I'm interested in conversations about and I want to talk about
Know exactly what you want?
Show search

Notification

Error

Troublesome Foreskin

User
Posted 23 May 2021 at 21:37

So, after 3 long years of hormone treatment following successful radiotherapy, I find out that my foreskin is pretty tight and despite careful encouragement, it has not improved.  Living the life of a disinterested monk has not probably helped but I'm rather surprised to find out that what was a perfectly normal functioning willy has turned into something that now needs a lot of encouragement to orgasm.  So, does anybody know WHY it has become so tight please?  How has it changed physically?  I've got an appointment with the Urologist in 3 weeks but I've been told that it will be permanently tight unless it gets cut off......sounds nasty.  Is there any other option to surgery that works?  Here's hoping for a miracle.........

User
Posted 16 Jun 2021 at 20:31

Well, as promised here is my report from the Urologist regarding my tight foreskin.

He took a quick look at it, pulled back the foreskin and said, this needs circumcision.  

Phimosis and Balenitis  - look it up.  Most likely caused by the radiotherapy he said.  He has offered steroid cream but once I stop using it, the condition will recur.  I'm told that if I don't get it done then in 2 years time, it will be so bad that I wont be able to wee properly which will lead to infections and possibly cancer of the penis.

So, having originally said I  that I don't want anything cutting off, it suddenly looks like the only option.  Somewhat disappointed.

My only hope is that it will improve our sex life as it's clear that with the present no retracting foreskin, orgasm can't be achieved with penetrative sex.

Bother!  Comments on a postcard to:

 

User
Posted 24 May 2021 at 02:04

This comes up on prostate cancer helplines from time to time, so you certainly aren't the only prostate cancer patient this has happened to. I don't know if it's related to prostate cancer or treatments - I think it can also happen to men without prostate cancer as they get older.

Sometimes steroid cream is prescribed.

If your urologist can explain what happens, it would be useful to report it back here.

User
Posted 24 May 2021 at 09:06

Jeeper , I had / have the opposite. A few weeks after surgery I was having my daily shower, pulled the foreskin back to wash it and when trying to pull the foreskin back over the head it wouldn't go. Thinking nothing of it I went off to work, a few hours later it was getting uncomfortable and when looked the foreskin had come up like a balloon. I was advised to use some ice to take down the swelling. It happened again after a minor op. The foreskin has never gone back to normal but I don't think it warrants having a circumcision.

Thanks Chris

 

User
Posted 17 Jun 2021 at 07:34

I had a circumcision at the age of 38 and it was absolutely fine.  I certainly did not feel mutilated and sex was very good afterwards.

User
Posted 24 Jun 2021 at 19:13

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Whatever, the GP has not replied yet to my circumcision request, no doubt I will be ignored as usual. I must have a "troublemaker" marker on my file!

Just for the record my GP has told me urologists do not like doing circumcision on older men ( like me), and I couldnt have a circumcision. I was given anti fungal tablets ( Fluconazole) together with anti fungal cream and hydrocortisone. It has worked, now, at the first little itch or soreness I use the creams, I have some Fluconazole if things dont clear up quickly.

John

Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2

Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23  <0.01

User
Posted 17 Sep 2021 at 22:56

That's 2 votes for Canesten - I'll  get some tomorrow and report back in a few days.  Many thanks for posting a comment, it really is appreciated.

User
Posted 11 Mar 2022 at 12:33

Thank you, it's good to read that somebody else was brave enough not to take that little bit of medical advice.  I may come to regret it when I get to be 114 years old but at present, indeed since I made the decision back in February last month, the tightness has reduced remarkably and, dare I say it, it is virtually back to it's old self.  The only thing that I have done different is to put some E45 on it.  It's a pleasant sensation doing that anyway so it's win, win at present.  I have to say, I am delighted and relieved! 

User
Posted 18 Mar 2022 at 15:07

Yes, E45 applied every day has softened up the foreskin and surrounding tissue remarkably.  I can now pull back the foreskin so it "flips" over due mainly to the lubrication given by the E45.  It seems to work well and isn't unpleasant to put on......

Show Most Thanked Posts
User
Posted 24 May 2021 at 02:04

This comes up on prostate cancer helplines from time to time, so you certainly aren't the only prostate cancer patient this has happened to. I don't know if it's related to prostate cancer or treatments - I think it can also happen to men without prostate cancer as they get older.

