[ ARC forum 2 ]
Written by Paul B. at 23 Mar 2003 02:59:49: Down to business.
As an answer to: New here, looking for answers for 7 yr old son~ VERY FRUSTRATED!! written by mermom at 22 Mar 2003 19:21:09:
> 7 yr-old son has had recurring infections of the foreskin/glans, 2 or 3 a year since he was 2, lasting 1-3 days, usually 2, consisting of swelling, pain, discharge. He cannot retract his foreskin.
More information required.
1} Do you or he use soap to wash his foreskin; in particular attempting to soap in the opening or inside the foreskin? Does he bath or shower, and if the former, use bubble-bath? Or any other product?
2} Can you see the end of his penis when he tries to pull back the foreskin? Exactly how far does it pull back?
3} How suddenly do these "infections" come on? Is he relaying the early warning signs?
4} What treatments have you used for the "infections"? To what extent do they settle if left alone?
> He has been recently diagnosed with "phimosis" by a ped urologist who recommends circ'ing, of which I am highly opposed to. He didn't offer, and even scoffed at alternative treatments.
5} Was the use of fluorinated steroid ointment (generally "Betnovate", which is betamethasone) mentioned at all?
> I'm worried about problems for him later on with sexual function.
As you should. While it is possible to have a "normal" sex life, or to believe one has, being circumcised (indeed, it is well to remember that most women who have been "circumcised" actually say they do too!), it would be rather inconsistent with any degree of intelligence, to desire "normality" instead of "best".
> I can't afford numerous opinions from Drs with their $200 10-minute evaluations, vague diagnosies and rejection of alternative therapies.
Then be most cautious to avoid "specialists" whose income flow derives directly from this, particularly surgeons (a "paediatric urologist" is by definition, a surgeon).
You want a knowledgeable family doctor, though understanding of this situation can be a little hard to come by, particularly in America. I believe that some of the organisations such as NOCIRC (whom you can contact by e-mail) can perhaps direct you to a competent doctor, at least in the USA (but there are branches in other countries).
In broad terms, you wish at this point to stop the "infections". The term "phimosis" is as you have sensed, a meaningless distraction, foreskin retraction is the more distant goal.