Stretching: Difference between revisions

(19 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)

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|DOI=10.1111/j.1445-2197.1989.tb07640.x

|accessdate=2022-09-20

}}</ref> Zampieri et al. (2005) reported success with stretching with betamethosone topical cream in boys.<ref name="zampieri2005">{{REFjournal

|last=Zampieri

|first=

|init=N

|author-link=

|last2=Corroppolo

|first2=

|init2=M

|author2-link=

|last3=Comoglio

|first3=

|init3=FS

|author3-link=

|last4=Giacomello

|first4=

|init4=L

|author4-link=

|last5=Ottolenghi

|first5=

|init5=A

|author5-link=

|etal=no

|title=Phimosis: Stretching Methods with or without Application of Topical Steroids?

|trans-title=

|journal=J Pediat

|date=2005-11

|volume=147

|issue=5

|pages=705-6

|url=https://www.cirp.org/library/treatment/phimosis/zampieri1/

|archived=

|quote=

|pubmedID=16291369

|pubmedCID=

|DOI=10.1016/j.jpeds.2005.07.017

|accessdate=2025-10-24

}}</ref>

Foreskin stretchers should take care to avoid [[paraphimosis]].

The foreskin may also be stretched longitudinally to permanently lengthen it.

=== A word to intact teens ===

Boys are born with a [[foreskin]] that is non-retractable for reasons of [[Immunological_and_protective_function_of_the_foreskin#The_protective_and_hygienic_function_of_the_foreskin| protection]]. The inner surface is fused with the [[glans penis]] by a [[synechia]] (similar to a fingernail that is glued to the nail bed of the finger). Also the tip of the foreskin is too narrow to retract. As a boy gets older, the synechia disintegrates and releases the foreskin and the foreskin gets wider ~~as a boy ages~~, so the foreskin gradually becomes [[Retraction of the foreskin| retractable]]. A survey carried out in [[Denmark]] found that the mean age of first foreskin retraction is 10.4 years.<ref name="Thorvaldsen">{{REFjournal

Boys are born with a [[foreskin]] that is non-retractable for reasons of [[Immunological_and_protective_function_of_the_foreskin#The_protective_and_hygienic_function_of_the_foreskin| protection]]. The inner surface is fused with the [[glans penis]] by a [[synechia]] (similar to a fingernail that is glued to the nail bed of the finger). Also the tip of the foreskin is too narrow to retract. As a boy gets older, in preparation for adult life, the [[synechia]] disintegrates and releases the [[foreskin]] and the foreskin gets wider, so the foreskin gradually becomes [[Retraction of the foreskin| retractable]]. A survey carried out in [[Denmark]], where almost every boy has a foreskin, found that the mean age of first foreskin retraction is 10.4 years.<ref name="Thorvaldsen">{{REFjournal

|last=Thorvaldsen

|init=MA

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|date=2005

|accessdate=2023-12-09

}}</ref> This means that 1/2 of boys become retractable earlier and 1/2 of boys become retractable later. a few [[intact]] boys go through puberty but find that their [[foreskin]] is still too narrow to permit retraction.

}}</ref> This means that 1/2 of boys become retractable earlier and 1/2 of boys become retractable later. a few [[intact]] boys go through [[puberty]] but find that their [[foreskin]] is still too narrow to permit retraction.

Beaugé (1997) reported that boys, who [[masturbation| masturbate]] by pulling their [[foreskin]] away from the body, will not stretch the tight part of the foreskin so non-retractile foreskin will persist. He advised changing the method of [[masturbation]] to the more conventional method of pulling the foreskin toward the body so that the narrow orifice gets stretched.<ref name="beauge1997">{{REFjournal

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The traditional way of addressing this issue was to consult a [[Issues_with_American_urologists_and_the_practice_of_male_circumcision#Issues_with_care_of_adult_intact_males| urologist]] and get a [[Adolescent and adult circumcision| circumcision]], however we now understand that in the vast majority of cases, manual [[stretching]] over a few months will widen the narrow [[foreskin]] by [[tissue expansion]], make the foreskin retractable and eliminate the need for a destructive and harmful [[Adolescent and adult circumcision| circumcision]].

