My foreskin is usually swollen after erection. Why?

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 26-year-old male. Since one year, I have experienced that foreskin on my penis is usually swollen, I was initially over cleaning it, but then I read that irritates the skin more so I stopped applying soap. The swelling is visible only when the penis is erect, and I pull down the foreskin, the foreskin forms a ring under the glans neck, and the frenulum also seems tight or swollen.

It is difficult to pull back foreskin when erect, it hurts, but if I use lube or oil, it does not hurt at all. I have also observed the head of the penis, around meatus is slightly dark, this darkness is visible only when not erect, when erect, the head seemed uniformly colored. I am concerned more because I experienced oral sex months back, and after a few minutes, the pulling back of foreskin during oral sex was hurting, it was with a known person, the skin felt sensitive for three to four days after that, I applied Beta mil GM cream and it was fine, the sensitivity was gone, however this swelling has always been there, even before the sexual experience.

So I am confident this swelling rose after sex for a few days, but it was already there. I am not diabetic, and as per 1-week old general body test, all my vitals seem normal. I have attested pictures, for other details, I do not have an erectile problem, I am not sexually active, in fact after the last oral sex experience I thought not to engage until I have a green pass from the doctor. I am 5.10 tall, and weight 68 kg.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It seems on the picture you have mild short frenulum. It usually not possible to retract prepuce in the erect state, so it is normal slight discoloration around meatus is normal. You can continue the use of ointment. Avoid pulling the skin too much back in an erect or flaccid state. In the picture, it does not look like that it will require any surgery. In rare cases where retracted skin cannot be pulled back, a condition called paraphimosis then, doctor help for reduction may be required. The only indication for surgery for the tight prepuce is if, too much discomfort and pain during sexual activity. If you have more query, you can ask.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Are you suggesting I must use Betamil GM on the frenulum? I only used it for a week months ago when the swelling was more due to oral sex. My other concern is that will the years-old issue resolve forever? I am nervous about engaging in sexual activity with my partner, and when I am touched, I tend to lose erection fearing it will hurt to do it. It is probably psychological, but it will be great if the swelling could go forever. Kindly advice.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Betamil (Betamethasone, Gentamicin, Miconazole) is a combination of few antibiotics and steroid and can be used for a limited number of days to resolve mild infection or swelling. It will not have any effect on the frenulum. If swelling has decreased, then no need to use it, I think your swelling may have been due to excessive retraction of penile skin, and will not require any prolonged treatment. If still, problems persist, it is advisable to visit a urologist in person and get a physical examination done.

Patient's Query

Ok. So for how long can I safely use it?

And shall I apply once overnight or morning and night?
Earlier I applied twice, after bath and before bed.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav

# 3 to 4 days

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