Sometimes steroid cream is prescribed.

If your urologist can explain what happens, it would be useful to report it back here.

User
Posted 24 May 2021 at 09:06

Jeeper , I had / have the opposite. A few weeks after surgery I was having my daily shower, pulled the foreskin back to wash it and when trying to pull the foreskin back over the head it wouldn't go. Thinking nothing of it I went off to work, a few hours later it was getting uncomfortable and when looked the foreskin had come up like a balloon. I was advised to use some ice to take down the swelling. It happened again after a minor op. The foreskin has never gone back to normal but I don't think it warrants having a circumcision.

Thanks Chris

 

User
Posted 24 May 2021 at 10:54
I know circumcision is not done so readily nowadays unless you are of a certain faith, but it should remove your problem and aides good hygene whilst not imparing sex. It's best done whilst a boy but is hardly major surgery when done as a man. Consider it!
Barry
User
Posted 24 May 2021 at 12:41

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Jeeper , I had / have the opposite.

Actually, I suspect that's exactly the same.

User
Posted 24 May 2021 at 13:16

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Jeeper , I had / have the opposite.

Actually, I suspect that's exactly the same.

Andy , my foreskin goes on and off  the head quite freely. There is quite a bit of foreskin at the end of the penis, if I was a child I expect it would be operated on. It does have its advantages a small dribble is captured in the foreskin, but additional hygiene is required.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 24 May 2021 at 13:58

Thanks Barry, I'll leave it where it is thanks!  I couldn't imagine anything worse which is why I'm hoping the Urologist has an alternative.

User
Posted 24 May 2021 at 14:01

Yes, Andy, I'll report back on what the Urologist says - assuming they can stop laughing.............

User
Posted 26 May 2021 at 18:21
My forskin has, for some inexplicable reason, become longer and quite slack ( this is after LDR Brachy). This has resulted in repeated balanitis, I have had every cream available, non of them work. I suspect radiation damage but have no evidence for this. I have become fed up with the constant irritation and discomfort and have asked the GP for circumcision, I am waiting for a reply.

John

Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2

Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23  <0.01

User
Posted 26 May 2021 at 19:25
I suspect radiation damage but have no evidence for this.

The penis is nowhere near the radiation field - has the foreskin actually got longer is it that the penis has shrunk? Atrophy affects both length and girth

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 27 May 2021 at 11:07

Sparrow

My foreskin issue probably falls into the Phimosis category. Only one side of the foreskin is long. 

Thanks Chris 

User
Posted 27 May 2021 at 19:35

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
I suspect radiation damage but have no evidence for this.

The penis is nowhere near the radiation field - has the foreskin actually got longer is it that the penis has shrunk? Atrophy affects both length and girth

Lyn, my penis has, I think shrunk, although I haven't been making any accurate measurements.  Atrophy is a distinct possibility, lack of use etc.

Whatever, the GP has not replied yet to my circumcision request, no doubt I will be ignored as usual. I must have a "troublemaker" marker on my file!  

John

Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2

Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23  <0.01

User
Posted 16 Jun 2021 at 20:31

Well, as promised here is my report from the Urologist regarding my tight foreskin.

He took a quick look at it, pulled back the foreskin and said, this needs circumcision.  

Phimosis and Balenitis  - look it up.  Most likely caused by the radiotherapy he said.  He has offered steroid cream but once I stop using it, the condition will recur.  I'm told that if I don't get it done then in 2 years time, it will be so bad that I wont be able to wee properly which will lead to infections and possibly cancer of the penis.

So, having originally said I  that I don't want anything cutting off, it suddenly looks like the only option.  Somewhat disappointed.

My only hope is that it will improve our sex life as it's clear that with the present no retracting foreskin, orgasm can't be achieved with penetrative sex.

Bother!  Comments on a postcard to:

 

User
Posted 17 Jun 2021 at 07:34

I had a circumcision at the age of 38 and it was absolutely fine.  I certainly did not feel mutilated and sex was very good afterwards.

User
Posted 18 Jun 2021 at 00:13

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Well, as promised here is my report from the Urologist regarding my tight foreskin.

He took a quick look at it, pulled back the foreskin and said, this needs circumcision.  

