[ ARC forum 2 ]
Written by Ralesk at 16 Feb 2004 00:29:17: Re: phimosis vs. adhesions in my 12-yr-old son
As an answer to: 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?
Nope. It's not the same, but the two things often come together.
Note that the adhesions are normally present in preteens, and in some rare cases they only go away when the person is in his teens.
>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. . . .
I personally can only give a small input on adhesions, as mine had been gradually pulled apart by my parents. Though the last few at the corona I did myself. I know it's painful, I've been there and done that, I think it's a good idea that your son does it or if he doesn't want to after some tries, then a doctor does.
Circumcision, however, is totally unnecessary in this case. Just think. For a circumcision to be properly done, they'd have to part the foreskin from the glans anyway, so why cut it away thereafter?
>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?
Something that comes to my mind is to apply Lidocaļne or some other anęsthetic --- but since it's an anęsthetic it can only be legally done by a doctor. You could ask the urologist about things like that when you go and have that separation thing done. I don't know anything about the (after)effects, please don't do it at home even if you have stuff like that at home.
>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?
That part was about stretching tight foreskin and not separating adhesions. There is a way to separate adhesions, or at least to check for them (in your case, since your son can retract as far as the adhesions allow, I don't think it makes much sense to check where the adhesions are, we know :P) --- and it's very simple: he should pinch the tip of his foreskin and try to pee slowly, filling up the foreskin. It might as well separate some of the adhesions. He should make sure he's doing it with caution.
>I've also read about the use of betamethason 0.05% cream. Should my son give this a try?
Perhaps it helps with adhesions, but I don't think it does. Its effect is to help the skin react more vigorously to tension with growth. (i.e. aid stretching)
>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. . .
Mine doesn't either, and I'm as loose as it gets. I for one haven't seen many people here in Europe whose foreskin would automatically retract with an erection.
>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 . . .
There is no need to have him undergo that operation. See above.
Merry tugging,
R.