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Urology (Expert Forum)
Pain with erection in uncircumcised penis
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Pain with erection in uncircumcised penis
by Lisa__0__0, Feb 27, 1999 12:00AM
My son is almost 3 years old and uncircumcised. For a while now, he has complained and seemed uncomfortable when he has an erection. My husband and I have reasurred him many times that this is normal and one of the things that penises are "supposed to do". I recently asked him if it hurts when he has an erection and he said, "yes". We then asked him if it always hurts and he told us that it does most of the time. He has been on antibiotics on and off for an ear infection for approx. 1 month. Could his discomfort be caused by a yeast infection? We've checked and he doesn't necessarily look like he has one. Or, because his forskin has not separated from the head of his penis yet, could his erections cause the discomfort? I would appreciate any suggestions you have on this subject. We are in the minority in our particular peer group of parents as far as choosing not to circumcise our son. We have very few resources for this type of information. He has his 3 year well-child check-up soon, so we will ask our pediatrician also. However, we would like an opinion from a urologist also.
Doctor's Answer
by hfhs M.D.-AK, Feb 27, 1999 12:00AM
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Dear Lisa,
I don’t think you have anything to worry about unless your child is visibly having pain while he has an erection, a little discomfort is probably normal. Keep in mind that he is having erections multiple times during the night and is probably sleeping fine. It is normal for a child at the age of three to have the foreskin cover the head of the penis. It is not until the age of 5-7 that the foreskin separates from glans (head) and can be completely retracted. This occurs as the penis grows and frequent erections help the foreskin retract. The process is completed during puberty.
The chances of him having a yeast infection under the foreskin is small unless the penis is red and inflamed. Yeast infections cause the skin to be edematous and very red. Trying to retract your sons foreskin at an early age for cleaning purposes will not help, it may only cause further irritation. I think your son is probably normal, I would consult your Pediatrician as you stated.
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568).
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-AK
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