Penile foreskin

Penile foreskin that covers the head of the penis (glans penis) is part of normal development in males. There are times when the foreskin is not fully developed around the head of the penis. This will usually indicate an underlying penis issue. There are risks and benefits associated with a circumcision. Those will be listed below in the different penile pathology sections. Also keep in mind that the foreskin during birth is called physiologic fibrosis and does not need to be pulled back until around 3 to 5 years of age. However, at times circumcision or pulling back of the foreskin is recommended when there is evidence of balanitis or urinary obstruction.

Circumcision should be discussed carefully with the physician, and are based on the child’s parents’ cultural, societal, and/or religious beliefs.

Pros

• Easier to clean.

• Can be performed with just local lidocaine

• Very little recovery

• Decrease urinary tract infection under age 1.

• Eliminates penile cancer.

• Recommended if patient has a urologic conditions that can increase urinary infection.

Cons

• Bleeding and infection during or after the procedure

• Poor appearance of the penis or an incomplete circumcision

• Urethral or penile injury (rare)