User • 2026. 03. 02.
I am not circumcised, but when I get an erection, the glans is slightly exposed, and I can fully retract the foreskin manually without any pain.
I’m concerned about odor issues. Even when I wash, there still seems to be some smell.
Is there a way to prevent this without getting circumcised? I would prefer to avoid circumcision if possible.
Ryu Kyung-ho
Goldman UrologyDirector, Goldman Urology Gangnam
Hello, this is Dr. Ryu Kyung-ho from Goldman Urology Clinic, Gangnam Branch.
You may be concerned about whether circumcision is necessary and about hygiene management. Based on your description—where the glans is partially exposed during erection and the foreskin can be fully retracted manually without pain—it is unlikely that you have true phimosis or paraphimosis that would medically require surgery.
When the foreskin covers the glans, residual urine and secretions can accumulate, forming what is known as smegma, which can lead to odor.
If you prefer not to undergo surgery, it is important to develop proper hygiene habits. During showering, fully retract the foreskin to thoroughly clean around the glans and the inner foreskin, and make sure to dry the area completely afterward. A moist environment can promote bacterial growth.
However, if odor persists despite proper hygiene or if inflammation recurs, there may be structural limitations that make hygiene difficult. In such cases, circumcision can be considered as a treatment option.
At our urology clinic, each branch is equipped with extensive clinical experience. We carefully assess each patient’s symptoms and overall health to provide accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
Identifying the exact cause is the first step toward effective treatment, so if your symptoms persist, we recommend visiting a urology clinic for proper evaluation.
We hope this information is helpful. Thank you.
* This answer is based on medical documents and cannot replace an actual diagnosis.