Hello, I'm 31 years old, and I will probably have to be circumcised. Almost three months ago I had surgery to solve a urological problem, since my frenulum was too short and would pull to much when retracting my foreskin, causing premature ejaculation and discomfort. This surgery anyway made more evident another problem, that of phimosis, being my foreskin tighter than normal. So my doctor told me that in this case circumcision would be highly recommended. My foreskin would go back both in flaccid and erect state, the only issue being that in the state of erection my foreskin would get stuck behind the corona of my glans, and wouldn't slide back and forth over it as it should. Also, sometimes if my foreskin remains pulled back too long, it would start to swell and start to feel very uncomfortable. I also have to say that I don't really like the appearence of my foreskin, which is very long, but having been uncut for 31 years having circumcision now really scares me. What if after that I lose sensitivity? What if I don't like the appearence afterwards? What if the scar would look bad? Or what if something goes wrong? I'm still deciding what to do... I'll have another appointment with my doctor in ten days, and I'll discuss it with him more deeply, but I would like to hear from your experiences also, especially those who were cut at an adult age, how did it change for you, and if you are happy or not with the result. Thank you!
Replies
- ST
SteveAug 4, 2021The foreskin is generally a pretty stretchy piece of tissue. Do you have any insight into [em]why[/em] it's not stretchy enough to behave normally? Could be eczema, fungal infection, irritation... or could be that it's just not fully healed from the earlier surgery. Consider any practices or soaps or lube that you might be using to create inflammation / irritation. You might want to wait a bit, and you might want to consult a dermatologist - whose practice seldom resorts to the knife.ReactReply - PIPietroOriginal PosterAug 4, 2021[quote]The foreskin is generally a pretty stretchy piece of tissue. Do you have any insight into why it's not stretchy enough to behave normally? Could be eczema, fungal infection, irritation... or could be that it's just not fully healed from the earlier surgery. Consider any practices or soaps or lube that you might be using to create inflammation / irritation. You might want to wait a bit, and you might want to consult a dermatologist - whose practice seldom resorts to the knife.[/quote] I have had a tight foreskin all my life, so I think that phimosis is the right diagnosis, as my urologist said. Unfortunately the problem is also the length of the foreskin, if it were shorter maybe I would've been more keen to find alternatives to circumcision. I appreciate your tips and I'll ask my doctor at my next appointment if there is anything else I could try before considering circumcision!ReactReply
- SA
Stone AndyAug 5, 2021I was cut at birth because my parents wanted me to "fit in" as an immigrant kid in the US. Circumcision is not practiced in my Swedish culture of origin, so I regret that I was circumcised without my consent. I have two main reasons: foreskin and a covered glans provide a lot of sensual pleasure. Some say foreskin isn't the wrapper but the candy. Second, the exposed glans develops a protective layer of skin to protect in called keratinization. It's good to be Iron Man in some ways, but perhaps not with a desensitized alligator skin glans. Therefore, I have engaged in foreskin restoration and recovered about half my foreskin.
Given the elasticity of foreskin, I recommend you consider stretching it out to compensate for the tightness. You can use emu oil to help, though maybe it would get you hard and do more harm than good. There are also foreskin stretching devices though most are focused on length not width. Medically, I don't know what the parameters are where surgery might be a better option. Nor do I know your level of pain and discomfort and frequency or duration of your erections. Perhaps you could even take meds to keep you flaccid (many have that as a side effect but I'm not aware of an anti-Viagra pill) and go on a porn strike long enough to stretch your foreskin diameter. It takes time but you still have youth on your side. Just a thought. And if you do get the chop, you'll be fine after a few days of pain and recovery.
Either way, I see you have a new penis in your future with new opportunities and pleasure. No worries.
ReactReply - GE
GeoffAug 6, 2021Due to the constant debate on which is better/more sensitive, I took the time to research in the uni medical library. Firstly, scarring will not make your penis less attractive. Many men in my tropical climate with even fully functional foreskins end up with infection that requires either an incision in the foreskin to loosen it or a circumcision. It is understandable to be apprehensive about removal of the foreskin as it is what you are accustomed to having, we are all very focussed on our penises. Neural imaging shows there is no difference in actual stimulation to the brain overall. Our brain is however a very clever organ. For those circumcised, one rapidly gets used to stimulation that is from clothing or a breeze and the brain figures out when to dampen the messages. Even so, those who were circumcised soon after birth still get un-requested/wanted erections from a breeze, change of temperature, moisture, etc.. You will be fine, but discuss all concerns with your treating physician or even get a second opinion. Best of luck.