One should continue to stretch until one gets satisfactory [[gliding action]].

One should continue to stretch until one gets satisfactory [[gliding action]].<ref>{{REFweb

|title=Managing a Tight Foreskin

|url=https://www.wikihow.com/Pull-Your-Foreskin-Back-Without-Pain#Managing-a-Tight-Foreskin

|archived=

|trans-title=

|language=

|last=

|first=

|init=

|author-link=

|publisher=WikiHow

|website=

|date=

|accessdate=2025-09-25

|format=

|quote=

}}</ref>

====Retracting one's foreskin====

The [[foreskin]] is a double layer of skin. It is lubricated by body fluid called [[lymph]] between the two layers. The outer layer is designed to glide smoothly back over the inner layer. One should be able to retract it without pain.<ref>{{REFweb

|url=https://www.wikihow.com/Pull-Your-Foreskin-Back-Without-Pain#References

|title=How to Pull Your Foreskin Back Without Pain

|last=

|first=

|init=

|author-link=

|publisher=WikiHow

|date=

|accessdate=2025-09-26

}}</ref> Sometimes, especially when one is young, the tip may be too tight to retract over the [[Glans penis| head of the penis]].

== Methods ==

Human [[skin]] can be stretched and normally returns to its normal size and position. But when stretching is done over a longer period of time, chances are that this stretching causes new [[skin]] cells to grow and [[tissue expansion]] to occur. We all know this from the [[skin]] which covers e.g. the human stomach or the breast area.

Human [[skin]] can be stretched and normally returns to its normal size and position. But when stretching is done over a longer period of time, chances are that this stretching causes new [[skin]] cells to grow ([[mitosis]]) and [[tissue expansion]] to occur. We all know this from the [[skin]] which covers e.g. the human stomach or the breast area.

=== Topical steroid cream for stretching ===

Basically, all curative or constructive stretching of human [[skin]] should be accompanied by applying a steroid cream to the [[skin]]. The steroid thins the skin and makes stretching easier. Topical steroid treatment is also useful to hasten foreskin retraction in boys with nonretractile foreskins. A number of steroid preparations have been used, including [https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4897-722/betamethasone-valerate-topical/betamethasone-valerate-topical/details Betamethasone Valerate] 0.05% to 0.1%, triamcinolone 0.1% and mometasone furoate 0.1%.<ref name="cps2015">{{REFjournal

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|website=Wikipedia

|accessdate=2020-12-21

}}</ref> is the most commonly recommended active ingredient. A cream with 0.05% betamethasone appears effective in treating phimosis in boys,<ref>{{REFjournal

}}</ref> is the most commonly recommended active ingredient. A cream with 0.05% betamethasone appears effective in treating [[phimosis]] in boys,<ref>{{REFjournal

|last=Moreno

|init=G

Line 123:

Line 190:

|DOI10.1002/14651858.CD008973.pub2

|pubmedID=25180668

}}</ref> and often averts the need for circumcision.<ref>{{REFjournal

}}</ref> and often averts the need for [[Adolescent and adult circumcision| circumcision]].<ref>{{REFjournal

|last=Van Howe

|init=RS

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Manual stretching should continue until the [[foreskin]] will [[Gliding action| glide smoothly]] back and forth while the [[penis]] is erect.

Warning: There are reports of physicians who prescribe topical steroid cream to treat a tight or non-retractable foreskin, but fail to advise their patient that manual stretching is required.

=== Fingers ===

It is possible to stretch the [[foreskin]] by pulling it back tightly against the [[glans]] of the erect [[penis]]. One should pull the [[foreskin]] back until one feels non-painful tension in the tight part of the foreskin and hold that for perhaps five minutes. Do that two or more times a day. '''Do not force retraction and do not cause yourself pain.'''. One should gradually see the narrow tip widen and become more retractable.

