Patient's question:
My child is 9 years old. I didn't notice it before, but suddenly realized this year that my child has excessive foreskin. When he washes his shorts every day, I find that his underwear is always yellow. He urinates frequently but in small amounts, and the urine has a very foul smell. Please ask: What should I do about my child's phimosis?Doctor's answer:
Undeveloped children commonly have phimosis, which is a natural phenomenon during growth and development. Most children with phimosis will gradually recover as they grow. However, many parents obtain inaccurate information through various channels, believing that phimosis must be treated, and that the earlier it is treated, the better the outcome. Additionally, phimosis during adolescence can sometimes be self-corrected with some simple methods. For example, during urination, one can gently roll the foreskin upward a couple of times, allowing it to remain exposed for a short while, then slowly release it. With persistent practice over time, the foreskin will naturally retract slightly. Meanwhile, as the body grows, the penis and glans also undergo significant changes, particularly with the edge of the glans becoming more prominent, making it harder for the foreskin to return to its original position.