This Week - Foreskins Questions - Not cut, Just cut and Half cut

Alex pulls back this: Hey I'm curently dating a guy and we already had sex but his foreskin doesn't go down. This is called phimosis. I hate having sex with him because of this and because it hurts him when we have intercourse. I'm telling him to get circumcised but he doesn't listen to me because he thinks it's gonna be really painful. What should I do?

James says: Hi Alex, yes you are right he really does need to seek medical advice. He can visit his doctor although it would be more advisable to visit a GUM clinic as they will be able to offer much more specialised advice.

With phimosis the answer is not always to be circumcised as it is not always that big a problem, however you say that it is really painful for him to have sex and usually when that is the case then circumcision would be recommended.

It is really important that you tell him to seek medical advice on this. Being circumcised is not the nicest thing in the world but it heals quickly and many people say that it is not that painful either. Tell him not to worry about the operation and to go and get some advice before it really does get serious. A week of discomfort is well worth trading for a lifetime of sexual fun!

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cbro82 has a painful one: Hi James, I've recently been circumcised due to a tight foreskin, and I've noticed recently the skin around my head has gradually folded over, giving the impression I have still have a foreskin. As I was only circumcised about 4 weeks ago, I'm assuming its still swollen and eventually the head will completely be exposed. Is this normal or do you think I need to consult with my doctor? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

James replies: Hi, there. Well if after any operation you are concerned that it hasn't gone the way you expected or that there may be complications with it you should always go and seek advice from your doctor.

After an operation such as this it does take time for things to heal although if you say that it was 4 weeks ago maybe that's time enough so therefore it is best to ask your doctor to have a look and get some expert advice on this.

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Paul has a long one: James, my foreskin hangs about down at least 1cm over the end of my cock, just like that of a young boy. I'm 18 by the way. I can draw it back OK and I have no other problems but I don't like the look of it. Can I have a bit cut off, rather than a full circumcision? Should I have it all cut, or just leave it alone?

James answers: Hi Paul, guys with long foreskins often complain that it is not so comfortable for them or that they have reduced sensation when having sex. Other guys like you just don't like the look of it and then other guys complain that it makes it harder to wear a condom.

Whatever your reason there is quite a lot that can be done but it would involve surgery so that is something that you really need to consider! They can reduce the foreskin by cutting away the top part or they can cut part of the skin away at the base of the penis so that it comes in line with the top of your dick. The latter, is a much better option as when the pubic hair grows back you can't see any signs of the surgery.

However, this will involve surgery and therefore you need to seek medical advice on this and really think about whether it is something you want to do as it is quite a step. A lot of people have cosmetic surgery nowadays and it can really change your life by giving you more confidence and making you feel happier in yourself so get some advice and have a good long think about it!

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