It is possible to stretch the [[foreskin]] by pulling it back tightly against the [[glans]] of the erect [[penis]]. One should pull the [[foreskin]] back until one feels non-painful tension in the tight part of the foreskin and hold that for perhaps five minutes. Do that two or more times a day. '''Do not force retraction and do not cause yourself pain'''. One should gradually see the narrow tip widen and become more retractable.

Or the fingers can be inserted into the opening and used to stretch the foreskin. If the foreskin is only slightly tight, a minor case of phimosis, then the stretching can be accomplished using fingers inserted into the opening in the foreskin and applying outward pressure.<ref name="glansie">{{REFweb

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==Video==

~~~~Tips for a tight foreskin~~~~

===Tips for a tight foreskin===

4 common treatments for phimosis~~~~

===Essential guide to foreskin stretching===

<youtube>v=8K7qPuxROBo</youtube>

===4 common treatments for phimosis===

<youtube>v=NPwFMSZjiII</youtube>

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* [[Frenulum breve]]

* [[Gliding action]]

* [[~~Issues with~~ American urologists and the practice of male circumcision]]

* [[American urologists and the practice of male circumcision]]

* [[Mitosis]]

* [[Paraphimosis]]

* [[Physiological phimosis]]

* [[Preputial sac]]

* [[Preputioplasty]]

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* {{REFweb

|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512060858/http://www.foreskin.org:80/phi-once.htm

|title=From Tight Phimosis to Full Retraction: One Man's Stretching Experience

|last=Anonymous

|first=

|init=

|author-link=

|publisher=Archive

|date=1998

|accessdate=2025-06-17

}}

* {{REFweb

|url=http://phimosisjourney.com/

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|accessdate=2020-12-23

}}

* {{REFweb

|url=https://www.wikihow.fitness/Do-Phimosis-Stretching?amp=1

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|quote=

}}

* {{REFweb

|url=https://foreskinstretching.com/

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|accessdate=2021-04-18

}}

* {{REFweb

|title=Phimosis Stretching: Helpful illustrated guide (with examples)

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|quote=The goal of phimosis stretching is to get to a stage where you can move your foreskin, back and forth, freely over the glans while the penis is erect.

}}

* {{REFweb

|url=https://www.foreskin.org/stretching-foreskin-without-surgery/

|title=How to Stretch Your Foreskin Without Surgery – Treat Phimosis

|last=Rangel

|first=Frank

|init=

|author-link=

|publisher=

|date=2023-07-17

|accessdate=2024-12-11

}}

* {{REFweb

|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/uncircumcised_talk/comments/1kzd5x4/comment/mv5h46j/

|title=how come my foreskin is so tight when I pull it over the head of my dick and kind of hurts it didn't use to

|last=Anonymous

|publisher=REDDIT

|date=2025-05

|accessdate=2025-10-13

}}

* {{REFweb

|url=https://www.wikihow.com/Pull-Your-Foreskin-Back-Without-Pain#Managing-a-Tight-Foreskin

|title=Managing a Tight Foreskin

|last=Tobis, MD

|first=Scott

|init=

|author-link=

|publisher=WikiHow

|date=2025-07-26

|accessdate=2025-11-14

}}

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[[Category:Penile function]]

[[Category:Physiology]]

[[Category:Teen]]

[[de:Dehnen]]

@@ Line 24: / Line 24: @@
   |DOI=10.1111/j.1445-2197.1989.tb07640.x
   |accessdate=2022-09-20
+}}</ref> Zampieri et al. (2005) reported success with stretching with betamethosone topical cream in boys.<ref name="zampieri2005">{{REFjournal
+ |last=Zampieri
+ |first=
+ |init=N
+ |author-link=
+ |last2=Corroppolo