ReactReply - PIPietroOriginal PosterAug 6, 2021[quote]I was cut at birth because my parents wanted me to "fit in" as an immigrant kid in the US. Circumcision is not practiced in my Swedish culture of origin, so I regret that I was circumcised without my consent. I have two main reasons: foreskin and a covered glans provide a lot of sensual pleasure. Some say foreskin isn't the wrapper but the candy. Second, the exposed glans develops a protective layer of skin to protect in called keratinization. It's good to be Iron Man in some ways, but perhaps not with a desensitized alligator skin glans. Therefore, I have engaged in foreskin restoration and recovered about half my foreskin. Given the elasticity of foreskin, I recommend you consider stretching it out to compensate for the tightness. You can use emu oil to help, though maybe it would get you hard and do more harm than good. There are also foreskin stretching devices though most are focused on length not width. Medically, I don't know what the parameters are where surgery might be a better option. Nor do I know your level of pain and discomfort and frequency or duration of your erections. Perhaps you could even take meds to keep you flaccid (many have that as a side effect but I'm not aware of an anti-Viagra pill) and go on a porn strike long enough to stretch your foreskin diameter. It takes time but you still have youth on your side. Just a thought. And if you do get the chop, you'll be fine after a few days of pain and recovery. Either way, I see you have a new penis in your future with new opportunities and pleasure. No worries.[/quote] I'm sorry that you had to undergo circumcision only to homologate, for sure that's not a good reason, especially if done under no consent of the interested individual. I actually tried stretching it in the past, and it partially worked, but as of today it got tight again, meaning that the issue is still there. I think if I stretch again I could gain a few results, but in time they will probably fade and I'll be back at the same situation. But as I said already, tightness is not the only problem, in facts the length is an issue too. Even if I manage to make it wider, it would still be too long... so that's why circumcision should be the way, I'll see what the doctor thinks about it from a medical point of view!ReactReply
- PIPietroOriginal PosterAug 6, 2021[quote]Due to the constant debate on which is better/more sensitive, I took the time to research in the uni medical library. Firstly, scarring will not make your penis less attractive. Many men in my tropical climate with even fully functional foreskins end up with infection that requires either an incision in the foreskin to loosen it or a circumcision. It is understandable to be apprehensive about removal of the foreskin as it is what you are accustomed to having, we are all very focussed on our penises. Neural imaging shows there is no difference in actual stimulation to the brain overall. Our brain is however a very clever organ. For those circumcised, one rapidly gets used to stimulation that is from clothing or a breeze and the brain figures out when to dampen the messages. Even so, those who were circumcised soon after birth still get un-requested/wanted erections from a breeze, change of temperature, moisture, etc.. You will be fine, but discuss all concerns with your treating physician or even get a second opinion. Best of luck.[/quote] Thank you! You're right, we are very focused on our penis and we probably tend to make everything related to it a bigger deal than it actually is. And the advise to have a second opinion is good. I'll see what my doctor will tell me and evaluate!ReactReply
- PE
PeteAug 7, 2021I was cut when I was 28. My forey was rather long and loose as a bit unsightly so decided to get it cut. Was honestly the best decision Ive ever made yes it takes a bit of getting use to but definitely worth it
ReactReply - BR
bris_76Aug 7, 2021Awesome, Pete!
ReactReply - BObobAug 7, 2021
hi cut at birth here, i was done in the 'low and loose ' sorta way, perhaps talk to your dr about the options along that line, it leaves you with more residual skin,, unlike high and tight which pretty much skins it tight and removes the frenum nerve. Just a thought , To many uncut men want to piss and moan about men being circumcized when they have no personal knowledge of how we feel, You will be fine just do what works for you,
Have been doing some stretching of mine, be glad to correspond about that with you .
bobReactReply - PIPietroOriginal PosterAug 7, 2021
Thank you all :)
ReactReply - KE
KevAug 8, 2021I chose to be circumcised a couple of years ago at the age of 55, for personal reasons.
I'm very happy with the result and I don't find the sensitivity to be any better or worse than having a foreskin.
The idea of being circumcised was(for me) worse than the reality. Sure, having a needle jabbed into your junk isn't terribly funny(unless you're into that kind of thing anyway), but once numbed I didn't feel a thing and healing wasn't an issue either.
One man's experience for you. Good luck with sorting out your problem.ReactReply - SAStone AndyAug 8, 2021[quote]But as I said already, tightness is not the only problem, in facts the length is an issue too. Even if I manage to make it wider, it would still be too long... so that's why circumcision should be the way, I'll see what the doctor thinks about it from a medical point of view![/quote] I'm glad you've researched your options and feel you're well-prepared to make a sound decision. Speaking of your foreskin being too long, I see it as one of those "grass is always greener on the other side of the fence" issues. Or how about that old saying that you can never be too wealthy, too tan or have too much foreskin? I will make an argument to do your best to save your frenulum. All of our organs are perfectly matched: two ears for hearing movement, two eyes for depth of vision and I believe two frenula for extra-sensory perception that goes way back to our naked hunting in bands of brothers groups. Just something to consider. Good luck.ReactReply
- TC
Terry CAug 11, 2021The use of circumcision for medical or health reasons is an issue that continues to be debated. The American Academy of Pediatrics found that the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks, but the benefits are not great enough to recommend universal newborn circumcision.
