Question about being uncircomcised

Itsa - posted on 01/05/2011

Thank you Rebecca, the doctor we started going to when we moved here has been telling me to pull it back but the doctors in Norway where he was born said don't touch it until he's about 6 or older!

LaCi - posted on 01/05/2011

It's normal. My son is 2.5 as well, and yeah his penis inflates like a balloon when he pees. Do NOT retract it, or teach him to. It will do it when it is ready, forcible retraction can cause serious problems.

Michelle - posted on 01/04/2011

My husband and four boys are not circumcised. I would let nature take it's course, meaning let him pee normally without pulling his foreskin, when bathing or showering just wash his penis without 'digging' in to it or whatever. Just go over it with a soapy wash cloth. Sometimes the tip will be a little red. They'll let you know if it hurts. So far none of my kids have had any infections. Sometimes it gets a little sore or might hurt when they go pee I just try and clean it real good then and sometimes maybe put a little diaper cream around the outside of the penis not on the tip or under the foreskin so it doesn't get irritated by diapers or underwear (I don't really know if you are supposed to that, but it hasn't hurt them). I guess my main point is, it is no big deal not being circumcised, to treat it normally, and like anything else just pay attention to your child.

Krista - posted on 01/04/2011

Rebecca is exactly right. That inflation bit is normal -- it just means that the foreskin is starting the slow process of working its way away from the glans. But it's a process that you have to let happen naturally. Don't pull it back, teach your son to be gentle with his penis and not pull the skin back, and "only clean what is seen".

Caitlin - posted on 01/04/2011

Yes, please don't force it back, because it could cause issues, like infection if it tears a bit or even worse. It will retract in it's own time.. Rebecca is right!

Amy - posted on 01/04/2011

Sounds like I have a lot of research. My son's only 2 years old and we haven't started the potty thing. Thanks for the site, I saved it on my computer for future reference! I know it's been super easy to care for him so far. Thanks for posting this. Even though I have no advice, I appreciate the information, ladies.

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 01/04/2011

What Rebecca said. If it doesn't pull back on it's own then you don't want to teach him to force it back. When it's able to fully retract on it's own then you can teach him how to clean it.

Kori - posted on 01/04/2011

That is what I have heard and totally agree. My only concern is his famther is uncut also and thinks that I need to teach him to pull back as this is how he was taught.

Rebecca - posted on 01/04/2011

You should not be teaching your son to pull his foreskin back yet -- he's too young. Stop immediately. You can't pull it back yet because it's still adhered to the glans. You will cause him permanent damage if you keep trying to do that.
It is normal for the tip of the foreskin to "balloon" a bit upon urination.
Leave it alone, leave it alone, leave it alone!!!

See: http://www.cirp.org/library/normal/aap/
Foreskin Hygiene: The foreskin is easy to care for. The infant should be bathed or sponged frequently, and all parts should be washed including the genitals. The uncircumcised penis is easy to keep clean. No special care is required! No attempt should be made to forcibly retract the foreskin. No manipulation is necessary. There is no need for special cleansing with Q-tips, irrigation, or antiseptics; soap and water externally will suffice.
Foreskin Retraction: As noted, the foreskin and glans develop as one tissue. Separation will evolve over time. It should not be forced. When will separation occur? Each child is different. Separation may occur before birth; this is rare. It may take a few days, weeks, months, or even years. This is normal. Although many foreskins will retract by age 5, there is no need for concern even after a longer period. [1984 version only: No harm will come in leaving the foreskin alone.] Some boys do not attain full retractability of the foreskin until adolescence.
Summary: Care of the uncircumcised boy is quite easy. ``Leave it alone'' is good advice. External washing and rinsing on a daily basis is all that is required. Do not retract the foreskin in an infant, as it is almost always attached to the glans. Forcing the foreskin back may harm the penis, causing pain, bleeding, and possibly adhesions. The natural separation of the foreskin from the glans may take many years. After puberty, the adult male learns to retract the foreskin and cleanse under it on a daily basis.
Copyright © 1984, 1990. American Academy of Pediatrics