ask around, and even try a few.

Note that if any insists that this is not possible, that he "must" have a
circumcision, this means that they have done no more nor less than disqualified
themselves. It is not their business to pass judgement on your requirements,
but your privilege and duty to assess their competence for
your satisfaction.

If your boyfriend can understand that the surgeon is there to provide
him with an acceptable service, and that he has no duty to comply with
the surgeon's whim, then it becomes much easier to go and see one.

Consider: Would you go and see a cosmetic surgeon and be told "No, I
can't be bothered and don't know how to do that operation, you'll have to
just have it cut off instead."?

> It inhibits our sex life greatly.

The smell? I just have to say it's interesting that many men with
un-retractile foreskins don't actually complain of any loss of options
- unless and until someone convinces them it is wrong.

I am by no means saying you should ignore it - I don't think you should,
but I wonder just how much, and what problems it is giving you?


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