Phimosis and Balenitis  - look it up.  Most likely caused by the radiotherapy he said.  He has offered steroid cream but once I stop using it, the condition will recur.  I'm told that if I don't get it done then in 2 years time, it will be so bad that I wont be able to wee properly which will lead to infections and possibly cancer of the penis.

So, having originally said I  that I don't want anything cutting off, it suddenly looks like the only option.  Somewhat disappointed.

My only hope is that it will improve our sex life as it's clear that with the present no retracting foreskin, orgasm can't be achieved with penetrative sex.

Bother!  Comments on a postcard to:

 

This is all very interesting because after undergoing a RPC and RT a dozen years ago I suffered urinary incontinence. In those early days I may have been a bit careless with changing pads frequently enough. Neither was I aware of the importance of daily washing of the glans and foreskin. This plus masturbation is what I believed led to phimosa and balanoposthitis. No one told me it had anything to do with the surgery or radiation. I assumed I'd simply been a Very Naughty Boy!

The urologist recommended circumcision but I declined on the grounds this can be a bit risky for older men (I was 67).So I settled for antibiotics to clear up the infection and clotrimozole for the tight foreskin. 

Both worked, but I was advised to stop using steroids after a few weeks and that meant the phimosis had a habit of returning. I would revert to the steroid cream each time but use it more more sparingly. This meant it became less and less effective until eventually my foreskin got dangerously tight again.

I went back to the urologist who advised it's no good using the steroid cream just occasionally, you need to apply it three times/day for at least a week. I was also urged to wash the glans daily with water only, no soaps or other emolients, then, once dry, to apply vaseline on top of the clotrimozole around the union of the foreskin and glans. This was to help provide a barrier to the uric acid in urine that was thought to be exacerbating the problem. 

Nowadays, whenever the phimosis shows signs of returning I immediately resort back to the clotrimozole/vaseline combo. In between times I simply apply vaseline on its own after the daily wash, and this regime seems to do the trick most of the time.

So, if nothing else, I am proof that it is possible, after a fashion,  to survive phimosis without risking circumcision.

Voilas!

 

User
Posted 18 Jun 2021 at 11:01

That's  very interesting, thank you.  It sounds quite a task but may well be worth considering though I'd have to see what the Urologist said.  Time will tell.  Good luck!

User
Posted 24 Jun 2021 at 19:13

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Whatever, the GP has not replied yet to my circumcision request, no doubt I will be ignored as usual. I must have a "troublemaker" marker on my file!

Just for the record my GP has told me urologists do not like doing circumcision on older men ( like me), and I couldnt have a circumcision. I was given anti fungal tablets ( Fluconazole) together with anti fungal cream and hydrocortisone. It has worked, now, at the first little itch or soreness I use the creams, I have some Fluconazole if things dont clear up quickly.

John

Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2

Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23  <0.01

User
Posted 24 Jun 2021 at 19:51

John, it might just be your GP's opinion.  I got my referral to the Urologist from my cancer specialist nurse who just happened to give me my 6 month blood / PSA level results.  She just happened to say how are things generally - and eventually I managed to tell her about the tight foreskin.  That was it - referral was done that day.

You could consider just phoning your cancer specialist nurse if you have one.

I hope the various creams keep working for you.

 

 

User
Posted 25 Jun 2021 at 01:04
You could just turn to Judaism and a Rabbi would sort you out, no problem.

Best of luck.

Cheers, John.

User
Posted 02 Jul 2021 at 14:44

Hope it is going OK! Just wanted to report that after my radical prostatectomy my foreskin has gotten looser, and I am not sure I like that either. 

Maybe it is the result of all the penile rehab - the vacuum pump seems to anchor the skin while expanding the underlying structures - but I find my foreskin gets kind of pushed back into retracted mode rather too easily. I suppose I will get used to it, as do men who have to get circumcised later in life.

User
Posted 06 Jul 2021 at 17:28

Hi Jeeper,

I have had the same problem for several years.  I did see an urologist who proscribed me the steroid cream which I used and it seemed to improve matters but as you say, if you stop using the cream, the problem returns.  It's got really bad in recent months and I'm trying to see urology again.

Steve

User
Posted 06 Jul 2021 at 17:51

Hi, I'm sorry that you have the same symptoms; you have my sympathies. I  think that is what the urologist was trying to say to me: it will keep recurring when you stop applying the steroid cream and there is the risk of thinning the skin so it can't be done in the long run.  I might get a second opinion as I don't fancy getting cut.  Apparently there is an option of a dorsal cut that along the length of the foreskin.  Equally, I was just thinking of waiting to see what happens - I can't see this case being high on the NHS list of things to do.

