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Why can I retract foreskin only during flaccid state but not when erect?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a male of 5'11" and 92 kg weight. My age is 26 years and I am on no regular medication. I cannot retract my foreskin in erect position, but can retract during flaccid state. I also ejaculate very soon and I cannot get full erection. What treatment should I take for this?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read and understood your problem.

  • First of all you should reduce weight. If you cannot achieve by diet control, then you will need medicine.
  • You said that you cannot retract foreskin in erect position, but can retract during flaccid state. It means that the junction fold called frenum is short.
  • It can be corrected by a small operation or you can use some cream and try to pull foreskin back holding penis in one hand and pulling back with another.
  • Do not apply force. Over few days it will be pulled back gradually.
  • You have mentioned that you ejaculate very early and cannot get full erection. It appears to be due to stress or anxiety and so do relaxation exercise.
  • However, to exclude other cause you need to do some blood tests like hemoglobin (Hb), total count (TC), differential count (DC), fasting sugar, prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and testosterone.
  • Stop smoking if you smoke. Check your blood pressure (BP). If you are taking any medicine or nutritional supplement on regular basis, then it may be due to side effect of that.
  • Another one is stop-start technique. When you feel that you are going to ejaculate stop the sexual stimulation and divert your mind, the penis will relax, after sometime start the stimulation again and repeat the procedure. Over few months you will gradually increase your ejaculation time.
  • Most often it is a chronic problem; you have to take medicine in between.
  • You can apply Lignocaine gel to head of penis 10 minutes before sex and wipe it off before starting sex.

For further information consult a sexologist online.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Which one is better in my case, either preputioplasty or circumcision?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • Both preputioplasty and circumcision can be decided up on the examination by surgeon.

    For further information consult a sexologist online.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

As discussed earlier I got my circumcision along with frenuloplasty. Now my stitches are intact and they have not dissolved, I do not have any pain even during erection. Also my doctor has stitched bandage as shown in picture. My question is why stitches are not dissolving? Also is everything normal in this picture? Suggest me methods of faster recovery. My doctor said that he will remove the stitches by himself this weekend. Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • Yes, everything is normal as seen in the pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity).
    • Bandage is there and so the stitches are there to hold the bandage, the doctor will remove it.
      • Healing will take by natural process. You cannot speed it up, though you should not delay the healing. So, follow the instructions given by your surgeon like applying any lotion, cream, etc., as advised by him.
        • You are absolutely normal as per pictures. Best of luck.

        For further information consult a sexologist online.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

When can I have sex? How to reduce the sensitivity of glans? Does soaking in salt water help as I read on internet?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • You should wait minimum of six weeks after the date of operation for any type of activity.
    • You can soak in salt water, but it should not be too salty and should be boiled. Sensitivity will reduce gradually.

    For further doubts consult a sexologist online.

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My doctor has removed all stitches. But, still there is wound below frenulum. Is it fine? As dressing comes off in two hours I have left it open with Betadine. In how much time will it heal? And what to expect as it burns while passing urine?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The wound is still raw, because the area is so delicate and wet. It will heal in another two weeks approximately.

Apply Betadine ointment (Povidone-iodine) and avoid friction. You can also apply dressings.

For further doubts consult a sexologist online.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Is there anything to worry with this wound? Is it normal? Will it hinder in my sexual activity after healing?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is normal and no cause for worry. The site is delicate and so it takes time to heal. It will not cause any problems with sex after it heals completely.

For further information consult a sexologist online.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Published At July 30, 2018
Reviewed AtMay 21, 2026

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Prep / Recovery Guide

Foreskin Retraction Surgery Prep and Recovery Guide

How it works

Foreskin retraction issues and related concerns can be managed. Understanding the causes and treatment options is the first step.

1

Understand
Issues

2

Pre-Surgery
Considerations

3

Surgical
Options

4

Immediate
Care

5

Recovery
Timeline

6

Managing
Healing

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

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foreskinshort frenum of penisstop-start techniquecircumcision of penispreputioplastypremature ejaculation (pe)phimosis

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