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phimosis vs. adhesions in my 12-yr-old son

Written by Adelina at 15 Feb 2004 08:09:49:

Recently my son (just turned 12 years old) was referred to a urologist because his foreskin will not pull back very far. The urologist said this was due to adhesions that had not unattached themselves on their own (as they normally do). Is this the same as "phimosis" (tight foreskin) or not?
The urologist suggested that my son gradually stretch his foreskin back daily until the adhesions loosen and unattach. OR, the urologist said he could do this for my son all at once in the office, but that this would be much more painful. OR, the urologist said a final option is circumcision. . . .
We decided that my son would try stretching it himself. However, my son has found this to be VERY painful so he decided he'd rather have the doctor do it and get it over with all at once. But I'm not sure that's such a great idea. I told him that he shouldn't be stretching it so far that it hurts alot---that he's trying to stretch it too far too fast. But he said, no, that he's simply stretching it as far as the doctor had in the office. But it seems to me he should stretch it only until it just starts to be painful---that it shouldn't be REALLY painful. Am I correct?
ALSO, I've done some reading which indicates it's less painful and as effective (if not more so) to stretch the foresking FORWARD rather than back. Is this a good idea?
I've also read about the use of betamethason 0.05% cream. Should my son give this a try?
My husband is circumcised so we have no direct experience with this. For instance, should the foreskin automatically retract itself when the penis is erect? My son's does not. . . I'm anxious to do what's best for my son with the least amount of pain. I really don't want to have him circumcised. Any help/advice is greatly appreciated . . .


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