+ |first2=
+ |init2=M
+ |author2-link=
+ |last3=Comoglio
+ |first3=
+ |init3=FS
+ |author3-link=
+ |last4=Giacomello
+ |first4=
+ |init4=L
+ |author4-link=
+ |last5=Ottolenghi
+ |first5=
+ |init5=A
+ |author5-link=
+ |etal=no
+ |title=Phimosis: Stretching Methods with or without Application of Topical Steroids?
+ |trans-title=
+ |journal=J Pediat
+ |date=2005-11
+ |volume=147
+ |issue=5
+ |pages=705-6
+ |url=https://www.cirp.org/library/treatment/phimosis/zampieri1/
+ |archived=
+ |quote=
+ |pubmedID=16291369
+ |pubmedCID=
+ |DOI=10.1016/j.jpeds.2005.07.017
+ |accessdate=2025-10-24
 }}</ref>
 Foreskin stretchers should take care to avoid [[paraphimosis]].
+The foreskin may also be stretched longitudinally to permanently lengthen it.
 === A word to intact teens ===
-Boys are born with a [[foreskin]] that is non-retractable for reasons of [[Immunological_and_protective_function_of_the_foreskin#The_protective_and_hygienic_function_of_the_foreskin| protection]]. The inner surface is fused with the [[glans penis]] by a [[synechia]] (similar to a fingernail that is glued to the nail bed of the finger). Also the tip of the foreskin is too narrow to retract. As a boy gets older, the synechia disintegrates and releases the foreskin and the foreskin gets wider as a boy ages, so the foreskin gradually becomes [[Retraction of the foreskin| retractable]]. A survey carried out in [[Denmark]] found that the mean age of first foreskin retraction is 10.4 years.<ref name="Thorvaldsen">{{REFjournal
+Boys are born with a [[foreskin]] that is non-retractable for reasons of [[Immunological_and_protective_function_of_the_foreskin#The_protective_and_hygienic_function_of_the_foreskin| protection]]. The inner surface is fused with the [[glans penis]] by a [[synechia]] (similar to a fingernail that is glued to the nail bed of the finger). Also the tip of the foreskin is too narrow to retract. As a boy gets older, in preparation for adult life, the [[synechia]] disintegrates and releases the [[foreskin]] and the foreskin gets wider, so the foreskin gradually becomes [[Retraction of the foreskin| retractable]]. A survey carried out in [[Denmark]], where almost every boy has a foreskin, found that the mean age of first foreskin retraction is 10.4 years.<ref name="Thorvaldsen">{{REFjournal
   |last=Thorvaldsen
   |init=MA
@@ Line 49: / Line 87: @@
   |date=2005
   |accessdate=2023-12-09
-}}</ref> This means that 1/2 of boys become retractable earlier and 1/2 of boys become retractable later. a few [[intact]] boys go through puberty but find that their [[foreskin]] is still too narrow to permit retraction.
+}}</ref> This means that 1/2 of boys become retractable earlier and 1/2 of boys become retractable later. a few [[intact]] boys go through [[puberty]] but find that their [[foreskin]] is still too narrow to permit retraction.
 Beaugé (1997) reported that boys, who [[masturbation| masturbate]] by pulling their [[foreskin]] away from the body, will not stretch the tight part of the foreskin so non-retractile foreskin will persist. He advised changing the method of [[masturbation]] to the more conventional method of pulling the foreskin toward the body so that the narrow orifice gets stretched.<ref name="beauge1997">{{REFjournal
@@ Line 70: / Line 108: @@
 The traditional way of addressing this issue was to consult a [[Issues_with_American_urologists_and_the_practice_of_male_circumcision#Issues_with_care_of_adult_intact_males| urologist]] and get a [[Adolescent and adult circumcision| circumcision]], however we now understand that in the vast majority of cases, manual [[stretching]] over a few months will widen the narrow [[foreskin]] by [[tissue expansion]], make the foreskin retractable and eliminate the need for a destructive and harmful [[Adolescent and adult circumcision| circumcision]].
