uncircumcised penis problem

Hi, I am 19 years old and I am unable to clean under my foreskin due to the fact that it does not retract. I have read that the foreskin supposed to retract by early age, but it still hasnt happened for me. This worries me because I am afraid of developing infection and I've had slight itching problem due to the fact that it is so hard to clean. I am unable to reach all the 'smegma' and clean it all out. When I pull it back, clearly it is not seperated fully and pain stops me from trying to forcefully pull it. What should I do about it?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You should see a urologist.  You may need a minor surgical procedure or even a circumcision, but if there is some nonsurgical way of loosening your foreskin, the urologist will be able to tell you about it.  If the foreskin remains too tight, you are correct in being concerned that it might lead to infection, pain, and so forth.  This is not an emergency, but you ought to look into it.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[asecret]

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