Before birth, the rounded end of the penis (the glans)
and foreskin that covers the glans grow as a single piece of
tissue. After birth, the foreskin slowly starts to separate
from the glans. After 5 to 10 years, the foreskin usually has
separated completely, and can be pushed back away from the
glans. This is called foreskin retraction.Your son's foreskin may retract on its own with normal
erections. Children also normally "discover" their sex organs;
and when this happens, a boy may retract the foreskin himself.
If your son's foreskin doesn't easily retract at an early age,
there's no need to be worried. Some boys cannot retract their
fore__skin until they reach their teens.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
The foreskin needs no special
care. Bathe your son daily, including his genitals. Some
doctors do not feel that the foreskin should be pushed
back. Others recommend it when the boy reaches 1 to 2 years
of age.
If your doctor wants you to
begin retracting the foreskin, follow these steps:
Gently pull the foreskin away from the glans toward
the boy's tummy. Clean the glans with water while the
foreskin is retracted. Do not leave soap or soapy water
under the foreskin, because this could cause redness and
swelling. Gently pull the foreskin to its normal place
after washing.
Don't force the foreskin
back; it could get stuck. You are using too much force if
the child starts crying. When the boy reaches school age,
teach him to push back the foreskin and clean under it.
This will help prevent an infection.
Call Your Doctor
If...
The foreskin has pus coming
from it.
The foreskin looks red or
swollen, or seems tender.
The boy is having problems
passing urine.
The boy is running a high
temperature.
Seek Care Immediately
If...
The foreskin is stuck behind
the head of the penis.
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