I am 15 years old and I only found out at about age 13 that I needed to be pulling back my foreskin to clean the tip of my penis. I tried it back then and It didn't work. Ever since then I have had trouble with pulling it back and cleaning there. Everytime I try I am able to get it maybe a bit less than half way over the head of the penis. I am stopped by what looks to me like a vein surrounding my foreskin. (It's not my frenulum). The 'vein' goes a purple colour when it gets around the half way mark and I have never tried pulling it back further than that. i have no pain pulling it back that far, i just took it as a visual indicator to stop. if anyone has any advice on how to fix this that would be greatly appreciated
It's essential to maintain proper hygiene and address any issues related to the foreskin. What you're describing might be a condition called phimosis or a tight foreskin. Phimosis occurs when the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis (glans).
Here are some steps you can take:
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Gentle Stretching: Start with gentle stretching exercises to gradually loosen the foreskin. You can do this when your penis is flaccid. Apply some water-based lubricant to the tip of the penis and then gently pull the foreskin back as far as you can without causing discomfort. Hold it in that position for a few seconds, then release. Repeat this process daily, gradually increasing the amount you can retract the foreskin.
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Topical Steroid Cream: In some cases, a doctor might prescribe a topical steroid cream to help reduce inflammation and facilitate the stretching process.
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Circumcision: In severe cases of phimosis that don't respond to other treatments, circumcision may be recommended. Circumcision involves the surgical removal of the foreskin. However, it's typically considered a last resort after other options have been explored.
Remember that this is a common issue, and seeking medical advice is the best way to address it. Don't force the foreskin back if it's causing pain or discomfort, as this can lead to injury or infection.