[ ARC forum 2 ]
Written by Rood at 29 Apr 2002 14:31:39: Re: Need Advice: 5yo with Phimosis
As an answer to: Need Advice: 5yo with Phimosis written by rob at 29 Apr 2002 02:34:49:
You have had good advice from Jim and from PaulB. Just be calm about the situation, provide them with more information about the "infection", and don't do anything rash. As someone who experienced phimosis and who stupidly chose circumcision as a solution, I can assure you that genital mutilation is not an answer to the "problem" of phimosis. Rather, it creates problems of its own.
As you have no experience with the anatomy and function of the foreskin, I would suggest that you research the subject. I believe that some information can be found at http://cirp.org/library/. Also find a copy of Kristen O'Hara's book: Sex As Nature Intended It c.2001. It explains how the foreskin is necessary for normal sexual expression...important both for the female as well as the male.
And, oh, your son may need this information one day, too, especially to counter misinformation and prejudicial attitudes toward the foreskin from men and boys who have eroticised genital mutilation, or who are attempting to justify their own decision to have themselves circumcised.
As a man who is circumcised, how did it happen that you left your son intact?
I applaud your decision, but would be interested in understanding how you made the choice.
Rood
My 5 y.o. son can't retract his foreskin at all. I am cut, so I have no personal experience with this. He also has his first infection now, right at the tip. My reading indicates he has Phimosis. The foreskin can be pulled forward quite a bit past the head of his penis without rolling. But, the ring at the tip of the penis won't stretch to allow his glans to come through. There seems to be a 1mm distinct ring of tissue right around the opening of the foreskin.
>In my ignorance, I was forcing his foreskin back when he was two, for about 4 months, a couple of times a week. Stupid. The healing process probably led to a worsening of this condition.
>Anyway, I would like to know if the following course of treatment would be reasonable. 1- follow the advice on having Jeffrey manipulate his penis, pulling it forward and rolling it side to side 2- See about using the betamethasone cream.
>Also, any other advice on diagnosing what is going on?
>Rob