Patient's question:
Tonight while I was taking a shower, I noticed a small cut on my foreskin when I retracted it. No wonder I've finally felt a bit itchy down there today. It doesn't hurt, but occasionally there's a slight itch again, and the head of my penis has also developed redness and itching again. Is this situation likely due to my foreskin being too long?Doctor's answer:
Hydrocele due to long-term chronic stimulation by urine and smegma can lead to balanoposthitis, causing swelling, congestion, erosion, cracking, and repeated cross-infection of the foreskin and glans mucosa. Due to repeated friction of the foreskin during sexual activity, it is prone to swelling, which is more pronounced during vigorous movements and may even lead to recurrent phimosis. If timely treatment is not obtained, pathogens can descend along the reproductive tract, affecting the prostate, seminal vesicles, and epididymis, while also being transmitted to sexual partners through intercourse.