Do I need circumcision if I cannot retract my foreskin and feel pain as a teenager?

Hello, this is Dr. Changki Lee from Goldman Urology Clinic, Incheon.

At your age, difficulty retracting the foreskin during erection, along with pain when attempting to pull it back, may indicate that the foreskin opening is relatively tight, a condition often referred to as phimosis.

The strong sensitivity you feel when touching the inner area is also normal, as the glans has likely not been regularly exposed and is therefore more sensitive to stimulation.

If you experience pain even when retracting the foreskin in a non-erect state, it suggests that the foreskin may be constricting the glans, which can make hygiene more difficult and may cause discomfort in the future.

Masturbating without retracting the foreskin is not immediately harmful, but over time it may lead to poor hygiene and could potentially cause pain during sexual activity later in life.

If the foreskin cannot be easily retracted or if pain persists, it is advisable to visit a urology clinic to evaluate your condition and determine whether circumcision or other treatment may be appropriate.

At our clinic, we carefully assess each patient’s condition and provide accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.

Identifying the cause is the first step toward effective treatment.

If your symptoms persist, we recommend seeking medical evaluation.

Thank you, and we hope this information was helpful.