Foreskin Problems? Here’s How to Help

The foreskin is a vital part of the equipment for uncircumcised men; it protects the delicate tissue underneath, provides incredible sensations and helps to ease the way during masturbation and partner sex. But when foreskin problems develop, they can cause serious pain, not to mention embarrassment, and they can sideline a guy for days or even weeks if they are not treated properly. Fortunately, men can avoid many of these issues by following some simple penis care rules.

What are some common foreskin problems?
 
- It is too tight! Men who have an especially long foreskin or who have experienced an injury that has caused the skin to contract as it heals may find that it becomes difficult to retract the foreskin over the head of the penis. This can cause difficulties during sex, and it can make men more prone to infections. Some men can solve the problem by very gently working at retracting the foreskin - this should be done gradually, over the course of weeks. It is best to check with a doctor before attempting self-treatment; in some cases, prescription creams may help.

- It is swollen and red. This issue may be caused by balanitis, an inflammatory condition that is usually the result of poor hygiene. Treating balanitis mainly involves keeping the penis - including the parts covered by the foreskin - clean and dry. Doctors may also suggest medicated creams in some cases.

- It is bleeding. Men who experience bleeding after a particularly vigorous session may have a torn frenulum - this is the little band of skin that connects the foreskin to the area just under the head of the penis. A torn frenulum is not a big concern, and it should heal on its own in a few days. It is best to abstain from any sexual activity until it is fully healed.

- It smells bad. Most uncircumcised men will have doubtless noticed a whitish, pasty substance that builds up underneath the foreskin. This material is called smegma, and it consists of dead skin cells, body oils and other fluids that have accumulated into a lump of goo. This substance is highly attractive to bacteria, and because of this, it can be extremely smelly. Cleaning under the foreskin is the best way to control the unpleasant smell.
Caring for the foreskin
Not all foreskin problems can be avoided, but engaging in proper penis care on a daily basis can help decrease the likelihood that they happen. These common-sense steps should be part of every uncut guy’s hygiene routine:
1) Wash. Hopefully, most guys are doing this anyway, but men who are uncut need to be especially vigilant about keeping things clean under the hood. In the shower, men should very gently roll back the foreskin and use their fingertips to wipe away any built-up material. Standard soaps and shower gels are not ideal for washing the penis, because they contain detergents and other chemicals that can irritate the skin. Hypoallergenic cleansers, or even baby wash, are recommended instead.
2) Rinse. This step is obvious, of course, but it is very important, so it is worth mentioning. After washing gently, all traces of cleanser should be rinsed away; any cleanser that is left behind can dry up and form a film that causes irritation.
3) Dry. Once the area is clean, it should be dried carefully BEFORE replacing the foreskin; keep in mind that warm, damp skin provides a haven for both bacteria and Candida yeast. Once the head is dry, the foreskin should be rolled back down to its original position.
4) Moisturize. Applying a high-quality moisturizer that is enriched with skin-friendly nutrients is a good way to reduce the chances of tearing and injury to the foreskin, as well as maintaining its natural elasticity. A penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) is ideal for this purpose, as it is designed for the delicate skin of the penis.

Foreskin Pain - Coping with Side Effects of Masturbation Games

All men spend a considerable amount of time handling their tools, even if they occasionally go too far and experience a bit of penis pain. Intact men are no different, but they have the added bonus of mixing their "hoods" into the penile play. The more creative among them engage in all sorts of foreskin games, often with pleasurable results; but care needs to be taken to ensure that penis health is not compromised in prepuce play pursuit.

Games people play
Many of the games that intact men play are the same ones that circumcised men play, such as "penis ring toss" and "penis sword fight."

But there are some games, or variants thereof, that are unique to the uncircumcised man. A few examples would include:

1. Penis surprise . The intact man decorates the glans of his penis; perhaps he colors it blue or puts a smiley face on it. He then slides the foreskin over it and asks his partner to guess the color or the design. (For more fun, penalties can be established for each wrong answer: for one wrong guess, the partner must masturbate him. For two, perform oral sex. For three, experiment with a new sexual position, etc.)

2. Gotcha ! A man retracts his foreskin; his partner, meanwhile, stands a few feet away with a water gun and tries to dampen the exposed head. The intact man must try to cover up the head before it is hit by a spray of water. (There are many variations, such as attempting to simply touch the exposed glans with the hand before it is covered up.)

3. Boyz in the hood . Although this particular game has undoubtedly been around for millennia, it was popularized in 2010 when American shock jock Howard Stern had a contest in which two intact men raced to see which one could stuff more M&Ms into his foreskin. (The winner claimed an astounding 50; the loser was far behind with a still-impressive 27.) Seeing what can be hidden underneath the foreskin is something that many bored guys have a go at; however, as should be obvious, this game comes with the significant danger of getting something stuck under the hood.

