[ ARC forum 2 ]
Written by Andrew B at 16 Feb 2005 05:16:23: Re: First sexual experience with phimosis.
As an answer to: Re: First sexual experience with phimosis. written by T.H. at 16 Feb 2005 03:09:27:
>Now, if I can have the problem solved in around a month, essentially, then isn't that the similiar time it takes to recover from a circ operation? Should I even be considering this?
Well, you may or may not have the problem solved in a month. I know from reading this board that stretching often takes a lot longer than that before you can confidently say you are "cured". I had a circ exactly 2 and a half months ago and I was able to have sex very comfortably about a week ago, though I'm sure I could have done so earlier. I think a circ is a valid option, but by all means you should try the stretching first and see if it works - if it does that is terrific because you don't have to go through surgery, which is never recommended unless absolutely necessary.
Because you are young, I would not be hasty with a circumcision - I am 24 and had considered having it done for about a year and a half before I actually did it. You should take some time also to make sure it is what you really want to do, because you can't atke it back. I tried stretching for a while but I didn't have the inclination to keep going with it - I got frustrated with having a damn phimosis problem and I just wanted to be rid of it once and for all. Now, I freely admit that I could have tried harder with the stretching and if I'd stuck it out it may have worked, but I'm happy with the result of my operation and I don't regret doing it it for a second.
A properly functioning foreskin (and that means fully retractable) may or may not have advantages over having no foreskin - there is too much rubbish being touted on both sides of the argument to really be certain. You've just got to figure out what will make you happiest, what will make you most confident - after all, it's your body and it's up to you what you want to do with. Stretching should be encouraged but if that doesn't work, chopping the foreskin off isn't a crime against humanity and you shouldn't rule it out as a valid option.
Good Luck