-One should continue to stretch until one gets satisfactory [[gliding action]].
+One should continue to stretch until one gets satisfactory [[gliding action]].<ref>{{REFweb
+ |title=Managing a Tight Foreskin
+ |url=https://www.wikihow.com/Pull-Your-Foreskin-Back-Without-Pain#Managing-a-Tight-Foreskin
+ |archived=
+ |trans-title=
+ |language=
+ |last=
+ |first=
+ |init=
+ |author-link=
+ |publisher=WikiHow
+ |website=
+ |date=
+ |accessdate=2025-09-25
+ |format=
+ |quote=
+}}</ref>
+====Retracting one's foreskin====
+The [[foreskin]] is a double layer of skin. It is lubricated by body fluid called [[lymph]] between the two layers. The outer layer is designed to glide smoothly back over the inner layer. One should be able to retract it without pain.<ref>{{REFweb
+ |url=https://www.wikihow.com/Pull-Your-Foreskin-Back-Without-Pain#References
+ |title=How to Pull Your Foreskin Back Without Pain
+ |last=
+ |first=
+ |init=
+ |author-link=
+ |publisher=WikiHow
+ |date=
+ |accessdate=2025-09-26
+}}</ref> Sometimes, especially when one is young, the tip may be too tight to retract over the [[Glans penis| head of the penis]].
 == Methods ==
-Human [[skin]] can be stretched and normally returns to its normal size and position. But when stretching is done over a longer period of time, chances are that this stretching causes new [[skin]] cells to grow and [[tissue expansion]] to occur. We all know this from the [[skin]] which covers e.g. the human stomach or the breast area.
+Human [[skin]] can be stretched and normally returns to its normal size and position. But when stretching is done over a longer period of time, chances are that this stretching causes new [[skin]] cells to grow ([[mitosis]]) and [[tissue expansion]] to occur. We all know this from the [[skin]] which covers e.g. the human stomach or the breast area.
 === Topical steroid cream for stretching ===
 Basically, all curative or constructive stretching of human [[skin]] should be accompanied by applying a steroid cream to the [[skin]]. The steroid thins the skin and makes stretching easier.  Topical steroid treatment is also useful to hasten foreskin retraction in boys with nonretractile foreskins. A number of steroid preparations have been used, including [https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4897-722/betamethasone-valerate-topical/betamethasone-valerate-topical/details Betamethasone Valerate] 0.05% to 0.1%, triamcinolone 0.1% and mometasone furoate 0.1%.<ref name="cps2015">{{REFjournal
@@ Line 105: / Line 172: @@
   |website=Wikipedia
   |accessdate=2020-12-21
-}}</ref> is the most commonly recommended active ingredient. A cream with 0.05% betamethasone appears effective in treating phimosis in boys,<ref>{{REFjournal
+}}</ref> is the most commonly recommended active ingredient. A cream with 0.05% betamethasone appears effective in treating [[phimosis]] in boys,<ref>{{REFjournal
   |last=Moreno
   |init=G
@@ Line 123: / Line 190: @@
   |DOI10.1002/14651858.CD008973.pub2
   |pubmedID=25180668
-}}</ref> and often averts the need for circumcision.<ref>{{REFjournal
+}}</ref> and often averts the need for [[Adolescent and adult circumcision| circumcision]].<ref>{{REFjournal
   |last=Van Howe
   |init=RS
@@ Line 229: / Line 296: @@
 Manual stretching should continue until the [[foreskin]] will [[Gliding action| glide smoothly]] back and forth while the [[penis]] is erect.
+<b>Warning: There are reports of physicians who prescribe topical steroid cream to treat a tight or non-retractable foreskin, but fail to advise their patient that manual stretching is required.</b>
 === Fingers ===