4. Hide and seek . This is a variation on "boyz in the hood." The difference is that the man with the foreskin closes his eyes while his partner (very gently) hides something underneath the foreskin. The man then tries to guess what it is. (As with penis surprise, this can involve penalties for incorrect guesses.) Just as with the previous game, there is considerable risk involved here.

Is the danger worth the risk?
Because the penis can be easily hurt, it's always worthwhile assessing the risk-benefit ratio before indulging in any of these games. Certainly, the last two have a very obvious drawback: an object might become stuck inside the foreskin. In some cases, it could require medical treatment to remove, and that's something all men would rather avoid.

Even if items do not get stuck, having a foreign object lodged between the foreskin and the penis can cause irritation and soreness; in some instances, ingredients in the object could cause an allergic reaction.

It's certainly wisest for a man to take very special care with his penis, whether intact or not. If playing games goes beyond fun and causes soreness, itching, redness, irritation or other penis pain, it's important that a man seek appropriate treatment. Part of that treatment should involve the use of a high quality penis nutrient formula (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil). The better formulas include ingredients such as acetyl L carnitine, the neuroprotective qualities of which may help restore penile sensitivity damaged by some of these rougher games. The wise man also selects a formula with vitamin A, for its antibacterial activities, and with shea butter, for its moisturizing capabilities, from which an overworked penis definitely would benefit.

Foreskin Pain and Phimosis - Dealing with a Sticky Penis Problem

For most uncircumcised men, the foreskin is a great addition to their equipment, but a small percentage experience foreskin pain caused by the condition known as phimosis. For those so afflicted, extra steps need to be taken to ensure maximum penis health and a more enjoyable sensual experience.

What is phimosis?
In most men, the foreskin is easily able to retract over the glans of the penis once they reach a certain degree of maturity; certainly by adulthood, and most often during puberty. However, male babies are born with the foreskin in a naturally non-retractable state. This non-retractable state is to ensure proper health and safety for the glans as it develops.

When a man has phimosis, however, the foreskin is too tight and doesn’t begin to retract as he reaches maturity. This can cause significant penis pain, especially during sexual activity.

What causes it?
Sometimes the foreskin becomes too tight because the glans gets swollen, due to balinitis or another form of inflammation. Diabetics may experience the disorder (especially if the diabetes is undetected or untreated) due to a build-up of sugar in the urine. It’s also possible that injuries to the penis, due to unusual or aggressive sexual activity may cause phimosis by creating an unwelcome layer of scar tissue; however, many men engage in physically challenging sexual exercises without causing this foreskin issue, so pinpointing when, why and how this activity causes phimosis is next to impossible. Scar tissue can also develop from aggressively pulling back the foreskin.

Some doctors also believe that phimosis may result from the glans having an allergic reaction to certain chemicals, especially in the soap or laundry detergent that a man uses. Similarly, yeast infections, if left untreated for too long, can bring about a swollen glans and the resulting phimosis.
Finally, as in so many things, there may be a genetic component to this foreskin disorder.

Easing the pain
There are several options for treating this condition:

1. Stretching the foreskin is recommended as a primary method of dealing with phimosis. This involves lubricating the foreskin and gently stretching it open. The goal is not to force the glans out immediately, but to over time create a more flexible foreskin opening.

2. The use of topical creams is very common in treating phimosis. Often a doctor will recommend that a common steroid cream be used.

3. In addition, doctors seek to treat the underlying condition that is causing the glans to swell to such an extent. Anti-fungal creams and anti-bacterial medicines may be employed for this purpose, as well as antibiotics if an STD is present and contributing to the issue. Hopefully, the doctor can pinpoint what has caused this inflammation and recommend steps to prevent its recurrence.

4. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to "open up" the foreskin and let the glans through; however, this is necessary only in rare cases.

While treatment is ongoing, many men find it best to avoid sexual activity; the erect penis can be in significant pain during extreme phimosis, both from the tightness of the foreskin and from soreness caused by the rubbing of the inflamed glans during sexual activity.

The penis pain caused by phimosis is not something that a man should endure; fortunately, afflicted men can get some relief from the discomfort and soreness through the use of a superior penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil). Men should make sure that the chosen cream includes vitamin A, as it has anti-bacterial qualities that can help to fight the cause of infection or inflammation in many instances. At the same time, a cream that provides proper penile hydration through ingredients such as vitamin E and shea butter is recommended; the moisturizing not only soothes the penis but helps to make the foreskin more hospitable to retraction efforts.

