Excess foreskin can make it difficult to expose the glans and maintain intimate hygiene, leading to infections in some cases. If infections are very frequent, the removal of this skin may be considered, even for adult men. Check it out.
The foreskin is the layer of skin that covers the head of the penis (glans). It may not seem like it, but it has two important functions: protecting the glans, which is very sensitive, and keeping it lubricated. This skin can be present in excess, characterizing phimosis.
Is it normal to have excess foreskin?
Excess foreskin is normal until a certain stage of life.
In babies and young children, the foreskin naturally covers the glans and cannot usually be fully retracted. Over time, the skin usually begins to separate from the glans, allowing retraction. By adolescence, this process is typically complete, and the head of the penis can be exposed.
However, in some cases, the separation of the foreskin from the glans does not occur, and the foreskin remains excessively long or tight, making it difficult to fully expose the head of the penis.
When is excess foreskin harmful?
Excess foreskin does not necessarily mean something is wrong, but when it interferes with hygiene or causes discomfort, it can become harmful.
Among the problems that can arise due to excess skin on the penis are infections and inflammations, such as balanitis, which is an inflammation of the glans.
Balanitis occurs when proper hygiene of the area is not performed. It is hindered by excess skin, resulting in the accumulation of secretions and the growth of bacteria or fungi.
Additionally, if the foreskin is too tight, it can lead to phimosis, making it impossible or very painful to retract it, which increases the risk of complications.
What is a normal foreskin like?
A normal foreskin should be flexible enough to uncover the head of the penis when retracted, without causing pain or discomfort. This is expected to occur during adolescence and continue throughout adulthood.
Some men may have a slightly longer foreskin that covers the glans even when the penis is erect. This is not a problem as long as it does not cause hygiene issues or other health complications.
Is excess foreskin and phimosis the same thing?
Excess foreskin and phimosis are distinct conditions, and it is important to differentiate them.
Excess foreskin, as the name suggests, is an accumulation of skin around the glans, which may or may not interfere with the exposure of the head of the penis. Phimosis, on the other hand, is a condition in which the foreskin is so tight that it cannot be retracted over the glans.
Not everyone with excess foreskin has phimosis. In fact, many men with excess penile skin can expose the glans without difficulty.
Consequences of excess skin on the penis
Excess skin on the penis can lead to an increased risk of infections for some men.
Since excess foreskin can hinder proper hygiene of the glans, the area becomes prone to the accumulation of microorganisms that cause balanitis and urinary infections, and even to the worsening of these conditions.
Additionally, some men may experience discomfort or pain during sexual activity.
In extreme cases, it can lead to paraphimosis, when the foreskin, after being retracted, gets stuck behind the glans, causing swelling and intense pain. Paraphimosis is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent permanent damage.
However, in many cases, there are no negative consequences, and the man can live normally without needing treatment.
What are the recommended treatments for excess foreskin?
The management of excess foreskin varies according to the severity of symptoms and associated complications.
Many cases can be treated with the application of topical medications, which reduce inflammation and facilitate foreskin retraction.
If the condition does not improve this way, or if there are significant and recurring complications, surgery may be recommended.
In postectomy, also known as circumcision, the complete or partial removal of the foreskin is performed. In many cases, it is an effective and safe surgery. It is mainly performed in the first decade of life and after the age of 60, according to studies.
Do those who have excess skin but can expose the glans need surgery?
Not all men with excess foreskin need to undergo treatment, let alone phimosis surgery.
If the individual can expose the glans without pain or discomfort and does not present health complications, treatment is not necessary.
When treatment is needed, if the first line of treatment shows good results, surgery may be avoided.
The decision to operate should be based on factors such as the presence of recurring infections, difficulty in maintaining hygiene, or discomfort during sexual activity.
Having excess foreskin is common and, in most cases, does not require medical intervention. However, when excess foreskin has significant consequences and impairs your sexual life, it is essential to consult a urologist.
The important thing is to understand your body’s needs, and with the help of Dr. Paulo Egydio’s channel on WhatsApp, you can access the necessary information to ensure your health and well-being. Join and gain access to reliable information to take care of your health.
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