-It is possible to stretch the [[foreskin]] by pulling it back tightly against the [[glans]] of the erect [[penis]]. One should pull the [[foreskin]] back until one feels non-painful tension in the tight part of the foreskin and hold that for perhaps five minutes. Do that two or more times a day. <u>'''Do not force retraction and do not cause yourself pain.'''</u>. One should gradually see the narrow tip widen and become more retractable.
+It is possible to stretch the [[foreskin]] by pulling it back tightly against the [[glans]] of the erect [[penis]]. One should pull the [[foreskin]] back until one feels non-painful tension in the tight part of the foreskin and hold that for perhaps five minutes. Do that two or more times a day. <u>'''Do not force retraction and do not cause yourself pain'''</u>. One should gradually see the narrow tip widen and become more retractable.
 Or the fingers can be inserted into the opening and used to stretch the foreskin. If the foreskin is only slightly tight, a minor case of phimosis, then the stretching can be accomplished using fingers inserted into the opening in the foreskin and applying outward pressure.<ref name="glansie">{{REFweb
@@ Line 257: / Line 325: @@
 ==Video==
 <br>
-<b>Tips for a tight foreskin</b>
+===Tips for a tight foreskin===
 <youtube>v=LoyZ_ur1IqI</youtube>
 <br>
-<b>4 common treatments for phimosis</b>
+===Essential guide to foreskin stretching===
+<youtube>v=8K7qPuxROBo</youtube>
+===4 common treatments for phimosis===
 <youtube>v=NPwFMSZjiII</youtube>
@@ Line 268: / Line 338: @@
 * [[Frenulum breve]]
 * [[Gliding action]]
-* [[Issues with American urologists and the practice of male circumcision]]
+* [[American urologists and the practice of male circumcision]]
 * [[Mitosis]]
 * [[Paraphimosis]]
+* [[Physiological phimosis]]
 * [[Preputial sac]]
 * [[Preputioplasty]]
@@ Line 276: / Line 347: @@
 {{LINKS}}
+* {{REFweb
+ |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512060858/http://www.foreskin.org:80/phi-once.htm
+ |title=From Tight Phimosis to Full Retraction: One Man's Stretching Experience
+ |last=Anonymous
+ |first=
+ |init=
+ |author-link=
+ |publisher=Archive
+ |date=1998
+ |accessdate=2025-06-17
+}}
 * {{REFweb
   |url=http://phimosisjourney.com/
@@ Line 282: / Line 364: @@
   |accessdate=2020-12-23
 }}
 * {{REFweb
   |url=https://www.wikihow.fitness/Do-Phimosis-Stretching?amp=1
@@ Line 315: / Line 396: @@
   |quote=
 }}
 * {{REFweb
   |url=https://foreskinstretching.com/
@@ Line 323: / Line 403: @@
   |accessdate=2021-04-18
 }}
 * {{REFweb
   |title=Phimosis Stretching: Helpful illustrated guide (with examples)
@@ Line 340: / Line 419: @@
   |quote=The goal of phimosis stretching is to get to a stage where you can move your foreskin, back and forth, freely over the glans while the penis is erect.
 }}
+* {{REFweb
+ |url=https://www.foreskin.org/stretching-foreskin-without-surgery/
+ |title=How to Stretch Your Foreskin Without Surgery – Treat Phimosis
+ |last=Rangel
+ |first=Frank
+ |init=
+ |author-link=
+ |publisher=
+ |date=2023-07-17
+ |accessdate=2024-12-11
+}}
+* {{REFweb
+ |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/uncircumcised_talk/comments/1kzd5x4/comment/mv5h46j/
+ |title=how come my foreskin is so tight when I pull it over the head of my dick and kind of hurts it didn't use to
+ |last=Anonymous
+ |publisher=REDDIT
+ |date=2025-05
+ |accessdate=2025-10-13
+}}
+* {{REFweb
+ |url=https://www.wikihow.com/Pull-Your-Foreskin-Back-Without-Pain#Managing-a-Tight-Foreskin
+ |title=Managing a Tight Foreskin
+ |last=Tobis, MD
+ |first=Scott
+ |init=
+ |author-link=
+ |publisher=WikiHow
+ |date=2025-07-26
+ |accessdate=2025-11-14
+}}
 {{REF}}
@@ Line 347: / Line 455: @@
 [[Category:Penile function]]
 [[Category:Physiology]]
+[[Category:Teen]]
+[[de:Dehnen]]