how far does the foreskin normally retract?

Question

i have tried pulling it back over the head,
but then it feels like the skin is rolling up
and i wont be able to pull it up again.
when i get an erection, it makes it
even harder to retract my skin.
it'll usually only go halfway
before it feels like it'll tear.

also during sex, does it usually retract?
and if so, how far?

Answer 1

Normally the foreskin should be able to easily retract all the way back so the entire glans (penis head) can be exposed. This is true in masturbation or sex and whatnot, and some guys it retracts by itself upon erection (though not in all guys). It sounds like you've a condition called phimosis, where the foreskin opening is too tight/narrow for you to retract it that far comfortably or without pain. Fortunately there are many treatments for phimosis.

The first thing you should try are stretching exercises. In one stretching exercise, take 2 fingers (1 from each hand), "hook" each finger on either side of the opening, and stretch in opposite directions as much as possible (like increasing its radius) without pain or discomfort. Stretch and hold for a few seconds, then let it relax for a few seconds, then repeat the process for a few minutes each day for a few weeks to a month. It's best to do this right after a shower/bath when the skin's most flexible (see link 1 for more info).

If that doesn't seem to work after a month, ask a doctor about certain prescription creams. In one study, these creams are the most cost-effective treatment a doctor can provide (link 2). Be aware that these creams may also take up to a month for the full effect and resolution of phimosis, but you can speed it along by combining them with stretching exercises.

And worse comes to worst and nothing works, it might be worth considering surgical intervention (but only after the above 2 treatments have been attempted and failed). Note that surgery doesn't mean circumcision as there are other procedures that are cheaper, less painful, remove little/no foreskin, and have a quicker recovery time (link 3). Regardless, any surgery should be considered a last resort for when everything else you're willing to try has failed. Thus you should ignore any comments that suggests circumcision as the first/only line of treatment.

See links 4 and 5 for more info on how to deal with phimosis. In the end, while a circumcised penis is better than one with a foreskin that doesn't work properly, a penis with a normal functioning foreskin is preferrable to both. There are certainly potential advantages to staying uncircumcised and having a working foreskin (links 6, 7, 8) and as long as you maintain proper hygiene of the area and safe sex, you shouldn't worry about STDs.

Good luck with whatever you decide to try and I hope everything works out.

Answer 2

Although it's a bit embarrasing, you need to talk to the doctor about it. Some men have abnormally tight foreskin and it needs just a bit of a snip to loosen up. Don't worry; he'll use an anesthetic. Good luck!

Blessings

PS When it's corrected, you will be able to freely pull the skin completely back behind the head, both with an erection and without. The foreskin protects the glans (head) and gets out of the way when it's time to perform.

Answer 3

Please ignore the people who think circumcision is the answer to every question. Your foreskin is an important body part which will give you much pleasure over the course of your life, and removing it because of minor tightness is just an insane idea.

You don't day how old you are, but some guys can't fully retract until 18 or even older, so it could be developmental.

Take a look at Jorge's answer at http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AvJAui0ye9W43AY_g_wuOR7ty6IX?qid=20070611191846AA686ng&show=7#profile-info-e8FbRhkoaa -- he gives excellent advice.

Try changing the way you masturbate: http://www.cirp.org/library/treatment/phimosis/beauge2/

There is a lot of very sensible information at http://www.cirp.org/library/treatment/phimosis/ (not the same link as the other one -- just the first part is the same).

Time will probably take care of it. But circumcision (also known as male genital mutilation) is definitely not anything you should even consider.

Answer 4

You have to be either a troll or a complete idiot to think that circumcision has no risks. It has plenty of them, and many are serious.
http://forums.govteen.com/showpost.php?p=3069995&postcount=2

In fact, just a few minutes ago there was a question posted about grandson having a 1 inch penis because of it (that's caused when too much skin is removed, so it's restricted).
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AvigG9JRAE4pif78vxNkIlraxQt.?qid=20070614173655AAYJq74

Answer 5

In an uncircumcised man the foreskin should be freely retractable right back to uncover the groove behind the head and it should move freely back again without force. You have a tight foreskin and should be circumcised. It's much better for a man to be circumcised - circumcised men enjoy better hygiene, comfort, appearance to women, self-esteem and FAR FAR better sexual sensation during intercourse for both themselves and their female partners. There are NO disadvantages to being circumcised. Circumcision should be routine - go for it, you will never regret it.

Answer 6

try some lube to see if that helps. also b.bennett, please check your information. aids is not transmitted because a man is not circumsized! Please don't get circumsized unless it's a medical necessity. You will have much more feeling and pleasure with your foreskin intact.

Answer 7

only one way to find out! somes girls will actually like that better...

Answer 8

ou shoulda got circumcised, thats how you get aids and HPV the disease gets stuck on that part of your penis, and than once you have sex again, it gets transfered to the other person!!