What Is an Uncircumcised Penis?
An uncircumcised penis is a natural default state of the penis with a foreskin attached. The foreskin of an uncircumcised penis, which covers the head of a non-erect penis, is retained. The foreskin pulls back to reveal the glans when the penis is erect. The foreskin is also known to be prepuce. The foreskin spontaneously separates (retracts) from the head of the penis as the boys grow older. When the foreskin begins to retract, a white, cheesy film may form beneath the foreskin. The smegma is a substance made up of skin cells that slough off during the separating process.
Retraction of the foreskin can occur immediately after birth or take several years. By the time a man reaches the age of 18, his foreskins are usually entirely retracted. Foreskin retraction, or pushing the foreskin back from the penis' tip, should not be forced. If the foreskin is forced to retract, bleeding and discomfort may occur.
What Are the Problems Associated With Uncircumcised Penis?
People with an uncircumcised penis may have a variety of issues. However, to avoid most of these problems, maintaining good hygiene and having safe intercourse are needed. Some of the problems associated with an uncircumcised penis are:
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Phimosis: Condition in which the foreskin is too tight near the penis, making it unable to recede over the head of the penis is known as phimosis. This condition usually affects children and will get better as the foreskin loosens with age. However, it can cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adults. It rarely causes any symptoms or requires medical attention. In some cases, however, it may result in:
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Pain and tenderness in the tip of the penis.
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Swelling of the penis.
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Bleeding.
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Scars at the junction of the penis.
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Difficulty while urinating.
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Paraphimosis: Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin sticks to the bottom of the head and cannot recede over the penis. The skin can become tight and close to the tip of the penis, causing inflammation and discomfort. Paraphimosis can also cause fluid to form locally, making inflammation worse. If not treated, paraphimosis can prevent blood from reaching the tip of the penis. The patient needs to seek emergency medical help for paraphimosis to avoid complications.
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Injuries: As the foreskin hangs over the head of the penis, it may be damaged due to an injury. For example, the foreskin can hold up to a zipper of jeans and pants. These injuries can cause significant damage to the skin and possibly the urethral tissue, which is the tube inside the tip of the penis. Injury to the urethral tissue can lead to urinary problems, and this type of injury can cause excruciating pain.
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Bacterial or Fungal Infections: Without regular cleaning and maintaining good hygiene of the penis, germs can accumulate in the foreskin and cause infections. Infection can also occur if there are minor cuts or sores on the foreskin, as a break in the skin may allow germs to enter.
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Balanitis: Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis and is a typical result of an infection of the foreskin. It is estimated that up to ten percent of men will develop balanitis during their lifetime. Balanitis is most common in uncircumcised men and boys under four years of age.
Symptoms of balanitis may include:
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Painful and itchy penis.
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Swelling of the penis.
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Pain during urination.
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Discharge under a thicker foreskin than usual with a foul odor.
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Yeast Infections: Although yeast infections are more common in women, they can affect men near the foreskin. Various fungi, including Candida albicans, cause yeast infections. Yeast infections can sometimes occur without any symptoms, but in most cases, they cause itching, pain, and swelling near the penis. Rashes and papules (bumps) can also grow locally.
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Sexually Transmitted Infections: According to many research studies, circumcised people are less likely to contract a sexually transmitted disease compared to uncircumcised people. Some of the studies suggest that circumcision can reduce the risk of:
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Genital herpes.
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Trichomoniasis.
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Mycoplasma.
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Syphilis.
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Chancroid.
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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
How Are the Conditions Associated With an Uncircumcised Penis Managed?
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Phimosis - If phimosis causes symptoms, the doctor will advise cleaning the area with warm water every day. If there is swelling, the doctor may also prescribe corticosteroid creams or ointments.
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Paraphimosis - Doctors can use local anesthetics to relieve pain in the area. They can often help to restore the foreskin by hand. However, they may need to make small incisions to release the skin in extreme cases.
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Injuries - In case of accidental injuries like a zipper injury, it is best to see a doctor immediately for treatment. Off-the-counter pain relievers will help with the pain. The doctor may also prescribe a local anesthetic.
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Bacterial or Fungal Infections - Antibiotics are the best way to treat bacterial infections in the penis, and antifungal drugs will be needed in case of fungal infections. Both treatments will usually be in the form of creams or ointments that a person applies directly to the penis.
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Balanitis - Since poor hygiene is a major cause of a reliable source of balanitis, it is essential to clean the area regularly.
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Yeast Infections - Several drugs are available to treat yeast diseases, such as Clotrimazole (Canesten) and Econazole nitrate (Spectazole). The doctor will give these as a cream or ointment to be applied directly to the penis.
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Sexually Transmitted Infections - In order to reduce the risk of these infections, it is essential to practice safe sex using condoms. In addition, having fewer sexual partners can also reduce the risk of infection.
How to Take Care of an Uncircumcised Penis?
In Children:
Foreskin care is easy. Wash the genitals with soap and water. Never undo the foreskin in childhood or infancy. If the foreskin is forcibly removed, it may cause pain, bleeding, and scars. Most foreskin shrinks (pushing back from the glans) by age five, but there is no need to worry even after a long time. Some boys' foreskins will not grow back until they are a teenager. During puberty, a boy should be taught by a parent or through a health educator to undo his foreskin and wash under it during his daily bath.
In Adolescents and Adults:
Uncircumcised men must take special care of the foreskin. For example, a man should wash his penis with warm water every day. While cleaning, he should gently pull back the foreskin and rinse the glans (head) of the penis and inside the foreskin. When finished, he can pull the foreskin back to its original position. He should also wash the base of the penis and the testicles. Soap, talcum powder, and deodorant should be avoided, as these products can cause irritation and inflammation.
Men should also be aware of smegma, a substance made up of skin oils and dead cells under the foreskin. Smegma is natural, but if it gets too big, it can give off a foul odor and can be a sign of irritability. Excess smegma also promotes the growth of microorganisms, which can lead to infection. Good hygiene is needed to avoid infections.
Conclusion:
Although circumscribing the penis is advocated for health and hygiene reasons, it may not be an accepted cultural practice among some communities. The best way to avoid being affected by the numerous associated complications with uncircumcised penises is by maintaining excellent hygiene and avoiding situations or practices that could potentially lead to issues (such as practicing unsafe sex). An uncircumcised penis does not have to be a problem. It simply needs to be managed effectively through simple, safe and smart practices.
