[ ARC forum 2 ]

Re: phimosis

Written by Ralesk at 07 Jan 2004 20:41:09:

As an answer to: Re: phimosis written by IA at 06 Jan 2004 01:21:15:

>I suppose his foreskin is pretty long.

Nothing wrong with that.

>When he retracts the foreskin as far as is comfortable for him, the glans is still hidden behind the foreskin. Thank you for suggesting that I have him retract his foreskin when he urinates. I haven't instructed him to do that so hopefully that will help.

It is likely to encourage the foreskin to loosen up more. The forward pulling method I usually describe to people with problems is quite safe (no chance of paraphimosis), so it can be a good thing until he can safely pull it back. NB, the important part there is to pull it in an 'opening way' as if you opened a pillowcase for trick or treating, or something.

> This is such a hard choice. I'm a single mom and I feel like if I wait and the condition doesn't get better, I'm going to feel really bad.

It has loosened up a bit since you've started meddling, so why worry about it being ineffective?

> But, then I feel like if I have the surgery done maybe it would have been unnecessary.

I believe it is so.

> The urologist said that they can't do a partial removal of the foreskin.. She said they would have to remove the foreskin so the glans will always be exposed.

Now you understand, there your son would have to endure 1) the wounds healing 2) the apparently quite sensitive head rubbing to his clothes.

If you care to experiment a little, do yourself a favour and touch your clitoris with either your finger or, even better, your undies. I would guess it's not a good feeling, but it will give you an idea what circumcised children have to endure until they get used to it (good handful months). Let's not get into the part about nappies (diapers) vs. wounds.

> I asked my son if he wanted to have the surgery, or if he wanted to wait to see if the hole got bigger on it's own. He decided that he wants to wait. I just hope I'm doing the right thing.

I'm quite sure you are.


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