Patient's question:
When an erection occurs, the head of the penis is fully exposed. Does this require a circumcision? When not erect, the foreskin does not cover the urethral opening, but the pubic hair is often covered by the foreskin in the summer.Doctor's answer:
The foreskin refers to a layer of soft skin that covers the head of the penis. In infants and young children, the foreskin is longer and the opening is smaller, and it covers the head of the penis, protecting the delicate glans. As one grows older, the foreskin gradually retracts back from the head of the penis. During puberty, the foreskin naturally moves back as the reproductive organs develop, exposing the entire glans. If, during puberty, the foreskin still completely covers the glans and cannot be retracted, it is called "phimosis." If the foreskin can be retracted but does not remain fully exposed, it is called "redundant foreskin."