Foreskin Pain and Swelling - Treating and Preventing Balanitis

Throbbing, aching and swelling in the foreskin can strike fear into the hearts of men, leaving them worried that a recent unprotected encounter has left them with an unwelcome souvenir. While this could be a real penis health concern, other conditions may cause similar symptoms. For instance, uncircumcised men may develop a condition known as Balanitis. While painful, this issue is easily treatable if men follow some simple rules for penis hygiene and care.

What Is It?
Balanitis is a fancy word that describes a nasty condition involving foreskin pain. It is most often found in men who have not been circumcised, and they might notice the problem when they attempt to retract the sheath of skin that covers the head of the penis. That little tug might cause a sickening wave of pain, along with a distinctive odor that has often been described as fishy, fetid, buttery or cheesy.

The head of the penis might also be red and itchy, and a chunky, white discharge might be visible underneath the foreskin.

What Causes It?
The tight wrapper of the foreskin is designed to protect the sensitive head of the penis from the outside world, as well as acting as a natural lubricant. However, this sheath of skin also creates a warm, moist environment that is ideal for the growth of bacteria. These little germ cells can invade that space and replicate at will, irritating the skin and leaving nasty scents behind.

Often, this condition appears when a man has not been on top of his cleaning game for quite some time. Dead skin cells mixed with bodily fluids can be trapped under the foreskin, allowing Balanitis to develop. Sometimes, however, underlying health conditions can affect the body's immune system, reducing the ability of cells to fight off natural invaders. Men who have diabetes, for example, might develop balanitis due to their disease, no matter how hygienic they might be.

What Happens Next?
Foreskin pain like this can be intense, and in time, a man might find that even going to the bathroom hurts. Unfortunately, when the condition is in full swing, it is best to get a doctor involved. The area simply must be cleaned so that healing can begin, and that means tugging down the foreskin and swabbing out the dead cells. This is not the sort of thing most men with balanitis can do without fainting, unless a doctor helps. Additionally, men who develop this condition should get a blood test, just to ensure that there are no other medical conditions in play that are affecting their immune systems.

When the area is clean, medications might help to remove the bacterial invaders. Most often, these drugs are applied directly to penile skin, but oral medications might sometimes play a role in serious Balanitis cases that do not resolve with cream-based care.

Does Prevention Work?
Just reading about foreskin pain can make some men cringe, and even the toughest guy out there might be more willing to invest in prevention, rather than dealing with an infection. Thankfully, this is a condition can often be prevented altogether, as long as a man's health is good and he uses proper penis care techniques.

A daily rinse with cool water, when the foreskin is completely retracted, should be enough to cleanse away bacteria. No soaps, powders or deodorants are required, and often, these sorts of ingredients can irritate penile skin, so they should be avoided altogether.

Using a penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) could also be beneficial. The moisturizing agents in these products can keep skin soft, so fewer dead cells accumulate to feed hidden bacteria. The vitamins in products like this can also nourish the disease-busting cells that line the penis, which may help them to fight off invaders. A daily application might be one great way to keep the foreskin healthy and free of pain.

Coping with a Smelly Penis - How a Penis Health Creme Can Help

Living with a smelly penis can be embarrassing, and men who are unable to erase that fishy odor may find themselves alone, or at least kept at arm’s length. For some men, a foul-smelling penis can be a serious problem, undermining their self-confidence and preventing them from getting close to a potential partner. Even men who shower every day and spend time on grooming their parts can have problems with penile odor; for these men, the problem is especially frustrating, as it seems like there is no resolution.

Fortunately, in most cases, there are things men can do to remove even the most unpleasant aromas. Using a penis health creme as part of a daily penis care routine can help keep things fresh and appealing.

What causes penis odor?
There are a number of things that can cause an unpleasant smell to waft from the groin area; this part of the anatomy is particularly prone to harboring a variety of stinky substances. Stale urine, bacteria, sweat, and other body fluids can remain on the skin and hair, and if proper attention is not given to hygiene, a distinctive stench can develop. One common culprit, most common in men who are uncircumcised, is a material known as smegma, which can accumulate under the foreskin.

What is smegma, anyway?
Smegma refers to the cheesy white substance that often builds up underneath the male foreskin. It is made up of dead skin cells that have sloughed off and combined with skin oils; the pungent smell is the result of the bacteria that are attracted to this material.

Smegma can cause considerable problems if it is not cleaned away. It can cause the foreskin to stick to the head of the penis, causing foreskin pain during sex or masturbation, and it can lead to an infection known as balanitis.