I used to be indecisive, now I'm just not sure - about what to do for the best.

 

Good luck!

User
Posted 16 Sep 2021 at 22:28
Jeeper, I'm just wondering how things are working out for you?
User
Posted 16 Sep 2021 at 22:36

Hi

Disappointing really thanks.  The Urologist gave me some steroid cream to put on it which has reduced the inflammation but it has not made it any less tight.  I have been told removal of the foreskin is the next and only option.  It remains as tight as ever, so not very satisfactory.

User
Posted 17 Sep 2021 at 14:42

I had this same problem after radiotherapy and HT for 2 years, the foreskin was tight and painful during sex, I explored the circumcision option too.

I also had recurring balanitis and was given steroid cream, which didn’t really help.

However due to the hormone imbalance in my body at the time I came to the conclusion that I had chronic thrush, so used canestan cream which worked in reducing the pain and making the foreskin more elastic and not painful

Once I stopped the bicalutamide this gradually became less of a problem to the point that it’s back to normal. If I ever suspect a hint of thrush I slap on some canestan for a few days and have no issues whatsoever now

User
Posted 17 Sep 2021 at 18:37

I wish it was as simple as that!  Many thanks for your suggestion. I'll give it a try; I've got nothing to lose except my foreskin...........

I am clutching at straws now.

 

Many thanks.

User
Posted 17 Sep 2021 at 22:24
Jeeper, sorry to hear you're still having such a tough time. I first suffered terribly about ten years and it took years of perseverence c/w experimenting with various treatment regimes before I began to really get on top of it.

Nowadays, like Kayaker Bill, I too find that Canesten (brand name for clotrimazole) does the trick whenever my foreskin starts to get a bit tight. It's pretty immediate too, which is a huge relief.

I sincerely hope that you too find a way through this in time.

User
Posted 17 Sep 2021 at 22:56

That's 2 votes for Canesten - I'll  get some tomorrow and report back in a few days.  Many thanks for posting a comment, it really is appreciated.

User
Posted 19 Sep 2021 at 22:42

If you think you might be getting repeated thrush or other fungal infections, it's worth getting your blood glucose level checked.

Also, if you are using a lubricant containing glycerin (most do), it leaves sugars behind afterwards which can promote fungal growth (usually more of a problem for women). As a bloke, you can at least wash it off soon afterwards.

Edited by member 19 Sep 2021 at 22:47  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 19 Sep 2021 at 22:44

Good thinking, thank you.

User
Posted 09 Feb 2022 at 17:55

Well chaps, I've just had my 6 month check with the urologist and he tells me that despite the tight foreskin being at it's best for 3 years, I still need to have it removed.  In fact he looked surprised when I said I'd not had the op yet - he'd assumed it had already been done.  Clearly he does not fully understand the problems with waiting lists at present.

Despite his advice to get it removed, I have decided against medical advice and have told him I don't want it removing.   He looked at bit miffed but agreed to my request.

Have I made the wrong decision?  Thanks.

User
Posted 11 Mar 2022 at 08:48
I had much the same reaction many years ago following my decision not to have the foreskin removed. Was told it's a simple operation, no need to worry. This despite NHS guidance suggesting it's definitely riskier for the elderly.

That was more than a decade ago and relieved to report my foreskin is still intact and working well (thanks to the occasional application of Canesten).

User
Posted 11 Mar 2022 at 12:33

Thank you, it's good to read that somebody else was brave enough not to take that little bit of medical advice.  I may come to regret it when I get to be 114 years old but at present, indeed since I made the decision back in February last month, the tightness has reduced remarkably and, dare I say it, it is virtually back to it's old self.  The only thing that I have done different is to put some E45 on it.  It's a pleasant sensation doing that anyway so it's win, win at present.  I have to say, I am delighted and relieved! 

User
Posted 18 Mar 2022 at 15:07

Yes, E45 applied every day has softened up the foreskin and surrounding tissue remarkably.  I can now pull back the foreskin so it "flips" over due mainly to the lubrication given by the E45.  It seems to work well and isn't unpleasant to put on......

 
Forum Jump  
©2024 Prostate Cancer UK