Foreskin question

[GoingToTheCliff]

Sorry for the awkward question, my son has been worried about his willy and asked me if there is a problem of having too much foreskin? No dad around to ask

From a female perspective with only daughters, so also limited info - if he’s not in any discomfort and (if he’s in teens) it fully retracts when erect then I think it’s fine. I’ve had partners who had a lot and who had a little. Made no difference to functioning/health.

He’s 11 currently and it doesn’t fully retract but I’ve read it detached more with puberty

My DSchad this issue. Masses of foreskin that used to balloon out and sometimes retained urine. He was frequently sore. Obviously until it retracts properly and you can clean underneath well, it caused problems

GP did say "oh I see what you mean, he'll probably grow into it" but that in our area they won't entertain the idea of circumcision. As I said once he could clean properly he didn't have as many issues but frankly I wish I had pushed or gone privately

How long did it take to get better?

At 11 he should be trying to retract when peeing/ showering etc but no need to force it. If he hasn't been retracting so far there may still be some adhesions that will need to be worked loose.

If he does not retract by the time puberty hits, the penis will develop in size but the foreskin and frenulum will not, meaning retraction will get more difficult. Over time like any piece of skin, it can slowly stretch over time.

Usually you can get creams to help with the stretching process to reduce swelling and thin the skin slightly to make this stretching easier. Only a GP can prescribe this though.

As someone whose brother's and father were circumcised I wasn't given any of this guidance and had issues with phimosis until early adulthood until I stumbled on a men's forum and was able to remedy matters naturally in a few months.

I would say he could retract by about 4 (obviously naturally, we never forced the issue) so a lot younger than your DS

As the previous poster said he should really be retracting by age 11, so I would seek GPadvice. It's something he will become really noticeable going into his teen years

Thank you I’ve got an appointment booked, bit worried

Hi. Sorry to dredge up this thread, but did you get any answers at the appointment? I have a nephew with problems in the same area who is quite nervous about it all!