The procedure may be recommended in older boys and men to treat phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin) or to treat an infection of the penis.Circumcision does have Benefits:
Less risk of urinary tract infections
A reduced risk of some sexually transmitted diseases in men
Protection against penile cancer and a lower risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners
Prevention of balanitis (inflammation of the glans) and balanoposthitis (inflammation of the glans and foreskin)
Prevention of phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin) and para phimosis (the inability to return the foreskin to its original location)
Circumcision also makes it easier to keep the end of the penis clean.Some studies show that good hygiene can help prevent certain problems with the penis, including infections and swelling, even if the penis is not circumcised. In addition, using a condom during sex will help prevent STDs and other infections.
Circumcision Risks
Like any other surgical procedure, there are risks in getting circumcision. But this risk is low. Problems linked to circumcision include:
Pain
Risk of bleeding and infection at the site of the circumcision
Irritation of the glans
Higher chance of inflammation of the opening of the penis
Risk of injury to the penisReactReply - JI
jill8Oct 23, 2021There are so many positive stories and experiences of circumcision's positive aspects. I just don't think there is much uncertainty to be concerned about. If you are that concerned, then don't have it done. Those who know about it and have experienced are very positive indeed about its many benefits.
ReactReply - MOmorpheusmcgeeOct 24, 2021
Similar to the most recent poster, I hope you have not gotten cut yet.
Doctors are quick to cut away problems, assign drugs, and get you out as soon as they can. Please, consider stretching your foreskin before slicing it off. You can read accurate information about why it's an awful mutilation done against babies' wills here: nocirc.org - and more about how to stretch your foreskin here: norm.org
Really hoping you didn't cut off so many nerve endings, and other benefits of having a foreskin.
ReactReply - PIPietroOriginal PosterOct 24, 2021[quote]Just noticed this post. I dont know if youve had the circumcision or not so maybe this could still be some help to you or someone else. You can use a steroid cream and stretch the foreskin. Your doctor shouldve recommended that first then surgery as an alternative. Just Google steroid cream phimosis.[/quote] [quote]Similar to the most recent poster, I hope you have not gotten cut yet. Doctors are quick to cut away problems, assign drugs, and get you out as soon as they can. Please, consider stretching your foreskin before slicing it off. You can read accurate information about why it's an awful mutilation done against babies' wills here: nocirc.org - and more about how to stretch your foreskin here: norm.org Really hoping you didn't cut off so many nerve endings, and other benefits of having a foreskin.[/quote] I'll answer you both in this post because you are both making the same observation. As I said, I used to stretch my foreskin when I was younger and it solved the problem of my foreskin being too tight. But I still had issues with my frenulum, being it too short. It caused pain and risk for it to snap, so that required a specific surgery, that while solving this problem, it made evident the the other problem, which is the current phimosis. This is paired with the excessive length of the foreskin, and thus making it difficult, if not impossible, to stretch it more. It is painful also, and it swells if it gets inflamed. Anyway, I still have not done it, because I'm waiting to get scheduled for the surgery. The doctor told me that it will be as less invasive as possible, and only partial. I hope I will both solve the problem and save some foreskin.ReactReply
- MOmorpheusmcgeeOct 25, 2021[quote] ...thus making it difficult, if not impossible, to stretch it more.[/quote] "Difficult" is not the same as "impossible." Really hoping you will find a non-surgical solution. If/when you choose to get cut, good luck to you.ReactReply
- AN
AndrewNov 6, 2021i suggest non surgery because there a lot of us was force to be circumcised and didn't have the right to decide to have it done or not.
ReactReply - ANAndrewNov 6, 2021
has does getting circumcised protect against penile cancer and a lower risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners. lower risked of urinary tract infections, reduced risk of some sexually transmitted diseases, also makes it easier to keep the end of the penis clean.
ReactReply - MA
mart_uk87Oct 2, 2023I am not circumcised but I keep my foreskin pulled back quite often. I am thinking of getting circumcised soon as it often feels quite tight when I have sex, I dont have phimosis and its generally only an issue when I have an erection.
I also like the look of it more when it is pulled back so I think circumcision is the way forward for me.
ReactReply - JA
jamesIIOct 2, 2023I hope you managed to find a way of keeping your foreskin. I was circumcised due to phimosis and have always felt the doctors were a bit quick to cut it off rather than explore other options. I'm happy with my penis these days but sometimes wonder what could have been!
ReactReply - NA
naturist_py9953May 14, 2024I felt more before I was circumcised.
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