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Penis care (uncircumcised)

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Male reproductive hygiene
Male reproductive hygiene

Alternative Names    Return to top

Uncircumcised penis - bathing

Information    Return to top

An uncircumcised penis is one with its foreskin intact. An infant boy with an uncircumcised penis requires no special care. Normal bathing is enough to keep it clean.

It is NOT recommended to pull back (retract) the foreskin for cleaning during infancy and childhood. This may injure the foreskin and cause scarring that could make retraction painful and difficult later in life.

Teenage boys should be taught to gently retract the foreskin during bathing and clean the penis thoroughly. After cleaning the penis, dry the area completely. Then, it is very important to pull the foreskin back over the head of the penis. Otherwise, the foreskin can slightly constrict the head of the penis, causing swelling and pain. This requires medical treatment.

Update Date: 5/22/2008

Updated by: Scott M. Gilbert, MD, Department of Urology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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