Patient's question:
A 13-year-old boy's foreskin cannot retract on its own. The foreskin will never expose the glans when retracted. At what age can the foreskin retract on its own? The foreskin has not yet grown hair. Most boys in his class look like adults. What should be done if a 13-year-old boy's foreskin cannot retract on its own?Doctor's answer:
Penile phimosis refers to a condition where, in adult males, the foreskin tightly covers the glans, preventing it from fully retracted. Balanitis preputialis is a condition where the foreskin is completely tight around the glans, with the glans unable to be exposed at any time. Phimosis and balanitis can lead to premature ejaculation, anejaculation, cancer, and affect the development of the glans. It is crucial to determine the optimal time for circumcision surgery, as phimosis or balanitis can obstruct the growth and development of the genitalia, resulting in genital malformation and subsequent genital shortening. Therefore, the best time for circumcision surgery should be after the child is 10 years old. It is recommended to seek early treatment to avoid delaying the condition.