Foreskin

What is foreskin?

Foreskin is an outer layer of skin that covers the head of your penis (glans) and the opening at the tip (meatus). In infancy and early childhood, the foreskin is tight — you can’t pull it back (retract) over the head of the penis. But as you age, the foreskin usually loosens. This allows you to comfortably retract it over the glans.

Another name for foreskin is prepuce (PREE-pyoos).

What is the purpose of foreskin?

The purpose of foreskin has been a subject of debate. Some researchers believe that it protects your penis from friction. They also think it helps increase sexual pleasure. Increased sexual pleasure may help in reproduction. Others believe that foreskin may increase your chance of getting certain diseases.

These conflicting views often come up in debates about circumcision. A circumcision is the removal of foreskin. It usually happens during the first few days after a male baby’s birth. But adults can get it, too. Some groups consider circumcision a religious rite. Others consider it a helpful medical procedure.

Where is the foreskin located?

Foreskin is at the tip of your penis. In newborns and young children, the foreskin is tight to the tip of the penis. You shouldn’t be able to pull it back. As you age — usually around 5 years old — it separates from the glans and becomes retractable. This allows you to pull it back so you can clean the head of your penis.

What does it look like?

Foreskin consists of a fold of mucosal tissue on the inside and keratinized skin. The mucosal tissue has a lot of sensitive nerve endings. Keratin is a protein that helps provide strength and flexibility in your skin. It also helps protect it from water. When you’re flaccid (not erect), it looks like a loose layer of extra skin with an opening at the tip. When you have an erection, it usually retracts on its own to reveal the head of your penis. But you may need to roll it back yourself.

What color is it?

Foreskin is usually a bit darker than the rest of your skin.

How long can it be?

The average length of foreskin is about 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters). But it can range from a little less than 2 inches to about 3.5 inches (4.8 to 9.2 centimeters).

What are common conditions that affect the foreskin?

Common conditions that affect your foreskin may also affect your entire penis. Some include:

• Balanitis: This is swelling and inflammation that affects the head of your penis.
• Balanoposthitis: This is swelling and inflammation of your foreskin and the head of your penis
• Paraphimosis: Your foreskin is stuck behind the head of your penis, which can cut off circulation.
• Phimosis: Your foreskin is tight, and you can’t pull it back.
• Posthitis: Bacteria and smegma build up under your foreskin, causing an infection.
• Redundant prepuce: This is an excess amount of foreskin (long foreskin).
• Skin rashes: A rash causes irritation, itchiness, discoloration or dry, cracked skin.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): These conditions include gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes simplex type 2 and HIV/AIDS.
• Trauma: Examples include getting your foreskin stuck in a zipper or a hair tourniquet.
• Tumors: It’s rare to get penile cancer, but it’s more likely to affect males who still have their foreskins.

Signs/symptoms something isn’t working right

It’s a good idea to reach out to a healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs or symptoms of disease:

• Discharge or pus
• Discoloration
• Inability to move foreskin
• Itching
• Pain
• Rash
• Swelling

What causes a tight foreskin?

Nearly all newborn males have tight foreskins at birth that usually loosen as they get older.

Infections, inflammation, scarring and trauma (like using too much force to pull your foreskin back) can cause the foreskin to tighten.

How do you care for foreskin?

There are some tips to make sure that you and your genitals, including your foreskin, stay healthy. You probably know about the usual recommendations like eating plenty of fruits and veggies, drinking lots of water, getting physical activity and not smoking. But tips that are more specific to your foreskin include:

• Keeping it clean: Gently pull back your foreskin to clean underneath it with mild soap and clean water. For children, wait until the foreskin separates from the penis to clean underneath. Teach them how to keep the foreskin and glans clean when they’re old enough to bathe on their own.
• Getting familiar with it: Know what your foreskin looks like and feels like when it’s healthy. Check it regularly. Contact a healthcare provider if something looks or feels wrong.
• Practicing safe sex: Use condoms to prevent getting or transmitting STIs.
• Protecting it: Wear protective equipment (athletic cup and jock strap) during contact sports like baseball, football, hockey or lacrosse.

Is it necessary to pull it back?

Yes, once your foreskin naturally separates from the tip of your penis. Gently pull it back when you bathe, and be sure to gently pat it dry. It’s also important to pull your foreskin back to expose the meatus when you use the bathroom. This helps prevent pee from gathering under your foreskin, which can cause irritation or an infection.

Help your child pull their foreskin back around the time they start potty training. Try to retract it each time they use the bathroom and when they bathe.

Why is circumcision performed?

There are cultural and religious reasons to circumcise your child. Some people decide to do it because it’s easier to take care of, or they think it looks better. There are also some health benefits, including reduced risks of STIs, UTIs, phimosis and penile cancer. In adults with severe cases of phimosis or paraphimosis, they may need a circumcision to prevent penile tissue death (necrosis).

Is it good to remove it?

It’s not “good” or “bad” to remove your foreskin. It’s a parental decision. If you have any questions, talk to your child’s healthcare provider. They can go over the pros and cons to help you make a more informed choice.