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    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Male -- Penis/testicles/scrotom > Penis head is sore
    Posted on: 02/05/2008

    Question

    Hey, I'm 16 years old and I noticed a bad smell coming from my penis a while ago. I find it really hard to pull back my foreskin, I don't mean it's physically difficult as such, I mean mentally as well. It's just not something I like doing, and I haven't ever pulled it back all the way. I tried to pull it back in the bath the other day, but I only got to the head. I could see lots of white stuff which I've tried to research and I know now it's smegma.

    The thing is, it hurts to touch my penis when the foreskin is back, so how am I meant to wash it and get rid of the smegma? Also, should my penis be soft or erect when I'm pulling back the foreskin? Which is easier?

    I need as much information as possible please. I can't go to the doctor about this, so that's out of the question unfortunately. I need some help desperately :(


    Answer

    Thank you for your question. It sounds like you have a mild inflammation of the head of the penis. It is called balanitis. I would suggest you gently pull back the foreskin as far as you can (it really only pulls back to the base of the glans penis or the head of the penis), and then gently wash the foreskin and head of penis with a washcloth and mild soap. I would do this once a day.

    If the head of the penis is red and painful you really need to see a physician. It may be that your penis head (glans) is simply tender from not being exposed and cleaned.

    The foreskin should move back and forth without difficulty erect or soft. If it doesn't then you may have a scarring of the foreskin called phimosis. This requires a physician to examine and diagnose.

    Hygiene is very important for your health and you need to understand why you are reluctant to pull back the foreskin and clean your penis. It really shouldn't be much different than brushing your teeth or washing your body. Hope this helps.


    Answered By:
    Steve Johnson , PA-C


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