Clearing the air
In order to get rid of unpleasant penis smells, the first step is to clean away any smegma under the foreskin or anywhere else on the penis. Men should pull the foreskin back carefully, never forcing it, and gently wipe away any material. Using a gentle, hypoallergenic cleanser may help, but it is best to avoid ordinary soaps, as they can be harsh and drying.

The skin should be dried thoroughly before replacing the foreskin, and sticking with breathable cotton underwear is recommended. In addition, applying a penis health creme can help to address some of the causes of penis odor.

3 ways a penis health cream can help
 
1. Natural antibacterial properties. A good penis formula should contain ingredients such as vitamin A, which is a natural antibacterial and can help to eliminate odor-causing microorganisms.

2. Moisturizing properties. Keeping the skin well-hydrated is essential when it comes to keeping odors down. Dry, cracked skin allows bacteria to penetrate, not only leading to nasty smells, but also upping the risk for infection.

3. Disease-fighting properties. Nutrients such as vitamins C, B5 and D are essential when it comes to promoting the body’s natural disease-fighting ability. Using these ingredients in combination with moisturizing creams can help boost the body’s natural defenses against infection and the accompanying discomfort, discharge and odor.

Finding the right formula
 
There are countless moisturizing creams and vitamin-enriched lotions available, but not all of these are designed for the penis, and many do not have what it takes to counteract a fishy male aroma. A specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) that is fortified with vitamin A - a natural antibacterial - may be the best solution. A good product should contain natural moisturizers, as well, and should not contain any fragrances, dyes or other chemical additives that can be hard on the delicate penis skin.

Foreskin Pain Solutions – Understanding Frenulum Breve

Asking most men about their frenulum is likely to net nothing more than a blank stare; although this tiny band of flesh may well be the most sensitive part of the male anatomy, guys may not even be especially aware of its existence, unless something goes wrong, resulting in foreskin pain and/or bleeding. In most cases, injury to this delicate tissue is the result of a condition called frenulum breve, which translates literally as “short bowstring.”

Fortunately, this problem can be corrected fairly easily by a urologist who is familiar with the condition. After the procedure, the right approach penis care can speed healing and help to restore pleasurable sensation.

What is the frenulum, exactly?

Underneath the foreskin is a thin band of skin that joins the foreskin to the glans; it is analogous to the connective tissue underneath the tongue. This band of tissue is known as the frenulum, although men are more likely to be familiar with the term “banjo string” in referring to this part of the male anatomy.

How to tell if the frenulum is too short

Most men do not even notice the frenulum, although it is responsible for a large part of the pleasurable sensation they feel during sex. However, men who have a shorter-than-normal frenulum may experience the following problems:

• Inability to retract the foreskin fully or a foreskin that immediately rolls back over the glans when retracted.

•  Pain during masturbation or intercourse.

• Tearing of the frenulum, especially during intercourse.

Many men first become aware that they have frenulum breve when they have sex for the first time and experience pain on penetration. Although pain may occur during masturbation, many men automatically adjust their technique so that the area is not affected. However, during penetration, the foreskin may be pulled back completely, resulting in pain or even causing the frenulum to snap.

When this occurs, it is not unusual for guys to wait for the torn tissue to heal on its own; however, this is not necessarily a good idea, as scar tissue can form that is more prone to tearing than the original tissue, leading to a greater risk of tearing in the future.

Treating frenulum breve

In the past, full circumcision has been the recommended procedure for correcting frenulum breve. However, a minor procedure known as frenuloplasty, where the frenulum is cut and an extra flap of skin is added, has grown in popularity and generally has good results. Most men who undergo frenuloplasty experience full recovery, and the pain related to intercourse is replaced by pleasure, with no worry of snapping or tearing the connective tissue.

In most cases, scarring from the surgery is minor and not noticeable by anyone except the owner of the penis; scarring can be minimized by applying a cream containing vitamins E and A after the sutures and incision have healed.

Caring for the penis post-op

Following frenuloplasty, most men are able to return to their normal activities, aside from taking a break from sexual activity while the affected tissue heals. Men should follow the instructions of their surgeon carefully in terms of cleaning the area and changing the bandages, as well as allowing plenty of time for healing before jumping back into action. Using a penis health formula  (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing vitamins A, C, and E, which have powerful skin healing and tissue-building properties, can help to keep the penile skin smooth and supple and promote the formation of healthy new tissue. In addition, moisturizers such as shea butter are a natural way to keep the foreskin soft and responsive and to help prevent the minor tears and cracks that often occur as the skin stretches over the head of the penis.